Espresso Martini Recipe
Make Espresso Martini 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 / Tools
Method
Cocktail
Chill glass
Place your martini coupe or cocktail glass in the freezer for 5–10 minutes or fill it with ice water while you prepare the drink to ensure the cocktail stays cold and the foam sets nicely.
Brew espresso
Brew a fresh 1 oz shot of espresso. If you don't have an espresso machine, make a strong 1 oz concentrated coffee (Moka, Aeropress, or very strong pour-over). Use it hot or allow it to cool slightly to warm (not boiling) to avoid over-diluting during shaking.
Add ingredients to shaker
Add 2 oz vodka, 1 oz coffee liqueur, 1 oz freshly brewed espresso, and 0.5 oz simple syrup into a cocktail shaker. Add a generous handful of ice (about 1 cup) to the shaker.
Dry shake (optional but recommended)
If you prefer a thicker crema/foam, first shake the ingredients without ice for 8–10 seconds to emulsify and build foam. This step is optional but improves foam texture.
Wet shake
Add ice if you dry-shook, then vigorously shake the cocktail shaker for 12–15 seconds until the outside of the shaker is very cold and you see a good froth forming. The vigorous motion creates the characteristic espresso martini crema.
Double strain and serve
Remove your chilled glass from freezer or discard ice water. Using the shaker's strainer and a fine mesh strainer (if available), strain the cocktail into the chilled martini coupe. Double straining removes ice shards and yields a silky texture and smooth foam on top.
Garnish
Carefully place 3 whole coffee beans on the foam in a triangular arrangement. This is traditional and adds aroma as you sip.
Serve
Serve immediately while the foam is fresh and the cocktail is cold. Advise sipping slowly to enjoy the aroma and crema.
Optional / Tools
If you like the drink less sweet, reduce simple syrup to 0.25 oz. For a richer coffee flavor, increase espresso to 1.25 oz and reduce vodka to 1.75 oz to keep total volume similar. If using pre-chilled espresso, reduce shaking time slightly to avoid over-dilution.
If you don't have a fine mesh strainer, a single strain through the shaker is acceptable but may include small ice chips; allow foam to settle slightly before garnishing.