Published: by Morgan Peaceman · This post may contain affiliate links · 3 Comments
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Classic co*cktails never go out of style, especially this espresso martini. This recipe for the best espresso martini is made with delicious bailey's, shaken over ice, and is excellent for a Sunday funday with the gals, or after dinner treat.
Espresso martinis are known as an after-dinner aperitif, but otherwise, they are suitable all year long!
This was inspired by my other fancy co*cktails such as my citrus spritz, honey apple cider sangria, and more!
Jump to:
- What are the ingredients for this recipe?
- How do I make this recipe?
- Recipe Swaps and Substitutions
- Serving Variations
- Kitchen Equipment and Tools
- How do I store this drink?
- PRO TIP:
- Hungry for More?
- Best Espresso Martini Recipe
What are the ingredients for this recipe?
Making co*cktails shouldn't take too many ingredients, otherwise it can easily go out of balance. This recipe is very standard, so let's see what we need:
- Vodka:There are so many vodka choices out there, but I tend to stick to either Van GoghVodka, Tito's, or a classic Ketel One.
- Coffee Liquor: In testing this recipe, I used Frangelico, but it doesn't do the same as Kahlua. Ihighly recommend Kahlua in this espresso martini.
- Espresso:If you can't use espresso, you can use a black cold brew coffee can or cold-brewed coffee.
- Bailey's:I added the Bailey's IrishCream in this version, but you can opt to leave it out.
See the recipe card below for specific information about quantities.
How do I make this recipe?
Making this recipe is quick, easy, and will be worth brewing espresso for!
In a shaker, add ice, then pour in the vodka, cold espresso or cold brew, coffee liquor and baileys. Shake until the mixture becomes frothy.
Pour into a martini glass and top with three espresso beans.
HINT: You could add an egg white to the martini to give an additional frothy texture!
Recipe Swaps and Substitutions
This is a standard, classic, very recognizable espresso martini, however, if you want to switch things up, here's what I would suggest:
- Kahlua - instead of using Kahlua, if you don't have it or want to get it, if you have Frangelico, it will work, I tested it, and it was okay, as I recommend Kahlua, but it can still work!
- Espresso - if you don't want to make fresh espresso, cold brew coffee works too
- Vodka - I would not use any other alcohol or spirit here other than vodka, however there are a variety of different brands of vodka to choose from!
Serving Variations
Now that we've covered making a classic version of this recipe, let's switch up how to serve it!
- Frozen - add the entire co*cktail to a blender with ice and make it a frozen co*cktail!
- Peppermint - add a drop of peppermint to spruce it up.
- Bailey's Irish Cream - I tested this recipe with the addition of bailey's, but you don't have to!
All you really need for this recipe is a few simple bar tools and you'll be sipping on deliciousness in no time.
- co*cktail shaker
- Jiggers:Measuring the amount of alcohol that goes into co*cktails is something I learned the hard way, but also when I was a bartender. It is important to measure the ingredients to get that "just right" taste and balance. co*cktails are all about balance!
- Frother:This is optional, if you want to make the espresso martini super frothy on top.
How do I store this drink?
I wouldn't necessarily make this martini to reserve for another time or as a leftover. However, if you have leftovers, you could make it into ice cubes and add to iced coffee! That would be a VERY exciting coffee morning.
PRO TIP:
If you are using fresh espresso, the crema (the foam on top) will play a big part in creating the infamous foam at the top of the martini.
Hungry for More?
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
- Homemade Spiked Arnold Palmer co*cktail Recipe
- Easy Chicken Caesar Salad Snack Wrap Recipe
- One Sheet Pan Cajun Shrimp and Veggies Dinner
- Simple Fresh Spring Mix Greens Salad Recipe
Best Espresso Martini Recipe
Morgan Peaceman
This recipe for the best espresso martini is made with delicious bailey's, shaken over ice, and is excellent for a Sunday funday
5 from 3 votes
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Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 5 minutes mins
Total Time 15 minutes mins
Course Drinks
Cuisine French
Servings 2 martinis
Equipment
1 shaker
1 jigger
co*cktail spoon
1 sieve or mesh strainer
Ingredients
- 1 oz vodka
- 2 oz cold espresso
- 1 oz kahlua or coffee liquor
- ½ oz bailey's irish cream optional
- 3 espresso beans garnish
Instructions
In a shaker, add ice then pour in the vodka, cold espresso or cold brew, coffee liquor and baileys.
Shake until the mixture becomes frothy.
Pour into a martini glass and top with three espresso beans.
Keyword co*cktail, espresso, espresso martini, martini
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!