Classic cocktails never go out of style, especially this espresso martini. This recipe for the best espresso martini is made with delicious bailey's, shaken over ice, and is excellent for a Sunday funday with the gals, or after dinner treat.
Espresso martinis are known as an after-dinner aperitif, but otherwise, they are suitable all year long! Who doesn't love a good caffeine boost post dinner?
This was inspired by my other fancy cocktails such as my citrus spritz, honey apple cider sangria, and the Hugo spritz.
Jump to:
- Why you'll love this espresso martini
- What are the ingredients for this recipe?
- Swaps and Substitutions
- How do I make this martini recipe?
- How do I pair this cocktail?
- Tips for making the best espresso martini
- Ways to vary this martini
- Storage Information
- PRO TIP:
- Hungry for More?
- Did you like this recipe? Share it!
- Best Espresso Martini Recipe
Why you'll love this espresso martini
- Cocktails are great homemade, so this homemade version is fully approachable for anyone who's never made a martini before.
- The flavors of cold brew, vodka, bailey's, and kahlua are perfectly shaken and tastes fantastic.
- It serves as a delicious after dinner drink, or a drink to share with your besties.
What are the ingredients for this recipe?
- Vodka: There are so many vodka choices out there, but I tend to stick to either Van Gogh Vodka, Tito's, Grey Goose, or a classic Ketel One.
- Coffee Liquor: Kahlua is a very traditional coffee liquor to use in an espresso martinin.
- Espresso: If you can't use espresso, you can use a black cold brew coffee can or cold-brewed coffee.
- Bailey's: I added the Bailey's Irish Cream in this version, but you can opt to leave it out.
See the recipe card below for specific information about quantities.
Swaps and Substitutions
- Kahlua - instead of using Kahlua, if you don't have it or want to get it, Frangelico will work. I tested this espresso martini with Frangelico, and it was very delicious!
- Espresso - if you don't want to make fresh espresso, cold brew coffee works well.
- Vodka - If you want to use tequila, that will work in an espresso martini. Other than that, I'd stick to vodka.
How do I make this martini recipe?
Step 1: In a shaker, add ice, then pour in the vodka, cold espresso or cold brew, coffee liquor and baileys. Shake until the mixture becomes frothy.
Step 2: Pour into a martini glass and top with three espresso beans.
HINT: Add an egg white to the martini to give an additional frothy texture.
How do I pair this cocktail?
- Whip up a batch of these for a brunch with a crowd-pleasing croissant french toast bake or an apple cinnamon french toast casserole.
- Pair this drink with a fun and entertaining brunch charcuterie board.
- Make this for family and friends after a delicious dinner of tuscan chicken, chicken francese, or pastas like pesto tortellini, rigatoni fiorentina, or a classic baked ziti.
Tips for making the best espresso martini
- Chill the shaker and the martini glass itself with ice to keep the cocktail nice and cold.
- Use a jigger when measuring out the liquor. Cocktails are all about balance, so you want to be as precise as possible.
- Be sure to use fresh cold brew coffee or fresh espresso. This will also ensure a nice crema (foam cap) at the top of the martini.
Ways to vary this martini
- Frozen - add the entire cocktail to a blender with ice and make it a frozen cocktail!
- Peppermint - add a drop of peppermint to spruce it up.
- Bailey's Irish Cream - I tested this recipe with the addition of bailey's, but you don't have to!
Storage Information
I wouldn't make this martini to reserve for another time or as a leftover.
However, if you have leftovers, you could make it into ice cubes and add to iced coffee! That would be a VERY strong way to start your day.
PRO TIP:
If you are using fresh espresso, the crema (the foam on top) will play a big part in creating the infamous foam at the top of the martini.
Hungry for More?
Looking for other delicious cocktails like this? Try these:
Did you like this recipe? Share it!
If you're just as in love with this recipe as I am, please share a comment below and rate it! Better yet, share this recipe with family and friends!! Thank you for being here!!
Best Espresso Martini Recipe
Equipment
- 1 shaker
- 1 jigger
- cocktail spoon
- 1 sieve or mesh strainer
Ingredients
- 1 oz vodka
- 2 oz cold espresso
- 1 oz kahlua or coffee liquor
- ½ oz bailey's irish cream optional
- 3 espresso beans garnish
Instructions
- In a shaker, add ice then pour in the vodka, cold espresso or cold brew, coffee liquor and baileys.
- Shake until the mixture becomes frothy.
- Pour into a martini glass and top with three espresso beans.
Meredith
This espresso martini is my go to! I love making it for my friends when they come over. Great and easy recipe!!!
Whittney
I will never EVER make another recipe for this again. This was delish. Strong, which was exactly how I wanted it. I made a few for my family tonight and they were just fantastic.
Carleigh P.
I will be making this over and over again. I made a large batch for friends today for St. Patty's and they were a hit. Very easy to make, and I liked the idea of using a cold brew instead of espresso cause i don't have any. Great recipe, cheers!!!
Desiree
I absolutely love making this espresso martini! It’s my go to recipe. The measurements are perfect!