Espresso Martini — a bold, sweet coffee cocktail made with espresso, Kahlua and vodka. Served ice cold with a silky, foamy top and traditionally garnished with three coffee beans, it’s the perfect after-dinner drink when you want espresso and dessert in one glass.
If you enjoy coffee, an Espresso Martini is likely to become a favourite. It combines the intensity of espresso with the sweetness of coffee liqueur and a clean vodka base, chilled to perfection. While some recipes use more vodka and can taste overpowering, this balanced version keeps the coffee flavour front and centre.
This is Kahlua’s classic Espresso Martini formula and yields the ideal mix of strong coffee and gentle sweetness. If you prefer a less coffee-forward cocktail, try a chocolate-based martini for a dessert-style alternative.
Ingredients – what you need
The photo below shows the ingredients at a glance. You’ll also need a cocktail shaker.
- Vodka – use a good-quality vodka; a neutral, clean spirit works best.
- Kahlua – the classic coffee liqueur for an Espresso Martini; Tia Maria or other coffee liqueurs can be substituted.
- Espresso – a single strong shot of espresso per cocktail. Freshly brewed 100% Arabica works well.
- Coffee beans – three beans are the traditional garnish (symbolizing health, wealth and happiness). They won’t affect the flavour and are optional.
Make a strong shot of espresso using an espresso machine or a Moka pot and aim for a good crema on top. The crema helps create the characteristic foam on the cocktail.
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add vodka, Kahlua and the hot espresso (no need to cool it first). Shake very vigorously to build a creamy froth, then strain into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with three coffee beans.
Recipe tips and FAQs
- Make it sweeter: dissolve 1/4 teaspoon of sugar in the espresso before mixing if you prefer a sweeter drink.
- Vanilla vodka: swapping in vanilla-flavoured vodka adds a pleasant vanilla note and extra sweetness.
- Add Baileys: replace the Kahlua with Baileys Irish Cream for a creamier, dessert-like version.
Pair an Espresso Martini with classic desserts such as tiramisu, panna cotta or a creamy gelato for a complementary finish to your meal.
If Kahlua isn’t available, use another coffee liqueur like Tia Maria. Bailey’s can be used but will produce a creamier, less coffee-forward flavour.
Brew an espresso with good crema, then shake the cocktail hard in a shaker for about 10 seconds to develop a thick frothy head.
A Moka pot can produce a strong coffee with some crema. Alternatively, add an egg white to the shaker for foam (common in classic cocktails) or use commercial cocktail foam drops to create a creamy top.
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Step By Step Photos Above
Most recipes include step-by-step photos, helpful tips and sometimes video.
Espresso Martini
By Emily
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
Ingredients
- 1 part strong espresso (40ml)
- 1 part Kahlua (40ml)
- 1 part vodka (40ml)
- ice
- coffee beans, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Make a strong single shot of espresso using an espresso machine or Moka pot.
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add vodka, Kahlua and the espresso (no need to cool). Shake vigorously to create foam, then strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Garnish with three coffee beans and serve immediately.
Video
Notes
- Make it sweeter: add 1/4 teaspoon sugar to the espresso and dissolve before mixing.
- Vanilla vodka: adds vanilla aroma and sweetness.
- Add Baileys: swap Kahlua for Baileys for a creamier finish.
- No coffee machine? Use a Moka pot, add one egg white to the shaker for foam, or use cocktail foam drops.
Helpful Info for All Recipes
- I use extra virgin olive oil in recipes unless otherwise noted.
- For canned or jarred tomatoes I typically use well-known brands for consistent flavour.
- All vegetables are medium sized unless stated otherwise.
- Recipes are tested using a fan (convection) oven when applicable.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is an approximation and should be used as a guide.
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