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Drink recipe · 1 cocktail

Espresso Martini

Researched · Established classic specification

Classic Espresso Martini with vodka, coffee liqueur, sugar syrup, and espresso. Shake and garnish with coffee beans for a smooth coffee cocktail.

By DrinkKnird · November 15, 2026

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Espresso Martini cocktail in a martini glass with frothy top and three coffee bean garnish

The Espresso Martini is a contemporary cocktail that has gained widespread popularity for its invigorating blend of coffee and spirits. Originating in the late 20th century, this drink perfectly balances the rich bitterness of freshly brewed espresso with the smoothness of vodka and the sweetness of coffee liqueur and sugar syrup. The International Bartenders Association (IBA) recognizes the Espresso Martini as part of its New Era Drinks, specifying a recipe that highlights clarity and balance. This cocktail is ideal for those who appreciate a sophisticated pick-me-up, whether as an after-dinner treat or a stylish party drink. For home bartenders and coffee lovers alike, mastering this recipe offers a rewarding experience. Explore more [cocktail recipes](/cocktail-recipes) or pair your Espresso Martini with creative dishes from our [food recipes](/food-recipes-home-cooking) collection.

Spirit
vodka
Glass
martini glass or coupe glass
Garnish
3 coffee beans
Alcohol
alcoholic

Contains alcohol. Intended for adults of legal drinking age. Please drink responsibly.

Recipe

Drink recipe

Yield: 1 cocktail

Prep 5 minutes · Total 5 minutes

Original yield: 1 cocktail

Scales ingredient amounts only. Temperatures, times, ratios, and instruction text stay as written. Saved and printed copies keep the original recipe amounts.

Ingredients

  • 50 ml vodka
  • 30 ml coffee liqueur (e.g., Kahlúa)
  • 10 ml sugar syrup (1:1 sugar to water)
  • 1 shot (30-40 ml) freshly brewed strong espresso, hot
  • 3 coffee beans (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Brew a fresh, strong espresso and set aside while preparing the other ingredients.
  2. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice to chill.
  3. Add vodka, coffee liqueur, sugar syrup, and the hot espresso to the shaker.
  4. Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until the outside of the shaker feels cold and a creamy froth forms on top.
  5. Double strain into a chilled martini or coupe glass to remove ice shards and ensure a smooth texture.
  6. Garnish with three coffee beans arranged on the frothy surface.

Make-ahead

  • Prepare sugar syrup in advance by dissolving equal parts sugar and hot water; store refrigerated for up to 2 weeks. Brew espresso fresh just before mixing for optimal crema and flavor.

Notes

  • Use freshly brewed espresso for the best flavor and crema. If espresso is not available, strong cold brew can be used but will alter the texture. Sugar syrup balances the bitterness; adjust sweetness to taste. Common issues include insufficient shaking, which results in a weak froth, or using cold espresso, which reduces crema formation. For coffee liqueur, Kahlúa is standard, but alternatives like Tia Maria can be substituted. Double straining improves texture by removing ice shards.
  • Timing figures are research-based estimates, not kitchen-timed on DrinkKnird equipment.

Why this recipe works

The combination of hot espresso and cold ingredients creates a frothy, creamy texture when shaken vigorously. Vodka provides a neutral spirit base that highlights the coffee flavors, while coffee liqueur and sugar syrup add sweetness and depth, balancing bitterness and enhancing mouthfeel.

Recipe sources & development

Established classic specification

Developed from published sources for Espresso Martini. Coffee cocktail demand; Peet’s placement stays relevant without inventing a recipe.

Why this formulation: The combination of hot espresso and cold ingredients creates a frothy, creamy texture when shaken vigorously. Vodka provides a neutral spirit base that highlights the coffee flavors, while coffee liqueur and sugar syrup add sweetness and depth, balancing bitterness and enhancing mouthfeel.

Adaptation credit: IBA: 50 ml vodka, 30 ml Kahlúa, 10 ml sugar syrup, 1 strong espresso; shake; 3 coffee beans.

Developed from published sources; not yet kitchen-tested by DrinkKnird.

  • Espresso Martini specification notes — DrinkKnird research brief · researched 2026-11-15

    IBA: 50 ml vodka, 30 ml Kahlúa, 10 ml sugar syrup, 1 strong espresso; shake; 3 coffee beans.

  • Espresso Martini Cocktail Recipe — diffordsguide.com · researched 2026-11-15

    Espresso Martini Cocktail Recipe This site is optimised for modern web browsers and does not fully support your version of Internet Explorer ; JavaScript is not enabled! For information on how to enable Javascript on you

  • Espresso Martini Cocktail Recipe — diffordsguide.com · researched 2026-11-15

    Espresso Martini Cocktail Recipe This site is optimised for modern web browsers and does not fully support your version of Internet Explorer ; JavaScript is not enabled! For information on how to enable Javascript on you

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