Espresso Martin Recipe
Make Espresso Martin Recipe in just 15m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Cocktail
Optional Cold-Brew Variation
Method
Cocktail
- 1
Prepare espresso
Brew a fresh double espresso (about 2 oz). If you don't have an espresso machine, brew a very strong 2 oz coffee using a Moka pot or AeroPress. Let the espresso rest 20–30 seconds to settle but serve it hot or just-warm so it extracts crema when shaken.
- 2
- 3
Combine ingredients
In a cocktail shaker, add the ice (about 1 cup), freshly brewed espresso (2 oz), vodka (1.5 oz), coffee liqueur (1 oz), and simple syrup (0.5 oz). If using the cold-brew variation, replace the espresso with 1.5 oz cold-brew concentrate + 0.5 oz water instead of the espresso and proceed the same.
- 4
Dry shake (optional, for extra foam)
Before adding ice, you can perform a 'dry shake' to build more foam: add espresso, vodka, coffee liqueur, and simple syrup to the shaker without ice and shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds. Then add ice and continue to shake. This step is optional but yields a thicker crema.
- 5
Shake
Secure the shaker and shake vigorously with the ice for 12–18 seconds. Aim for rapid, forceful shakes (about 10–16 full shakes) so the mixture chills quickly and the espresso emulsifies with the spirits to create a silky foam.
- 6
Double strain
Discard the ice or water from your chilled glass. Open the shaker and strain the cocktail through a fine-mesh strainer into the chilled coupe or martini glass. A double strain (using the shaker's strainer + a fine mesh) removes small ice shards and gives a cleaner texture and better foam.
- 7
Garnish and serve
Garnish with three coffee beans arranged on top of the foam. Serve immediately so the crema is at its peak.
Simple Syrup (if making fresh)
- 8
Combine equal parts granulated sugar and water (for example, 1/2 cup sugar + 1/2 cup water) in a small saucepan. Heat gently, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely. Remove from heat and cool. Store refrigerated in a sealed container for up to 2 weeks. Measure 0.5 oz for this cocktail.