The Best Simple Espresso Martini Recipe | Inspire • Travel • Eat (2024)

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How do you make an easy espresso martini? It can be overwhelming figuring out how to make an espresso martini as you might wonder if you need to have an espresso machine.

That’s the big question that puts people off, do I need an espresso machine to make an espresso martini and the answer is, no, you don’t need an espresso machine! It is great if you do but not necessary!

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This easy espresso martini recipe and a bloody caesar are tied for the drinks I make this most as both have their necessary functions and both taste incredible. See here for the 6 best shot recipes for hosting as well!

This is a great recipe version because it is dummy proof and really is just a few simple ingredients and you are done. No espresso machines, no icing down hot espresso or coffee… it’s much more simple than that.

This has become a go to when hosting or as a pre-drink before heading out to get that extra boost of energy. Everyone absolutely loves this drink, it is extremely simple and provides the best start to your night. See our article for the 7 Best Easy Craft co*cktails.

I am officially too old for Red Bull vodkas because they give me the worst anxiety the next day and ummm… other things. This will be a game changing energy drink for you, looks nice for hosting people or even use it as a good start before you take off on a date night.

The Best Simple Espresso Martini Recipe | Inspire • Travel • Eat (2)

The goal is for your creations to make people happy and with a little espresso you can scientifically stimulate people there right from the jump. Make this your own as well, if you don’t like it too sweet than maybe skip the vanilla vodka and just go with straight vodka.

You can make this with just 3 ingredients if you want… really you just need two if you don’t have it all and it still comes out great! This recipe is very versatile so have some fun with it.

Maybe add a little chocolate syrup, use Baileys instead of Kahlua or use coffee instead of espresso. Really you can make this as fancy and complex as you want or just stick to the few recipe basics.

The most important rules to making co*cktails

When making a drink for people and you want them to love the experience you need to appeal to 4 senses. You must make it taste good of course so follow this recipe and the ideas along with it.

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The drink needs to have a pleasant aroma and appeal to the sense of smell. Thus, to do that you need to add a garnish. What makes a craft co*cktail is that addition of the herb or spice to make it pop. This is why co*cktails from mixologists always have mint or sprigs in them.

A drink should also look beautiful and appeal to site. You eat and drink with your eyes first and no one wants to eat or drink something that looks gross or doesn’t look appetizing.

Finally, when people are enjoying their drink you need to give them a nice ambiance and setting. I can help you with the first 3 but the ambiance is on you… music, clean up, give them a shot so they are already getting drunk and everything is fun… up to you :).

One AMAZING way to add to your drink ambiance and appeal to all senses is infuse your liquor. Infusing liquor is the greatest lie in drink creation as what sounds extremely impressive is really just you pouring liquor into a jar and adding 1-2 ingredients then letting it sit for 1-7 days… or even 1 hour! From there just lie to your guests ;)… it’s a small fib.

Listen to our travel podcast if you want some travel tips & a laugh

Infused liquor makes you look like some planned, smart super-hero that would do anything when hosting people. It will impress them and has you already 5 steps ahead on appealing to all of the senses.

The Best Simple Espresso Martini Recipe | Inspire • Travel • Eat (4)

If you are a tequila person this recipe is amazing with Patron XO Cafe. From here you can make a Mexpresso Martini, which is amazing a well! Straight tequila doesn’t translate as well but if you get that Patron XO Cafe then you are cooking with dynamite.

I legitimately like the tequila version more and it has a unique flair! That version of Patron is a little harder to find but most alcohol only stores like Total Wine and everywhere will have it. It is tough to find at grocery stores and gas stations etc though. However, it isn’t very expensive and is a great option for this recipe.

Is there a shot version of an espresso martini?

I am glad you asked. You can also make this a shot! Essentially the Shaft shot is an espresso martini, except you just put it in a rocks glass, use a straw and suck it down as fast as you can. For the full recipe of the shaft here is the link to the 6 best shots ever.

The Best Simple Espresso Martini Recipe | Inspire • Travel • Eat (5)

Best Simple Espresso Martini Recipe

Quick and easy espresso martini! How to make the best espresso martini, easily!

5 from 1 vote

Print Pin Rate

Course: APERTIF, Brunch, Drinks

Cuisine: American

Keyword: adult drinks, hosting, martini

Prep Time: 1 minute min

Cook Time: 1 minute min

Total Time: 3 minutes mins

Servings: 1

Ingredients

  • 2 ounces vanilla vodka or espresso tequila Espresso Tequila (Patron XO Cafe or Avion Espresso Liqueur). Espresso or Vanilla Vodka (Van Gogh and Smirnoff are options). You could also use regular vodka or tequila
  • 1 shot Kahlua Leave out if want a stronger martini. Sub Irish cream liquor if no Kahlua.
  • 2 shots Chilled espresso Espresso cold brew or Starbucks small espresso shots work great as well.
  • 3-4 cubes Ice

Optional

  • 1 shot Irish cream liqueur
  • Ground cinnamon sprinkled on top to garnish
  • Cinnamon stick or coffee beans for garnish
  • 2 oz chocolate syrup

Instructions

  • Put all ingredients into a co*cktail shaker and shake. Can stir as well if no shaker option.

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  • Garnish with coffee beans, ground cinnamon stick or cinnamon.

    The Best Simple Espresso Martini Recipe | Inspire • Travel • Eat (7)

Video

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Tried this recipe?Mention @InspireTravelEat or tag #InspireTravelEat!

The Best Simple Espresso Martini Recipe | Inspire • Travel • Eat (2024)

FAQs

Is Kahlua or Baileys better for espresso martini? ›

Kahlua is a coffee liqueur with a strong coffee flavor and a hint of caramel. It is a good choice for espresso martinis that you want to have a strong coffee flavor. Baileys is an Irish cream liqueur with a creamy texture and a flavor of chocolate, vanilla, and cream.

What kind of espresso is best for espresso martini? ›

The best way to get the best taste and mouthfeel from an espresso martini is to use a freshly brewed espresso, using freshly roasted arabica beans. As is the case throughout Recent Beans, we believe your espresso should be made from 100% freshly roasted arabica, to a medium level for those awesome sweet flavour notes.

What is the secret to a foamy espresso martini? ›

Shake until your shaker is visibly frosted. Shake back and forth, but also swish it back and forth. Shake as hard as you can for at least a minute. This will get the fresh oils from the coffee beans in your espresso to bubble up and make that delicious froth you want at the top of your espresso martini.

What can I use in espresso martini instead of Kahlua? ›

Dark Rum: This helps replace the Kahlua in conventional espresso martinis. Sugar Free Simple Syrup: You have lots of syrup options, including Miss Mary's Sinless Syrups and ChocZero Vanilla Syrup. Both work well here.

What is sweeter Kahlua or Baileys? ›

Kahlua is more coffee-flavored than Baileys - which comes off as sweeter and creamier in general. This doesn't mean it's better or worse though, because there are people who prefer one over the other! If you want to try them both out for yourself, go to your local liquor store and ask for a Kahlua or Baileys.

What kind of person drinks espresso martini? ›

Espresso Martini

Coffee, alcohol and sugar - the ultimate combination made for those who live to “work hard, play harder”. If that's you, you're a type A personality who is enviably outgoing, extremely ambitious and rigidly organised. You give 100% to everything you do, both professionally and socially.

Do you need Kahlúa for espresso martini? ›

Kahlúa adds sweetness to your Espresso Martini, balancing out the other ingredients. It also helps create that velvety mouthfeel. What's a non-alcoholic alternative to Kahlúa in an espresso martini? Kahlúa adds the sweetness and smooth texture, so we recommend substituting with one part chocolate or vanilla syrup.

What is a dirty espresso martini? ›

Celebrate the holiday season with the coziest and most delicious Dirty Chai Espresso Martini. Homemade chai tea simple syrup mixed with your favorite vodka, Kahlúa and a strong shot of espresso. This is the perfect co*cktail to end the night!

Should coffee be hot or cold for espresso martini? ›

The shot of espresso in your Martini should always be cold. That doesn't mean it can't be freshly brewed, but should always be popped in the fridge to chill before you add it to your drink. If your Espresso is warm enough to melt the ice in your shaker, it's too hot!

What can you put in an espresso martini instead of vodka? ›

Garnish with coffee beans – if you're feeling fancy. No vodka? No problem! You can make an Espresso Martini without vodka – you could make an Espresso Martini with rum, an Espresso Martini with gin or an Espresso Martini with tequila.

What is a Mexican espresso martini? ›

It's a simple, 1:1 ratio of coffee and Licor 43—an essential, can't-skip ingredient in this co*cktail recipe. Licor 43, also called Cuarenta Y Tres, is a sweet Spanish liqueur with notes of citrus and vanilla.

Why is my espresso martini bitter? ›

5 – The one thing to never do to your espresso martini

According to Bar Cabinet, it's a big no-no to add ice to the hot espresso coffee used in the co*cktail, because ice makes coffee very bitter.

Why is my espresso martini curdling? ›

To give you a brief explanation… All coffee is slightly acidic and made up of various organic acids. Lactic acid is one of these acids. When a coffee that is maybe a little higher in lactic acid is mixed with older milk (milk continues to build more and more lactic acid as it ages), then curdling can occur.

What is better Kahlua or Baileys? ›

Kahlua is a dark liquid without the creaminess of Baileys. They both taste of coffee but kahlua is much stonger. If you want one to add to coffee I'd suggest Kahlua, but if you want one to sip alongside your coffee I'd suggest Baileys.

Can Baileys be used in an espresso martini? ›

An Espresso Martini is a classic co*cktail made with freshly brewed espresso, Baileys, and a splash of vodka, delicious. Learn how to make an Espresso Martini at home and shake up your next co*cktail party. So, grab a few friends and try taking your martinis to the next level. It all starts with Baileys and espresso!

Is Kahlua good in espresso martini? ›

Kahlúa adds sweetness to your Espresso Martini, balancing out the other ingredients. And it helps create that velvety mouth-feel. What's a non-alcoholic alternative to Kahlúa in an espresso martini? As Kahlúa adds the sweetness and heavy mouth-feel, you'll need an alternative for that sensory experience.

Will Baileys curdle in espresso martini? ›

This is because Bailey's contains dairy, and when dairy is mixed with coffee, it can curdle due to the acidity of the coffee.

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