Espresso Martini
A modern cocktail combining vodka, coffee liqueur, and fresh espresso, delivering a bold, caffeinated, and smooth flavor.
What is this drink?
The Espresso Martini is a modern classic created in 1983 by London bartender Dick Bradsell at Fred's Club, reportedly when a young model asked for a drink to 'wake me up and then f*** me up.' The combination of vodka, coffee liqueur, and fresh espresso — shaken vigorously enough to create the trademark three-coffee-bean foam — has become one of the most ordered cocktails of the 21st century. It occupies the unique space of being simultaneously an after-dinner drink and a party starter.
Why you'll love it
The bold, rich bitterness of fresh espresso against the sweet, complex depth of coffee liqueur and vodka's clean warmth creates a cocktail that is deeply satisfying and uniquely energizing. The three coffee beans placed on the foam are said to represent health, wealth, and happiness.
When to serve
The Espresso Martini is the perfect transition drink — excellent after dinner when guests want to keep the evening going, at late-night events, coffee-themed parties, or anywhere you want a cocktail with genuine caffeine impact.
Pro tip
Always use freshly pulled hot espresso — cooled slightly to prevent cracking the shaker — rather than cold brew or pre-made coffee. The natural oils and crema from a fresh espresso shot create the cocktail's signature thick, stable foam that cold coffee cannot produce.
Fresh Espresso
The non-negotiable star — a freshly pulled double shot contains the essential coffee oils and crema that create the cocktail's signature foam and deliver the bold, complex coffee flavor that defines this drink.
Coffee Liqueur (Kahlúa or Tia Maria)
Adds sweetness, coffee depth, and a vanilla-roasted complexity that amplifies the espresso without duplicating it, creating a richer, more layered coffee experience than espresso alone.
Vodka
The clean spirit backbone — premium vodka provides the alcoholic structure without interfering with the coffee and liqueur's complex interplay of flavors.
Swap Options
Replace coffee liqueur with cold brew concentrate and simple syrup for a more natural, less sweet coffee experience. Use espresso vodka instead of plain vodka for an intensely coffee-forward variation. Add a dash of chocolate bitters for a mocha-inflected Espresso Martini. Try Mr Black coffee liqueur instead of Kahlúa for a drier, more intensely coffee-flavored result with less sweetness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Combine ingredients
Add vodka, coffee liqueur, espresso, simple syrup, and ice cubes to a shaker.
Tips:
- •Use freshly brewed espresso for best flavor.
Shake vigorously
Shake for 15–20 seconds until frothy and chilled.
Tips:
- •Use a dry shake first for extra froth if desired.
Strain and serve
Strain into a chilled martini glass.
Tips:
- •Fine strain to remove ice shards.
Garnish
Add 3 coffee beans on top.
Tips:
- •Traditionally represents health, wealth, and happiness.
Flavor Profile
Alcohol Content
Fun Fact
Bartender's Tips
- Use quality espresso for a clean taste.
- Adjust sweetness with simple syrup as needed.
- Serve immediately for best aroma.
Different ways to make this drink your own
Mr Black Espresso Martini
Replace Kahlúa with Mr Black coffee liqueur for a drier, less sweet, more intensely coffee-flavoured result. Mr Black is an Australian cold brew coffee liqueur with significantly higher coffee content and lower sugar than Kahlúa, producing an Espresso Martini that tastes genuinely of excellent coffee rather than sugary mocha syrup.
Mocha Espresso Martini
Add a dash of chocolate bitters or a teaspoon of good-quality chocolate liqueur (Crème de Cacao) for a mocha-inflected variation with a subtle, bittersweet chocolate note behind the espresso. The chocolate deepens the coffee character beautifully without making the drink taste of confectionery.
Cold Brew Espresso Martini
Replace Kahlúa with cold brew coffee concentrate and a small amount of simple syrup for a more natural, less sweet coffee experience. Cold brew's smooth, low-acid character produces a different but excellent Espresso Martini that's particularly popular with serious coffee enthusiasts who prefer less sugar in their drinks.
Tools that make this drink come together
Espresso Machine or Moka Pot
Fresh espresso is the non-negotiable heart of the Espresso Martini — the cocktail's defining foam (the 'crema') comes primarily from the espresso's own natural oils. A hot, freshly pulled double shot is ideal. Allow it to cool to room temperature (or refrigerate briefly) before adding to the shaker to avoid excessive ice melt.
Cocktail Shaker
A cocktail shaker is essential for creating the Espresso Martini's characteristic dense foam. The combination of espresso's crema-containing oils, vodka, and coffee liqueur, shaken vigorously with ice, produces a stable, beautiful dark foam that sits on the surface. Shake harder and longer than for other cocktails — a full 20 seconds minimum.
Fine-Mesh Strainer
Double-straining through a Hawthorne strainer and fine-mesh sieve produces the cleanest, smoothest Espresso Martini with the most even foam distribution. Strain quickly and immediately after shaking — any delay allows the foam to separate in the shaker.
Can't Find These?
Strong coffee from a moka pot, AeroPress, or even a strong French press works adequately as an espresso substitute — brew at double strength and cool before using. A sealed jar shaken vigorously replaces a cocktail shaker. Kahlúa is available in most off-licences and large supermarkets.
The right glass makes a real difference
Martini Glass or Coupe
A chilled martini glass or coupe is the classic and correct vessel for an Espresso Martini — its wide, shallow bowl displays the cocktail's deep, glossy brown colour and the three-bean garnish on the dense foam cap to maximum effect. Place in the freezer for ten minutes before use. A thoroughly chilled glass is essential — warm glasses cause the foam to collapse within seconds.
Alternatives
A Nick and Nora glass creates a more intimate, refined presentation. A stemless coupe is practical for casual occasions. A wide-mouthed wine glass works adequately. The key requirement is that the glass be wide enough to showcase the foam cap — a tall, narrow glass is inappropriate for this cocktail.
Perfect food pairings to complete the experience
Tiramisu
Tiramisu and Espresso Martini share espresso and coffee liqueur as central ingredients, making them a deliberately cohesive pairing for a dessert occasion. Serving the cocktail alongside the classic Italian dessert creates a coffee-forward celebration that coffee lovers will find genuinely satisfying.
Dark Chocolate Truffles
Two or three high-quality dark chocolate truffles alongside an Espresso Martini create an indulgent, restaurant-quality pairing. The chocolate's bitter intensity and the cocktail's coffee richness reinforce each other elegantly, and the shared darkness of both makes the combination feel considered and sophisticated.
Hazelnut Financiers
Small, golden hazelnut financier cakes — with their nutty richness and slightly caramelised crust — are an elegant accompaniment for the Espresso Martini. The hazelnut's roasted quality resonates with the espresso's roasted character, creating a naturally harmonious pairing.
Affogato
Serving an Espresso Martini alongside a classic affogato — vanilla ice cream with a shot of hot espresso poured over it — creates an indulgent coffee dessert spread. Both feature espresso as the centrepiece, and the contrast between the hot affogato and the cold cocktail makes the combination particularly memorable.
Prep in advance for effortless serving
Pull Espresso in Advance
Pull espresso shots up to four hours ahead and store in a sealed container in the fridge. Cold espresso loses its crema over time but retains its full flavour. Using cold espresso from the fridge also reduces ice melt during shaking, producing a more concentrated, less diluted cocktail with a cleaner flavour.
Pre-Measure Coffee Liqueur
Measure individual portions of Kahlúa or your chosen coffee liqueur into small pour cups and refrigerate. Having these portioned and ready makes assembly significantly faster when preparing multiple Espresso Martinis at a gathering. The liqueur keeps refrigerated for months after opening.
Chill Glasses in Advance
Place martini glasses or coupes in the freezer at least 20 minutes before service. A thoroughly chilled glass is critical for the Espresso Martini — warm glass causes the foam to collapse within seconds of serving, robbing the cocktail of its most important visual and textural characteristic.
Batch the Spirit Base
Combine vodka and coffee liqueur in the correct proportions in a sealed bottle at room temperature. When serving, measure one portion of this pre-mixed spirit base, add a shot of cold espresso, shake with ice, and strain. This approach eliminates two of the three component measurements per drink, significantly speeding up service.
Common questions answered by our bartenders
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