Espresso Martini

Indulge in the captivating harmony of rich coffee and velvety spirits with our delightful Espresso Martini recipe. This luxurious libation blends the intense aroma of freshly brewed Espresso with smooth Vodka, coffee liqueur, and a hint of sweetness. 

This recipe is simple and perfect for serving at your next dinner party or as an after-dinner drink. 

Ingredients to Make this Recipe

• Vodka  
• Espresso Coffee
• Coffee Liqueur – We use Kahlúa
• Simple Syrup
• Ice

How to Make Simple Syrup

1. In a saucepan, combine equal parts of granulated sugar and water. We used 1⁄4 cup of sugar and 1⁄4 of water.
2. Next, place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir the sugar and water continuously until the sugar has dissolved completely. This process typically takes a few minutes. 
3. After the sugar has dissolved completely, bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat, and let it simmer for an additional 1-2 minutes to ensure the syrup is thoroughly combined. 
4. Remove the saucepan from the heat, and let the simple syrup cool to room temperature. 
5. Finally, once cooled completely, transfer the syrup to a glass jar for storage. 

How to Make an Espresso Martini 

1. Chill the martini glass: Place a martini glass in the freezer for a few minutes to chill it, or run it under cold water. 
2. Brew and chill the Espresso: Prepare a shot of Espresso or a strong coffee. Allow the coffee to cool completely before preparing your cocktail. To speed up the chilling process, place your coffee in the refrigerator. 
3. Prepare the cocktail shaker: Fill a cocktail shaker with a handful of ice cubes. 
4. Add the ingredients: Pour the Vodka, freshly brewed and chilled Espresso, coffee liqueur, and simple syrup into the shaker. Adjust the amount of simple syrup to your desired sweetness level.
5. Shake vigorously: Firmly secure the shaker lid and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds. The aim is to mix the ingredients and create a frothy texture.
6. Strain and pour: Remove the lid from the shaker and strain the cocktail into the chilled martini glass. The strainer will catch the ice and any coffee grounds, ensuring a smooth and clean pour.
7. Garnish: Add three coffee beans on top of your cocktail.
8. Serve and enjoy: Serve the Espresso Martini immediately while it’s still chilled and frothy. 

Tips to Make This Recipe 

1. Use Quality Ingredients: Start with high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Use freshly brewed Espresso or strong coffee. If you don’t have an espresso machine at home, you can order an espresso shot at your local coffee shop. 
2. Chill Your Ingredients: Chill your Espresso or coffee completely before adding it to the cocktail shaker. You can also chill your martini glass in the freezer for a few minutes before serving or run it under cold water.
3. Shake Your Cocktail Vigorously: Shake your cocktail vigorously to create a frothy texture. Use a cocktail shaker filled with ice cubes and shake for 10-15 seconds to properly blend the ingredients and create a smooth consistency.
4. Serve Immediately: The Espresso Martini is best enjoyed fresh and chilled. Serve it immediately after preparing it to savor the optimal taste and texture.

Who invented the Espresso Martini?

The Espresso Martini is often credited to the late British bartender Dick Bradsell. He was known for his creativity and skill in mixology. In the 1980s, he combined Vodka, fresh Espresso, coffee liqueur, and simple syrup to create the now iconic drink. His creation is now enjoyed worldwide by martini and coffee lovers alike. 

If you are looking for other simple cocktails to create, try out our Vodka Lemon Summer Spritzer.

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