How to Make an Espresso Martini

Give the best espresso martini a try with this easy recipe! Learn how to make an espresso martini anyway you like it – chocolate, creamy with Baileys, or even without an espresso maker!

During college I spent my summers waiting tables on Nantucket Island. The goal was to maximize my summer earning potential in a fabulous location.

I definitely nailed the beautiful location, but my tip money quickly vanished into the island’s many pricey bars and restaurants. My willpower didn’t stand a chance around all that good food and drinks.

One restaurant particularly sucked me in with their legendary espresso martinis. Since Nantucket doesn’t cater to poor college students, expensive martinis did some damage quickly.

Twenty years later, a perfect espresso martini remains my all time favorite coffee vodka drink. However, with four kids now, the rate of consumption has definitely changed.

My husband and I now consume them frugally at home because fancy restaurants don’t seem to cater to tired, broke parents either…

What is in an Espresso Martini?

The perfect espresso martini contains four simple ingredients.

• Vodka – Choose your favorite brand vodka. Make sure it’s something you enjoy the taste of because the vodka isn’t diluted with ice and mixers. For best results choose a higher grade vodka, such as Grey Goose.
• Espresso – Freshly brewed espresso tastes best. Scroll down to learn how to make espresso easily and cheaply at home without an espresso machine.
• Kahlua –  A coffee flavored liqueur from Mexico. You can also make Kahlua at home with rum, sugar, coffee, and vanilla.
• Creme de Cacao –  chocolate flavored liqueur

Chocolate Espresso Martini

Espresso Martinis get a slightly chocolatey taste from the sweetness and taste of creme de cacao and coffee liqueur. Turn it into a more decadent dessert martini by following these modifications.

1. Make espresso martini recipe below, substituting Godiva Chocolate Liqueur for the creme de cacao in the cocktail shaker.
2. Drizzle the inside of martini glass with chocolate syrup.
3. Add ice to cocktail shaker, shake vigorously and strain contents into chocolate drizzled glass.
4. Garnish with chocolate shavings or cocoa powder.

Vanilla Espressotini

For a creamier, slightly sweeter cocktail substitute vanilla or whipped vodka flavor for the regular vodka. Stolichnaya is my preferred vanilla vodka brand to use.

Espresso Martini with Baileys

Enjoy a creamy espresso martini cocktail by using Baileys Irish Cream with the vodka and espresso. Replace the creme de cacao and coffee liqueur with 2 ounces of Baileys.

If you are looking to reduce the amount of alcohol in the martini, using Baileys will help. Decrease the amount of vodka and increase the amount of Baileys Irish Cream to taste.

Espresso Martini with Horchata

If you love creamy coffee cocktails, using Horchata is another decadent option. Replace the creme de cacao with 1 ounce Horchata liqueur.

For a creamier espresso martini with less alcohol taste, replace the Kahlua and creme de cacao with 2 ounces Horchata.

Can I Make an Espresso Martini without espresso?

Perhaps you don’t own an espresso maker? Learn how to make an espresso martini without an espresso coffee machine!

1. Buy a few shots of espresso from your local coffee shop. Refrigerate up to two days in a lidded glass jar.
2. There are several options of making “shortcut” espresso using instant espresso powder or espresso Keurig pods.
3. Brew very strong coffee, preferably using dark roast or espresso coffee beans. If using a Keurig, reduce the ounce output to 4-6 ounces.
4. Buy an inexpensive stove top espresso maker.  You can find them on amazon or I often see them at Marshalls. I used this method for years before purchasing an automatic espresso machine and it works very well!

How to Make an Espresso Martini

1. Brew espresso and set aside to cool. If you don’t have an espresso maker, see above for options on how to easily make espresso.
2. In a cocktail shaker pour vodka, coffee liqueur, creme de cocoa, and espresso.
3. Add ice and shake vigorously. This helps the top to become frothy and creamy, similar to a cup of fresh espresso.
4. Strain into a martini glass and garnish with coffee beans. Three coffee beans brings good luck and represents health, happiness and prosperity!

Click here to see the
step-by-step web story instructions for this recipe!

More Great Cocktails!

Colorado Bulldog cocktail recipe is an elevated twist on the white russian. Vodka, coffee liqueur, milk, and a splash of coke make a frothy, creamy drink you won’t be able to put down!

Blackberry Martinis are a refreshing and easy recipe that combines fresh blackberries, vodka, citrus, and a sparkling finish.

Skinny Margarita is sweetened with agave, low in carbs, and the best, refreshing margarita recipe ever!

Gimlet Cocktails are a timeless classic recipe made with lime juice, a touch of sweetness, and gin or vodka for a perfectly refreshing drink served as a martini or on the rocks.

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