Learn all the secrets to make the best, frothy espresso martini at home. This is a delicious coffee flavored cocktail you can enjoy after dinner or during brunch.
So, the legend has it that a top model walked into a bar and asked the barman to make her a drink that would first wake her up and then f@ck her up. The barman prepared a cocktail with vodka, espresso and coffee liqueur and served it in a V-shaped glass. At the time, any cocktail served in a glass like that was known as a martini , so that’s how the Espresso Martini was born. But no matter how it was first created, the truth is that this is a delicious coffee flavored cocktail you can/should have when you go out at night or when you invite some friends for dinner. Why? Because it’s very easy to make at home as you can see in the video at the end of this post. Let me state that it can also be served during a Sunday brunch (but for brunch, try this Aperol Spritz first). And because my brother tells me that one equals none, I decided to give you 3 espresso martini recipes so you can have some options (also a good excuse if you want to get drunk).
The basic ingredients for espresso martini
You probably already have most of the basic ingredients for espreso martini at your home, or at least you can find them at your nearest local market. These are:
- Vodka
- Coffee liqueur
- freshly brewed espresso coffee
- sugar (optional)
All of these ingredients are vegan, so if you’re concerned about that, drink without fear. The espresso martini is vegan.
In what glass to serve the espresso martini
As the name suggests, this cocktail is served in a martini glass which is a stemmed glass with an inverted conical bowl. Martini glasses are also called cocktail glasses, though the two types are a little different mostly because cocktail glasses can have a rounded or flat bottom, while martini glasses have a fully conical bottom. A typical martini glass is approximately 4.4 oz/130 ml in capacity.
Because Martinis must be served frosty cold, the long stem ensures that the cocktail stays cold for a longer time (so grab your martini from the stem and not from the bowl).
How to make it more frothy
Firstly, shake very well and vigorously. You don’t need to be gentle here. Secondly, you should use a fine sieve. Place the strainer on top of the shaker and pour the contents through a sieve directly into the glass. Using the strainer and the sieve helps create a rich, smooth, froth.
If you use milk or a cream-based liqueur, don’t add it to the shaker because it can inhibit the formation of the foam. Add it to the glass and pour the cocktail over it.
How to garnish an espresso martini
The traditional way is to garnish it with 3 coffee beans which represent health, wealth, and happiness. I have seen some barmen squeeze a piece of lemon peel over the surface of the martini. The peel releases some of its’ essential oils which flavor the foam. I don’t especially like this, but you can try it if you want to.
For the “cappuccino” martini, I like to sprinkle the top with some chocolate powder or a pinch of cinnamon. Otherwise, you can also serve it with the 3 coffee beans.
What food goes well with espresso martini
I love to drink this cocktail with a piece of dark chocolate on the side and maybe some Sultana raisins. Another good option is roasted almonds, hazelnuts, or cashew nuts.
What coffee liqueur to use?
The most known and easy to find coffee liqueurs are Kahlua and Tia Maria. If you want to do a thorougher search on the subject then asking your local liquor store or googling “coffee liqueurs” should get you a longer list.
How much alcohol is in an espresso martini?
In the United States, one “standard” drink (or one equivalent) contains about 14 grams of pure alcohol, which is found in 35ml of distilled spirits (40% alcohol). That means that an average espresso martini whichcontains vodka and a coffee liqueur is about two standards per glass.
- 2 oz (60 ml) vodka
- 0.5 oz (15 ml) coffee liquer
- 1.5 oz (45 ml) espresso coffee (freshly brewed)
- 0.5– 1 teaspoon sugar
- 8-10 ice cubes
- 1 oz (30 ml) vodka
- 1 oz (30 ml) coffee liqueur
- 1 oz (30 ml) espresso coffee (add a bit of sugar if you like)
- 8-10 ice cubes
- 2 oz (60 ml) vodka
- 0.5 oz (15 ml) coffee liqueur
- 1.5 oz (45 ml) espresso coffee (freshly brewed)
- 0.5– 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 2-3 drops of vanilla extract optional
- 8-10 ice cubes
- 0.5 oz (15 ml) milk
- coffee beans, chocolate powder, cinnamon
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For the first two recipes: Transfer all the ingredients to a shaker and shake vigorously. Pass the cocktail through a fine sieve into a martini glass. Serve with 3 coffee beans (optionally).
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For the cappuccino martini: Transfer all the ingredients except the milk to a shaker and shake vigorously. Transfer the milk to a martini glass and pass the cocktail through a fine sieve into the glass. Serve with a sprinkle of chocolate powder or cinnamon
Recipe Video
15 ml = 1 tablespoon
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These all sound great! I think I will have to start with the cappuccino martini. Welcome to MVP!
Thank you very much Dahn, I’m so glad to have joined you!