Aug 27 2026

Espresso Martini Recipe

Time15m
Serves1

Coffee Liqueur, Vodka, cold brew coffee, simple syrup, chocolate shavings

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Ingredients

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Cocktail

Method

Cocktail Preparation

  1. 1

    Chill glass

    Place a coupe or martini glass in the freezer for at least 5–10 minutes, or fill it with ice water while you prepare the cocktail to chill it.

  2. 2

    Prepare simple syrup (if not on hand)

    Combine equal parts sugar and water (e.g., 1/4 cup sugar + 1/4 cup water) in a small saucepan, heat gently until sugar dissolves, then cool. Use 1/2 oz for this cocktail.

  3. 3

    Combine ingredients

    In a cocktail shaker, add 1 cup of ice, 2 oz vodka, 1 oz coffee liqueur, 1 oz cold brew coffee, and 1/2 oz simple syrup.

  4. 4

    Dry shake (optional)

    For a creamier, frothier top, first shake the ingredients without ice (dry shake) for 8–10 seconds. This step is optional but helps create a nice crema.

  5. 5

    Wet shake

    Add ice if you performed a dry shake (or if not, the ice is already in the shaker). Shake vigorously for 12–18 seconds until the outside of the shaker is frosty and the drink is well chilled. A strong, rapid shake helps create a foamy head.

  6. 6

    Fine strain

    Double-strain the cocktail into the chilled coupe or martini glass using a Hawthorne strainer and a fine mesh strainer to remove ice chips and ensure a silky texture.

Garnish & Finish

  1. 7

    Using a vegetable peeler or microplane, shave about 0.25 oz of dark chocolate over the surface of the cocktail to lightly dust it with chocolate flakes.

  2. 8

    Place three whole coffee beans gently on top of the foam as a classic garnish.

  3. 9

    Serve immediately. Optionally, provide a small spoon for scooping up chocolate shavings.

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