Espresso Martini
This Espresso Martini is where sophistication meets simplicity with just 3 ingredients. This dessert cocktail is perfect for fall, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve, but it’s also an all-year-round celebration drink.
Suitable for gluten free and vegetarian diets.
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If you’re hosting a cozy fall gathering, a festive Christmas party, or a lively New Year’s celebration, this espresso martini cocktail needs to be on the top of your list.
Table of Contents
Espresso Martini
One of the best things about this espresso martini is how easily it can be customized. Don’t have Kahlua? No problem, just use an extra ounce of espresso. Want a nutty twist? Swap in Frangelico or Amaretto. Prefer a sweeter drink? Add a splash of Godiva chocolate liqueur or a bit of simple syrup.
The possibilities are endless so it’s become my go-to dessert cocktail for any time of year. And if you’re looking for more delicious cocktails or shot recipes these are a few of my favorites. From this grasshopper cocktail, to this bahama mama drink, or if you prefer a shot, these skittle shots are a real blast.
You might also like like these easy vodka cocktails.
Ingredient Notes
- Espresso or Strong Brewed Coffee – Freshly brewed espresso is the best choice for a rich, bold flavor. If you don’t have an espresso machine, use strong brewed coffee or a store-bought coffee concentrate. Cold brew concentrate works well too.
- Vodka – Use a high-quality vodka for the best results. Since vodka is one of the main ingredients, its flavor will come through. A smooth, premium vodka will enhance the overall taste of your cocktail, so don’t skimp on this ingredient.
- Coffee Liqueur – Kahlua adds sweetness and a deep coffee flavor. If you prefer, you can try other coffee liqueurs to find your favorite. Or add in an extra ounce of espresso.
- Godiva Chocolate Liqueur (Optional) – Adding Godiva Chocolate Liqueur gives a delicious, chocolaty taste to your espresso martini. You can substitute it with Creme de Cacao or omit it if you prefer a classic flavor.
- Pasteurized Egg White (Optional) – Using pasteurized egg white gives your cocktail a luxurious, frothy top. It’s safe to use and adds a silky texture. If you can’t find pasteurized egg whites or prefer not to use them, the drink will still be tasty, just less foamy.
How To Make an Espresso Martini
Get complete ingredients list and instructions from the recipe card further below.
Step 1 – Fill a cocktail shaker (or a glass jar) with ice. Pour in the espresso, vodka, Kahlua, Godiva, and egg white (if using).
Step 2 – Shake vigorously until chilled and frothy. Strain out the ice and pour the cocktail into a martini glass. Serve immediately.
Bintu’s Tips and Variations
- Pop your martini glass in the freezer for a few minutes before serving to keep your cocktail colder longer.
- Use freshly brewed espresso if possible, but strong brewed coffee works fine too.
- Shake the cocktail shaker well for about 30 seconds to mix thoroughly and froth the egg white if used.
- Double-strain the mixture for a smooth, silky texture.
- Garnish with coffee beans for a classic look or add cocoa powder, shaved chocolate, or cinnamon for a festive touch.
- Experiment with different liqueurs by swapping out Kahlua with other coffee liqueurs or try Frangelico or Amaretto for a nutty twist.
- Opt for high-quality vodka and liqueurs for the best taste.
- Serve your espresso martini immediately after shaking to enjoy its full flavor and frothy top.
- For a sweeter cocktail just add ½ ounce of simple syrup, Godiva Chocolate Liqueur, or Creme de Cacao.
- Friends, these sweet cocktails go down soooo easily, so make sure to drink responsibly and be mindful of your consumption.
Prep Ahead
- Brew your espresso or strong coffee in advance and store it in the fridge. This way, it’s chilled and ready to go when you are. Freshly brewed coffee can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- You can chill your martini glasses ahead of time by keeping them in the freezer. Just pull them out when you’re ready to serve.
- Prep your garnishes in advance. Keep a small container of coffee beans, cocoa powder, or chocolate shavings ready to go.
FAQs
An espresso martini includes 1 ounce of espresso or strong brewed coffee, 1 ounce of vodka, and 1 ounce of Kahlua coffee liqueur. You can also add 1 ounce of Godiva Chocolate Liqueur for a chocolaty twist and ½ ounce of pasteurized egg white for a frothy top.
For the best espresso martini, use high-quality vodka and Kahlua coffee liqueur. The vodka provides a smooth base, while Kahlua adds a sweet, rich coffee flavor.
Use freshly brewed espresso and add ½ ounce of pasteurized egg white. Shake vigorously for about 30 seconds to incorporate air and create froth. Double strain the cocktail to ensure a smooth, foamy top.
More Recipes Like This
- This buttery nipple shot is creamy, dreamy, and always a hit.
- This skittle shot recipe brings a burst of color to any gathering.
- My Grinch jello shots are a blast to make and even more fun to drink.
- This gorgeous vodka spritzer is perfect for any celebration.
- My kamikaze shot recipe is the ultimate party starter.
- The colorful raspberry vodka lemonade cocktail is super refreshing.
Serving Suggestions:
Since this is a dessert cocktail, you’ll want to serve it with some dessert treats to complement its rich coffee flavor.
- These fudgy, chocolatey Peanut Butter Banana Brownies match the coffee notes in your martini.
- This Instant Pot Cheesecake complements it too.
Thank you for reading my coffee martini recipe post. And please come visit again as I continue to slice, dice and dream up affordable Air Fryer recipes, Instant Pot recipes, Southern Recipes, and more. Thanks for supporting Recipes from a Pantry, food blog.
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Espresso Martini
Ingredients
- 1 ounce (30ml) espresso or strong brewed coffee
- 1 ounce (30ml) vodka
- 1 ounce (30ml) Kahlua Coffee Liqueur
- 1 ounce (30ml) Godiva Chocolate Liqueur optional
- ½ ounce (15ml) pasteurized egg white optional
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker (or a glass jar) with ice.
- Pour in the espresso, vodka, Kahlua, Godiva, and egg white (if using).
- Shake vigorously until chilled and frothy, about 30 seconds.
- Strain out the ice and pour the cocktail into a martini glass. Serve immediately.
Video
Notes
- Pop your martini glass in the freezer for a few minutes before serving to keep your cocktail colder longer.
- Use freshly brewed espresso if possible, but strong brewed coffee works fine too.
- Shake the cocktail shaker well for about 30 seconds to mix thoroughly and froth the egg white if used.
- Double-strain the mixture for a smooth, silky texture.
- Garnish with coffee beans for a classic look or add cocoa powder, shaved chocolate, or cinnamon for a festive touch.
- Experiment with different liqueurs by swapping out Kahlua with other coffee liqueurs or try Frangelico or Amaretto for a nutty twist.
- Opt for high-quality vodka and liqueurs for the best taste.
- Serve your espresso martini immediately after shaking to enjoy its full flavor and frothy top.
- For a sweeter cocktail just add ½ ounce of simple syrup, Godiva Chocolate Liqueur, or Creme de Cacao.
- Friends, these sweet cocktails go down soooo easily, so make sure to drink responsibly and be mindful of your consumption.
