The espresso martini was invented in the 1980’s by a British bartender named Dick Bradsell. It is a combination of vodka, coffee, and a sweetener. Bradsell came up with the cocktail at the request of a very tired Kate Moss. It has endured as a popular classic cocktail, although I haven’t seen it included in many of my cocktail books. This could be because it’s a simple cocktail to make but I think it’s because the classic version is a tad too sweet. So, I bring you the classic recipe and three espresso martini variations to choose from.

Classic Espresso Martini

The traditional espresso martini recipe calls for the Mexican coffee liqueur, Kahlúa. In addition to coffee, the liqueur also includes rum and sugar and is quite sweet. The addition of a shot of espresso balances out the liqueur and both give the drink a deep, rich color and coffee flavor. The classic espresso martini also calls for three coffee beans to be placed on the top of the drink. This is borrowed from the tradition of drinking Sambuca. The beans represent health, happiness, and prosperity.

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Espresso Martini

Keyword: cocktail, coffee, vodka

Ingredients

• 2 oz vodka
• 1 oz espresso (chilled)
• 0.5 oz Kahlúa (or another coffee liqueur)
• 0.5 oz simple syrup

Instructions

• Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice.
• Shake for 15-30 seconds until your tin is frosty.
• Strain into a martini glass and top with three coffee beans (optional).

Coffee & Cocoa Martini Variation #1

Cocoa and coffee beans grow in similar climates and share many qualities. It’s only natural that coffee lovers often also enjoy chocolate. The first espresso martini variation features both flavors equally. I used a neutral vodka from one of my hometown distillers. The chocolate vodka is also made in Kansas City and has a very natural chocolate flavor. (If you like chocolate martinis, this vodka is a must buy.) I also used Crude Bitters Big Bear bitters to add the coffee notes to the drink. Finally, while this version packs great flavor, it’s the lowest in caffeine.

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Coffee & Cocoa Martini

Keyword: chocolate, cocktail, coffee, vodka

Ingredients

• 1 oz chocolate vodka
• 1 oz vodka
• 3 dashes Crude Big Bear bitters (or other coffee & cocoa bitters)
• 0.5 oz simple syrup

Instructions

• Add all ingredients to a mixing glass with ice.
• Stir for 20 seconds and strain into a coupe or martini glass to serve.

Amaro Espresso Martini Variation #2

This variation was a real treat. I was gifted a bottle of FAIR Quinoa Vodka recently and wanted to find something special to use it in. This amaro-forward espresso martini was the perfect opportunity. FAIR vodka is organic and fair trade and the quinoa is brewed into beer before its distilled. It is the perfect addition to J. Rieger’s Caffè Amaro and a shot of espresso. A little bit of sweetener is all the drink needs to pop. If you want to bring out the bitterness of the amaro try an expressed lemon peel over the drink.

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Amaro Espresso Martini

Keyword: amaro, cocktail, coffee, vodka

Ingredients

• 1.5 oz vodka
• 1 oz Caffè Amaro
• 1 oz espresso chilled
• 0.5 oz simple syrup

Instructions

• Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice.
• Shake 20-30 seconds until shaker tin is frosty.
• Strain into a martini glass and serve.

Easy Espresso Martini Variation #3

If you’re tired, the last thing you might want to do is make something complicated. Enter the three-ingredient espresso martini variation. This packs a punch of flavor and caffeine but is a perfect and simple version of the classic recipe. Since there is no fruit juice, it would also be an easy cocktail to batch up and bring on a camping trip. You’re welcome.

Print Recipe

Easy Espresso Martini

Keyword: cocktail, coffee, vodka

Ingredients

• 2 oz vodka
• 1 oz cold brew coffee
• 1 oz Kahlúa

Instructions

• Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice (or you could just build this in the glass with a single ice cube for proper dilution).
• Shake 15-20 seconds, strain into a coupe or martini glass, and serve.
• (Optional) Express a lemon peel over the drink and add to the glass for a little more flavor.

And there you have the classic recipe, along with three espresso martini variations. I hope you find one you love and it gives you the caffeine kick you need!

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