Espresso Martini Recipe
Make Espresso Martini Recipe in just 10m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Cocktail
Tools & Glassware
Method
Prep
Chill glass
Place a martini or coupe glass in the freezer for at least 10 minutes, or fill it with ice water while you prepare the cocktail to chill.
Brew espresso
Brew a fresh shot of espresso (about 1 oz) and allow it to cool slightly for 1–2 minutes. If using cold-brew concentrate, measure and use chilled.
Shake & Strain
Combine ingredients
Add vodka (2 oz), coffee liqueur (1 oz), the warm but not piping-hot espresso (1 oz), and simple syrup (0.25 oz) into the cocktail shaker.
Add ice
Fill the shaker with ice (about 0.75 cups) so the liquid is well-chilled. The ice volume should be enough to chill and dilute slightly but leave room to shake vigorously.
Dry shake (optional, for extra crema)
For a creamier foam, first close the shaker and shake vigorously without ice for 10–12 seconds to create emulsification between espresso and liqueur, then add ice and continue. This step is optional but recommended for a silkier top.
Wet shake vigorously
Seal the shaker and shake hard for 12–18 seconds until the exterior of the shaker is very cold and you see a frothy foam forming inside. Vigorous shaking aerates the espresso and creates the signature crema on top.
Double strain
Open the shaker, place a strainer over the chilled glass, and pour the cocktail through the shaker’s strainer and then a fine mesh strainer into the glass to remove ice shards and ensure a smooth texture.
Garnish
Garnish with three whole coffee beans placed gently on the foam in a triangle pattern.
Serve
Serve immediately while the crema is fresh and foamy. Sip slowly to enjoy the contrast of bittersweet coffee, sweet liqueur, and clean vodka.
If preparing multiple cocktails, repeat steps using fresh ice and shake each individually to preserve foam.