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!
This was inspired by my other fancy cocktails such as my citrus spritz, honey apple cider sangria, and more!
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What are the ingredients for this recipe?
Making cocktails shouldn't take too many ingredients, otherwise it can easily go out of balance. This recipe is very standard, so let's see what we need:
- Vodka: There are so many vodka choices out there, but I tend to stick to either Van Gogh Vodka, Tito's, or a classic Ketel One.
- Coffee Liquor: In testing this recipe, I used Frangelico, but it doesn't do the same as Kahlua. I highly recommend Kahlua in this espresso martini.
- 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.
How do I make this recipe?
Making this recipe is quick, easy, and will be worth brewing espresso for!
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.
HINT: You could add an egg white to the martini to give an additional frothy texture!
Recipe Swaps and Substitutions
This is a standard, classic, very recognizable espresso martini, however, if you want to switch things up, here's what I would suggest:
- Kahlua - instead of using Kahlua, if you don't have it or want to get it, if you have Frangelico, it will work, I tested it, and it was okay, as I recommend Kahlua, but it can still work!
- Espresso - if you don't want to make fresh espresso, cold brew coffee works too
- Vodka - I would not use any other alcohol or spirit here other than vodka, however there are a variety of different brands of vodka to choose from!
Serving Variations
Now that we've covered making a classic version of this recipe, let's switch up how to serve it!
- 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!
Kitchen Equipment and Tools
All you really need for this recipe is a few simple bar tools and you'll be sipping on deliciousness in no time.
- Cocktail shaker
- Jiggers: Measuring the amount of alcohol that goes into cocktails is something I learned the hard way, but also when I was a bartender. It is important to measure the ingredients to get that "just right" taste and balance. Cocktails are all about balance!
- Frother: This is optional, if you want to make the espresso martini super frothy on top.
How do I store this drink?
I wouldn't necessarily 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 exciting coffee morning.
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 recipes like this? Try these:
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.
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