Strong, sweet, and delicious this simple espresso martini is a classic cocktail that is easy to make at home! It’s the perfect after dinner drink with a foamy top garnished with coffee beans.

We love to serve this crowd pleasing drink with an Italian antipasto charcuterie board or with some Italian mini pizzas!

If you love coffee, this simple espresso martini is a must! It’s sweet, rich, smooth and luxurious with espresso, coffee liqueur and vodka.

It’s easy to make with only 4 ingredients and all you need is a cocktail shaker! If making cocktails at home has intimidated you in the past, this recipe is simple to master and just might make you fall in love with home bartending!

Impress guests at your next party with this classic cocktail that is the perfect balance of flavors. Whether you serve it to get the party started or after dinner, the strong coffee flavor combined with alcohol is one delicious drink!

Why You’ll Love This Cocktail Recipe

Balanced: A little sweet, a little bold with a rich coffee taste, this espresso martini is one you will make again and again.
Impressive: From the light foamy top to the deep espresso color, this cocktail is dressed to impress.
Easy to make: All you need is 4 ingredients and 10 minutes to pull off this impressive drink!
Party perfect: At the holidays or for dinner guests, it’s perfect as a party starter or served after dinner with dessert.

Espresso Martini Ingredients

You may wonder what’s in an espresso martini, and really it is quite simple with only 4 ingredients.

Espresso: Freshly brewed espresso coffee from a machine is the best choice and will create the best foam in this drink.
Vodka: Your favorite brand is best to use here.
Coffee liqueur: A popular choice is Kahlua but any coffee-based liqueur such as Tia Maria works!
Maple syrup: Adds a touch of sweetness although you could use simple syrup, too.

How to Make an Espresso Martini

Get ready to shake, shake, shake, because this martini with espresso comes together quickly!

Add a few ice cubes in a martini glass and let it cool. You could also place the glass in the freezer while preparing the drink.

In a shaker, add about 5 ice cubes, vodka, coffee liqueur, maple syrup and espresso shot. Shake it all together until you feel the container becoming cold and the liquids have blended together.

Take the ice out of the glass or take the glass out of the freezer and pour the liquid into the glass with a strainer. Serve the Martini with a slice of orange garnish or three coffee beans.

how to Garnish a martini

There are two ways you can garnish your espresso martini. The classic way is to top it with three coffee beans. The beans are said to represent health, wealth and happiness. An orange slice is also a delicious garnish that will give it a bright fresh aroma.

Variations

Less sweet: Omit the maple syrup.
More sweet: Use simple syrup instead of maple syrup.
Flavored: Use a flavored syrup like vanilla.
Mocha: Add some chocolate syrup to the mixture, 5 oz should do.
Creamy: Add some Bailey’s Irish cream. You may want to serve it with a Bailey’s chocolate, too!

Expert Tips and Tricks

Shake vigorously: To get a nice froth on top of your coffee cocktail, shake vigorously until you feel your shaker become cold. The ice mixing with the liquid ingredients is what creates the foam.
Chilled ingredients: This cocktail tastes best ice cold. Chill your espresso and even your other liquors if possible for the best sip.
Quick pour: After shaking your cocktail, quickly pour it so the foam ends up on top.
No espresso coffee machine: Buy a cup from your local coffee shop, it should be cooled by the time you get home and you can make this cocktail!

Should I use hot or cold espresso?

You will want your espresso cooled or it will melt your ice too quickly, decrease the amount of foam created and your cocktail will not be chilled. To quickly chill your espresso, place it in the freezer for a few minutes.

When should I serve espresso martinis?

This tasty cocktail can be served after dinner, for happy hour, as a party starter, or even at holiday parties.

What bar tools do I need?

For this simple vodka espresso martini you will need a cocktail shaker, strainer and something to measure the spirits and other ingredients with such as a jigger.

What makes an espresso martini frothy?

The best way to build the foam for this cocktail is to properly shake and aerate the martini. Aim for at least 15-30 seconds of shaking and then pour the cocktail immediately into the glass so the foam does not have time to settle.

Can I use instant espresso powder?

That really depends on you! Fresh espresso from a machine will taste best. Taste will differ but you could also use instant espresso powder in a pinch, cold brew coffee or a brewed cup of strong coffee that has been cooled. The stronger the brew concentrate the better your martini will taste.

More Drinks You’ll Love

If you love coffee then you are going to love this Espresso Martini! Salute!