Virgin Espresso Martini
A sophisticated coffee mocktail combining espresso, vanilla, and a touch of sweetness — minus the alcohol.
What is this drink?
The Virgin Espresso Martini is a sophisticated non-alcoholic riff on the modern cocktail classic, combining chilled espresso with vanilla syrup and oat milk or cream, then shaken vigorously to create the signature foamy top that defines the original.
Why you'll love it
All the elegance and indulgence of a classic espresso martini — strong coffee, creamy sweetness, and that beautiful foam crown — delivered without a drop of alcohol in a drink that feels genuinely special and grown-up.
When to serve
Perfect as an after-dinner mocktail, at sophisticated non-alcoholic events, during dry months, as a late-night energy boost, or any time you want the espresso martini experience without the vodka.
Pro tip
Shake the espresso, vanilla syrup, and oat milk vigorously for at least 20 full seconds with plenty of ice — the shaking aerates the mixture and creates the beautiful, stable foam layer that is the espresso martini's most iconic feature.
Chilled Espresso
The cocktail's heart — strong, fresh espresso (cooled before shaking) provides the bold coffee flavor, natural crema oils, and the compounds necessary to create the drink's signature foam layer when shaken.
Vanilla Syrup
A sweet, aromatic syrup that softens espresso's intensity, adds dessert-like sweetness, and harmonizes beautifully with coffee's natural flavors in the same way vanilla does in ice cream.
Oat Milk
Creamy oat milk — or regular cream for a richer version — adds body and a gentle nuttiness that helps form the foam layer when shaken and gives the drink its smooth, indulgent mouthfeel.
Swap Options
Add a tablespoon of cold brew concentrate for extra coffee intensity. Replace vanilla syrup with caramel syrup for a salted caramel espresso martini style. Use coconut cream instead of oat milk for a tropical coffee mocktail.
Shake ingredients
Add espresso, vanilla syrup, oat milk, and ice to a shaker. Shake vigorously.
Tips:
- •Shake well to create a foamy top.
Strain and serve
Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
Tips:
- •Serve immediately for best froth.
Garnish
Add coffee beans on top.
Tips:
- •Classic espresso martini presentation.
- Use fresh espresso for the best crema.
- Adjust vanilla syrup for sweetness.
Different ways to make this drink your own
Salted Caramel Espresso Martini Mocktail
Replace vanilla syrup with caramel syrup and add a small pinch of flaky sea salt for a salted caramel variation. The sweet-salty caramel and intense espresso create an indulgent, dessert-cocktail inspired mocktail that is genuinely hard to stop drinking.
Mocha Espresso Martini Mocktail
Add a tablespoon of chocolate syrup to the shaker alongside the espresso and vanilla syrup for a mocha version. The chocolate bridges the espresso's bitterness and the cream's sweetness, creating a rich, layered flavor that is even more indulgent than the original.
Coconut Espresso Martini Mocktail
Replace oat milk cream with coconut cream for a tropical variation that adds a subtle, exotic sweetness. The coconut's fat content produces an even more luxurious foam layer and a richer overall mouthfeel that complements the espresso beautifully.
Tools that make this drink come together
Cocktail Shaker
A cocktail shaker is essential for achieving the cold temperature and the signature dense foam layer that defines an Espresso Martini. Shake very vigorously with plenty of ice for at least 15 seconds — the foam layer is created by agitation, not by any ingredient.
Coupe or Martini Glass (Pre-Chilled)
Chilling the glass in the freezer for 10 minutes before use is critical — a warm glass immediately destroys the foam layer. The glass shape concentrates aroma and maintains the foam's structure far better than a wide, shallow vessel.
Fine Mesh Strainer
A double-strain through both the cocktail shaker strainer and a fine mesh strainer held over the glass produces the cleanest, most professional foam layer. This prevents ice chips from breaking the foam surface.
Can't Find These?
No shaker? Use a sealed Mason jar — shake just as vigorously. No coupe? Use any wide, stemmed glass or a small wine glass. Chill whatever glass you use in the freezer. The foam is harder to achieve without a proper shaker lid but a tight Mason jar lid works.
The right glass makes a real difference
Coupe Glass (Pre-Chilled)
A pre-chilled coupe glass is the defining vessel for any Espresso Martini — its elegant, shallow bowl concentrates the coffee aroma beautifully and maintains the signature foam layer that is the drink's most iconic visual element. The stem keeps your hand away from the glass and prevents warming the drink, preserving the foam and the cold temperature for the entire drinking experience.
Alternatives
A pre-chilled martini glass creates a more classic, pointed presentation. A Nick and Nora glass is a smaller, more elegant coupe alternative. In a pinch, any chilled stemmed glass works — the key is the pre-chilling rather than the specific shape.
Perfect food pairings to complete the experience
Tiramisu
The Italian dessert that shares the Espresso Martini's exact flavor DNA — coffee, cream, and vanilla — creates a deeply cohesive, espresso-focused pairing. The tiramisu's mascarpone richness and the mocktail's foam layer mirror each other beautifully.
Chocolate Truffles
Dark chocolate truffles alongside a Virgin Espresso Martini create an intensely indulgent, coffee-chocolate pairing that is hard to top for dessert occasions. Each truffle makes the coffee taste deeper and more complex.
Biscotti
Classic Italian biscotti with almonds or chocolate chips are the authentic accompaniment for any espresso-based drink. Their crunch and subtle sweetness provide textural contrast to the smooth, cold mocktail.
Affogato-Style Ice Cream
A small scoop of vanilla gelato with the espresso mocktail poured over it creates an affogato-inspired dessert experience. The cold coffee foam and the melting gelato create layers of flavor and temperature that are genuinely spectacular.
Prep in advance for effortless serving
Brew and Chill Espresso Ahead
Brew espresso and let it cool completely before refrigerating. Cold espresso is essential — adding warm espresso to ice dilutes the drink too much and prevents the foam from forming properly. Cold espresso can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours.
Pre-Chill Glasses
Place coupe or martini glasses in the freezer at least 30 minutes before serving. A thoroughly frosted glass maintains the foam layer for significantly longer and keeps the mocktail at the ideal serving temperature throughout.
Pre-Measure and Combine
Combine chilled espresso, vanilla syrup, and oat milk cream in a small sealed container and refrigerate for up to 2 hours. Pour directly into the shaker with ice for each serving — this eliminates all measuring during a party service.
Make Cold Brew Concentrate
A cold brew concentrate (brewed overnight and strained) provides an excellent, non-bitter espresso substitute that is already cold, refrigerates for a week, and produces an exceptionally smooth Espresso Martini foam layer.
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