Espresso Martini Recipe
Northern Keep Vodka, Kahlua, Café Crema espresso
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Ingredients
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Cocktail
Equipment
Method
Prepare Espresso
Brew espresso
Brew 1 oz of hot Café Crema-style espresso immediately before mixing. Use an espresso machine or stovetop maker. Aim for a fresh shot with some crema; allow it to cool very briefly (10–20 seconds) so it isn’t piping hot but still warm.
If you prefer a slightly cooler cocktail and smoother foam, let the espresso rest 30–60 seconds to drop closer to warm (not room temperature). Avoid fully cold espresso — warmth helps extract crema during shaking.
Mix Cocktail
Chill glass
Place the martini or coupe glass in the freezer or fill it with ice water while you prepare the cocktail so it’s nicely chilled.
Combine ingredients
In a cocktail shaker, add 1 cup of ice, 2 oz Northern Keep Vodka, 1 oz Kahlúa, the 1 oz freshly brewed espresso, and 0.25 oz simple syrup if using. Using measured pours keeps balance consistent.
Dry shake (optional for thicker crema)
For a silkier, frothier crema, first remove the ice and perform a 10–12 second dry shake (shake without ice) to emulsify the espresso and liqueur. This step is optional but recommended for a pronounced foam head.
Wet shake
If you performed the dry shake, add the ice back to the shaker. Shake vigorously for 12–18 seconds until the outside of the shaker is very cold and you feel a strong sloshing — this chills, dilutes, and creates a good crema. If you skipped the dry shake, combine ingredients with ice and shake vigorously for 18–20 seconds.
Double strain
Dump the ice from your chilled glass. Using a Hawthorne strainer and an optional fine mesh strainer, strain the cocktail into the chilled martini/coupe glass to remove ice shards and ensure a smooth surface with a crema layer on top.
Garnish and serve
Garnish with three coffee beans placed evenly on the crema. Serve immediately so the foam and aroma are at their best.
Notes
Adjust sweetness with simple syrup to taste: 0.25–0.5 oz is typical. Use freshly brewed espresso for best aroma and crema. If you have cold espresso or espresso concentrate, reduce shake time slightly and expect a thinner crema.