This easy espresso martini is a classic cocktail for coffee lovers. It’s strong and boozy yet sweet with a foamy top. It’s the perfect after-dinner drink, and it’s ready in just 5 minutes!
If you like coffee-flavored cocktails, you’ll love our coffee negroni and our coffee margarita !
I tested this espresso martini more times than I can count, playing with the ratios, swapping ingredients, and even trying versions without Kahlua or without espresso altogether. Ultimately, the taste testers were unanimous: this exact combination hits the sweet spot. The vodka, coffee liqueur, espresso, and simple syrup come together in a bold, smooth blend, with no single flavor overpowering the others.
As a shameless coffee lover, this is one of my all-time favorite cocktails. I love serving it after an Italian-inspired meal in place of dessert, but it’s just as at home at late-night gatherings when I want to keep the energy up. The espresso brings depth and that signature foam, the coffee liqueur adds richness, and the simple syrup softens the edges just enough.
It’s also refreshingly easy to make. I shake vodka, coffee liqueur, chilled espresso, and simple syrup with ice until thick and foamy, then strain it into martini glasses and finish with a few coffee beans on top. The result is a perfectly balanced espresso martini that’s rich, lively, and endlessly sippable—especially if you love the taste of coffee as much as I do.
How to make an espresso martini frothy
The key to the desirable foamy top is using fresh, machine-brewed espresso. If you don’t own an espresso machine, don’t worry, you can still make a frothy martini using strong brewed coffee or cold brew; simply add an egg white or use a cocktail foamer to the shaker, and you’ll have a beautiful frothy martini in minutes!
Can an espresso martini be made in advance?
Yes! Although the foam doesn’t hold up well over time. I’ve even made a big batch and carried it to a party in a mason jar!
Espresso Martini Recipe
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Ingredients
- ▢ 2 ounces vodka
- ▢ 1 ounce coffee liqueur (such as Kahlúa)
- ▢ 1 ounce chilled espresso (see notes)
- ▢ 1 ounce simple syrup (see notes)
- ▢ 6 coffee beans
Instructions
- Fill your cocktail shaker half full with ice. Add the vodka, coffee liquor, espresso, and simple syrup. 2 ounces vodka, 1 ounce coffee liqueur, 1 ounce chilled espresso, 1 ounce simple syrup
- Secure the lid then shake for about 30 seconds to work up the foam.
- Strain into two martini glasses and garnish the cocktails with 3 coffee beans. 6 coffee beans
Video
Notes
Nutrition
We have thoroughly tested this recipe for accuracy. However, individual results may vary. See our full recipe disclosure here .
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Espresso Martini Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 ounces vodka
- 1 ounce coffee liqueur , such as Kahlúa
- 1 ounce chilled espresso , see notes
- 1 ounce simple syrup , see notes
- 6 coffee beans
Instructions
- Fill your cocktail shaker half full with ice. Add the vodka, coffee liquor, espresso, and simple syrup. 2 ounces vodka, 1 ounce coffee liqueur, 1 ounce chilled espresso, 1 ounce simple syrup
- Secure the lid then shake for about 30 seconds to work up the foam.
- Strain into two martini glasses and garnish the cocktails with 3 coffee beans. 6 coffee beans
