Espresso Martini Recipe
Make Espresso Martini Recipe in just 10m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Cocktail
Optional
Method
Cocktail
Brew espresso
Brew a fresh shot of espresso (about 1 oz) and let it sit 1–2 minutes to cool slightly. If using cold-brew concentrate, measure 1 oz and proceed.
Prepare shaker
Add ice to a cocktail shaker (about 1 cup). This chills the cocktail rapidly and helps create the crema.
Combine ingredients
Into the shaker with ice add 2 oz vodka, 1 oz coffee liqueur, 1 oz espresso, and 1/2 oz simple syrup. If using, add 1/8 tsp vanilla extract and 2 dashes chocolate bitters.
Dry shake (optional)
For a frothier crema, first shake the ingredients without ice (dry shake) vigorously for 10 seconds, then add ice and proceed. This step is optional but yields a thicker foam.
Shake hard
Seal the shaker and shake vigorously for 15–25 seconds until the outside of the shaker is very cold and you see a foamy head forming. The vigorous shaking emulsifies the espresso and creates the desirable crema.
Strain
Dump the ice from your chilled glass (if using ice water). Double-strain the cocktail into the chilled coupe/martini glass using a hawthorne strainer and a fine mesh sieve to remove ice shards and ensure smooth texture.
Garnish
Garnish with 3 coffee beans placed on top of the foam in a triangle. Serve immediately.
Notes
Adjust sweetness by varying the simple syrup from 1/4 oz to 3/4 oz to taste. Use freshly pulled espresso for best crema; if using cold brew, shake longer to help foam formation.