Espresso Martini Recipe
Witness the creation of a coffee-infused masterpiece as our mixologists guide you step by step. Sample and savor the rich flavors of this vodka-based classic.
Was this page helpful?
Help improve this recipe for others.
Send this recipe to your inbox.
We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.
Ingredients
Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Cocktail
Method
Cocktail
Prepare espresso
Brew a fresh shot of espresso (about 1 oz). If you want a cooler cocktail, allow the espresso to sit for 1–2 minutes to drop slightly in temperature; very hot espresso will melt too much ice and dilute the drink.
Chill glass
Place a martini/coupe glass in the freezer for a few minutes or fill it with ice water while you prepare the cocktail so the served drink stays cold longer.
Combine ingredients
In a cocktail shaker, add 1 cup of ice, 2 oz vodka, 1 oz espresso, 1 oz coffee liqueur, and 0.5 oz simple syrup.
Dry shake (optional)
For a silkier, frothier crema, first shake the vodka, espresso, coffee liqueur, and simple syrup without ice for 8–10 seconds (dry shake). This step helps build foam from the espresso.
Wet shake
Add ice (if you didn't add it earlier) to the shaker or use the existing ice and shake vigorously for 12–15 seconds until the outside of the shaker is very cold and condensation forms. This chills the cocktail quickly and creates a thick crema.
Double strain and serve
Remove the ice from your chilled glass if you used ice water. Using a hawthorne strainer and a fine mesh strainer (or the shaker lid and a small sieve), double strain the cocktail into the chilled martini/coupe glass to remove ice shards for a silky texture.
Garnish
Float three whole coffee beans on top of the crema as a classic garnish. Optionally, gently run a citrus peel (orange or lemon) around the rim and express over the drink for a subtle aromatic lift before discarding the peel.
Serve
Serve immediately while cold. Sip slowly to appreciate the balance of espresso, sweetness, and vodka heat.