Put a martini or coupe glass in the freezer for at least 10 minutes or fill it with ice water while you prepare the drink to ensure it stays cold.

Chill glass

Using a jigger, measure 2 oz vodka, 1 oz cold brew (concentrate preferred), 0.5 oz vanilla liqueur (or vanilla syrup), 0.5 oz freshly brewed espresso (optional for crema), and 0.25 oz simple syrup if you want a touch more sweetness. If using vanilla syrup instead of vanilla liqueur, reduce or omit the simple syrup accordingly.

Measure ingredients

Add the vodka, cold brew, vanilla liqueur (or vanilla syrup), espresso (if using), simple syrup, and a pinch (about 1/16 tsp) of coarse flaked sea salt into the cocktail shaker. The salt rounds and enhances the flavors — a little goes a long way.

Combine and salt

For a frothier crema, add a small handful of ice to the shaker, seal, and give a vigorous dry shake (without ice) for 5–7 seconds first if you included fresh espresso. If not using egg white, you can skip the dry shake and proceed to a regular shake. (Note: dry shake here refers to shaking without ice; if you prefer, you may skip.)

Add ice and dry shake briefly (optional)

Add ice to fill the shaker about two-thirds full (approximately 1 cup). Seal the shaker and shake vigorously for 12–18 seconds until the outside of the shaker is very cold and the mixture is well aerated.

Shake with ice

Remove the chilled glass from the freezer or empty the ice water. Strain the cocktail through the shaker's strainer and then through a fine mesh strainer into the chilled martini/coupe glass to remove ice shards and any coffee grounds. This produces a smooth, silky texture and a nice crema on top.

Double strain and serve

Sprinkle a very light pinch (a few flakes) of coarse sea salt across the surface and float 2–3 coffee beans in the center. The salt should enhance the vanilla and coffee notes without making the drink noticeably salty.

Garnish

Serve immediately while cold. Sip and note the balance of vodka, bitter coffee, vanilla sweetness, and the subtle briny lift from the salt.

Serve

Ensure you have a chilled glass, shaker, jigger, and (optionally) a fine mesh strainer available before beginning. Clean and dry equipment after use.

vodka

cold brew coffee (preferably concentrated)

vanilla liqueur (or vanilla syrup if you prefer non-alcoholic sweetening)

freshly brewed espresso (optional: for extra crema)

simple syrup (1:1) or vanilla syrup (if not using vanilla liqueur)

ice (for shaking)

coarse flaked sea salt (for garnish and a pinch)

coffee beans (for garnish, optional)

cocktail shaker (with lid and strainer)

fine mesh strainer (optional for extra smoothness)

martini/coupe glass (chilled)

jigger or measuring tool

Espresso Martini

Make Espresso Martini Recipe in just 12m. Vodka, Cold Brew, Vanilla, and Salt

Espresso Martini Recipe

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