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Classic Espresso Martini

A sophisticated, energizing cocktail featuring smooth vodka, rich coffee liqueur, and freshly brewed espresso. Shaking it vigorously aerates the natural oils in the coffee, producing a signature velvety crema on top.

Classic Espresso Martini
Prep 5 min Cook 5 min Total 15 min Level Easy
Serves 1

Ingredients

Main

  • 2 ounces Premium Vodka — Use a smooth, high-quality vodka
  • 1 ounces Coffee Liqueur — such as Kahlúa, Mr Black, or Tia Maria
  • 1 ounces Freshly brewed espresso — Brewed strong and allowed to cool slightly
  • 0.25 ounces Simple syrup (optional) — Adjust to taste depending on the sweetness of your coffee liqueur
  • 1.5 cups Ice — For shaking
  • 3 count Whole coffee beans — For garnish (representing health, wealth, and happiness)

Instructions

  1. Place your martini or coupe glass in the freezer to chill while you prepare the drink.

    A chilled glass keeps the cocktail colder for longer and helps the crema hold its structure.

  2. Brew one shot (about 1 ounce) of espresso. Let it sit for a few minutes to cool slightly so it doesn't immediately melt the ice and dilute the drink.

    ~5 min
    Fresh machine-brewed espresso produces the best crema because of the natural oils extracted under pressure.

  3. Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice cubes. Pour in the vodka, coffee liqueur, simple syrup (if using), and the slightly cooled espresso.

    ~1 min
    Add the espresso last so it spends the least amount of time sitting on the ice before shaking.

  4. Seal the shaker tightly and shake vigorously for 15 to 20 seconds. You need to shake much harder than a standard cocktail to aerate the coffee oils and create a thick, micro-foam crema.

    ~1 min
    You will feel the shaker get ice cold and hear the texture of the ice change as it aerates the liquid.

  5. Immediately unseal the shaker and quickly strain the cocktail into your chilled glass using a Hawthorne strainer.

    ~1 min
    Pour quickly; the foam sits at the top of the shaker and will flow out last to form a beautiful layer on top of the drink.

  6. Garnish the cocktail by gently placing three whole coffee beans in the center of the foam. Serve immediately.

    ~1 min
    The three beans traditionally represent health, wealth, and happiness.
Nutrition
210
Calories
0
Protein (g)
14
Carbs (g)
0
Fat (g)
0
Sat. Fat (g)
0
Fiber (g)
13
Sugar (g)
5
Sodium (mg)
0
Cholesterol (mg)
Equipment
  • Cocktail shaker
  • Hawthorne strainer
  • Jigger
  • Martini or coupe glass
  • Espresso machine or Moka pot
Tips & Storage
  • Use real, freshly brewed espresso. Instant coffee or cold brew will not yield the same rich, thick crema because they lack the pressurized oils of espresso.
  • If you prefer a less sweet drink, omit the simple syrup entirely, especially if using a sweeter coffee liqueur like Kahlúa.
  • Shake as hard as you can! The force is what whips the air into the coffee oils, creating the frothy top.
  • Storage: Espresso Martinis are best enjoyed immediately upon making. Do not store leftovers, as the ice will dilute the drink and the crema will dissipate.
Tags
after dinner drink bitter chilled classic cocktail cocktail coffee coffee liqueur crema dairy_free elegant energizing espresso espresso martini evening gluten_free happy hour mixology nut_free party sweet vegan vegetarian vodka weekend

🤖 This recipe was created with AI assistance. If you spot a mistake or something that doesn't look right, please report it.

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