Difficulty
Medium
Espresso Martini
The cocktail that wakes you up and pleasantly slows you down. Freshly pulled espresso, vodka, and coffee liqueur shaken to silky perfection.
Updated: 2026-09-18
01 Ingredients
02 Method
Pull a fresh espresso shot and let it cool for 2 minutes — hot espresso creates more foam.
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
Add vodka, coffee liqueur, espresso, and simple syrup.
Shake hard for 20-25 seconds — the vigorous shake creates the signature crema foam.
Double strain into a chilled coupe glass.
Garnish with 3 coffee beans arranged in the center.
The Espresso Martini: From London Bar to Global Phenomenon
Created by bartending legend Dick Bradsell at Soho Brasserie in London, 1983. A customer reportedly asked him for something that would wake her up and slow her down at the same time.
What it should taste like
Bitter, fresh coffee first, a soft sweetness behind it and a dry, warming finish. It should never taste like iced coffee with spirit in it.
Espresso Martini measures in ml and oz
| Build | Vodka | Coffee liqueur | Espresso | Simple syrup | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| House | 45 ml / 1½ oz | 22.5 ml / ¾ oz | 30 ml / 1 oz | 15 ml / ½ oz | 112 ml / 3¾ oz |
| Batch (4 serves) | 180 ml / 6 oz | 90 ml / 3 oz | 4 shots | 60 ml / 2 oz | 450 ml / 15 oz |
The foam secret
The foam is crema from freshly pulled espresso plus air beaten into the drink. Pull the shot, let it stand a minute, then shake hard for 15-20 seconds over cold cubed ice and double strain into a chilled coupe. Garnish with three coffee beans, a nod to the Sambuca tradition.
How strong is it?
Vodka at 40% and coffee liqueur at around 20% give roughly 22% ABV before shaking and about 18% in the glass: around 25 ml of pure alcohol and roughly 220 kcal.
If an ingredient is missing
- No coffee liqueur: Tia Maria is sweeter, Mr Black drier and more roasted.
- No vodka: White rum is rounder, reposado tequila earthier.
- No machine: Moka pot or AeroPress coffee at double strength will still foam.
Common mistakes
- Old or over-extracted espresso. Bitter on its own means bitter in the glass.
- Cold brew. It will not hold a foam.
- Skipping the second strain. Fine grounds turn the last sip gritty.
Variations with their own names
- Carajillo — Licor 43 and espresso over ice; the Spanish original, and sweeter.
- Revolver — bourbon, coffee liqueur and orange bitters, stirred and flamed.
- Mudslide — add Irish cream and fresh cream; dessert in a glass.
When to drink it
It is an after-dinner drink that also works as a late-afternoon pick-me-up. Serve it with dark chocolate or shortbread, and drink it before the foam collapses.
Espresso Martini FAQ
Why is my Espresso Martini not foamy?
Usually the coffee is not fresh and hot enough, or the shake was too gentle.
Can you make it without an espresso machine?
Yes, with moka pot or AeroPress coffee at double strength.
Available in
Related Recipes
Cappuccino Martini
5mVodka, coffee liqueur and a hot shot of espresso, shaken hard so the crema becomes a cappuccino-style head.
Explore →Lemon Drop Martini
5mA citrus-forward vodka cocktail with bright lemon and a light sugar edge. Clean, modern, and high-demand.
Explore →Chicha Morada Cocktail
5mDiscover the vibrant flavors of Peru with the refreshing Chicha Morada Cocktail, a delightful blend of ingredients.
Explore →Pineapple Rum Smash
5mEnjoy a refreshing Pineapple Rum Smash cocktail that's perfect for summer gatherings or a beach-themed party.
Explore →Pornstar Martini
6mA passion-fruit vodka cocktail served with sparkling wine on the side. Sweet, tart, and party-friendly.
Explore →Hugo Cocktail Recipe
4mAn easy Hugo cocktail recipe with elderflower, sparkling wine, mint, and citrus for a clean aperitivo style.
Explore →Free PDF
10 easy cocktails that impress
Ten classics with exact measures, numbered steps and the gear you actually need. Fourteen printable pages, no affiliate links inside.
Build a better home bar
Explore practical glassware and bar tools selected for the way these drinks are actually prepared and served.
Explore bar tools