The Best Simple Espresso Martini Recipe | Inspire • Travel • Eat (2024)

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How do you make an easy espresso martini? It can be overwhelming figuring out how to make an espresso martini as you might wonder if you need to have an espresso machine.

That’s the big question that puts people off, do I need an espresso machine to make an espresso martini and the answer is, no, you don’t need an espresso machine! It is great if you do but not necessary!

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This easy espresso martini recipe and a bloody caesar are tied for the drinks I make this most as both have their necessary functions and both taste incredible. See here for the 6 best shot recipes for hosting as well!

This is a great recipe version because it is dummy proof and really is just a few simple ingredients and you are done. No espresso machines, no icing down hot espresso or coffee… it’s much more simple than that.

This has become a go to when hosting or as a pre-drink before heading out to get that extra boost of energy. Everyone absolutely loves this drink, it is extremely simple and provides the best start to your night. See our article for the 7 Best Easy Craft co*cktails.

I am officially too old for Red Bull vodkas because they give me the worst anxiety the next day and ummm… other things. This will be a game changing energy drink for you, looks nice for hosting people or even use it as a good start before you take off on a date night.

The Best Simple Espresso Martini Recipe | Inspire • Travel • Eat (2)

The goal is for your creations to make people happy and with a little espresso you can scientifically stimulate people there right from the jump. Make this your own as well, if you don’t like it too sweet than maybe skip the vanilla vodka and just go with straight vodka.

You can make this with just 3 ingredients if you want… really you just need two if you don’t have it all and it still comes out great! This recipe is very versatile so have some fun with it.

Maybe add a little chocolate syrup, use Baileys instead of Kahlua or use coffee instead of espresso. Really you can make this as fancy and complex as you want or just stick to the few recipe basics.

The most important rules to making co*cktails

When making a drink for people and you want them to love the experience you need to appeal to 4 senses. You must make it taste good of course so follow this recipe and the ideas along with it.

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The drink needs to have a pleasant aroma and appeal to the sense of smell. Thus, to do that you need to add a garnish. What makes a craft co*cktail is that addition of the herb or spice to make it pop. This is why co*cktails from mixologists always have mint or sprigs in them.

A drink should also look beautiful and appeal to site. You eat and drink with your eyes first and no one wants to eat or drink something that looks gross or doesn’t look appetizing.

Finally, when people are enjoying their drink you need to give them a nice ambiance and setting. I can help you with the first 3 but the ambiance is on you… music, clean up, give them a shot so they are already getting drunk and everything is fun… up to you :).

One AMAZING way to add to your drink ambiance and appeal to all senses is infuse your liquor. Infusing liquor is the greatest lie in drink creation as what sounds extremely impressive is really just you pouring liquor into a jar and adding 1-2 ingredients then letting it sit for 1-7 days… or even 1 hour! From there just lie to your guests ;)… it’s a small fib.

Listen to our travel podcast if you want some travel tips & a laugh

Infused liquor makes you look like some planned, smart super-hero that would do anything when hosting people. It will impress them and has you already 5 steps ahead on appealing to all of the senses.

The Best Simple Espresso Martini Recipe | Inspire • Travel • Eat (4)

If you are a tequila person this recipe is amazing with Patron XO Cafe. From here you can make a Mexpresso Martini, which is amazing a well! Straight tequila doesn’t translate as well but if you get that Patron XO Cafe then you are cooking with dynamite.

I legitimately like the tequila version more and it has a unique flair! That version of Patron is a little harder to find but most alcohol only stores like Total Wine and everywhere will have it. It is tough to find at grocery stores and gas stations etc though. However, it isn’t very expensive and is a great option for this recipe.

Is there a shot version of an espresso martini?

I am glad you asked. You can also make this a shot! Essentially the Shaft shot is an espresso martini, except you just put it in a rocks glass, use a straw and suck it down as fast as you can. For the full recipe of the shaft here is the link to the 6 best shots ever.

The Best Simple Espresso Martini Recipe | Inspire • Travel • Eat (5)

Best Simple Espresso Martini Recipe

Quick and easy espresso martini! How to make the best espresso martini, easily!

5 from 1 vote

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Course: APERTIF, Brunch, Drinks

Cuisine: American

Keyword: adult drinks, hosting, martini

Prep Time: 1 minute min

Cook Time: 1 minute min

Total Time: 3 minutes mins

Servings: 1

Ingredients

  • 2 ounces vanilla vodka or espresso tequila Espresso Tequila (Patron XO Cafe or Avion Espresso Liqueur). Espresso or Vanilla Vodka (Van Gogh and Smirnoff are options). You could also use regular vodka or tequila
  • 1 shot Kahlua Leave out if want a stronger martini. Sub Irish cream liquor if no Kahlua.
  • 2 shots Chilled espresso Espresso cold brew or Starbucks small espresso shots work great as well.
  • 3-4 cubes Ice

Optional

  • 1 shot Irish cream liqueur
  • Ground cinnamon sprinkled on top to garnish
  • Cinnamon stick or coffee beans for garnish
  • 2 oz chocolate syrup

Instructions

  • Put all ingredients into a co*cktail shaker and shake. Can stir as well if no shaker option.

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  • Garnish with coffee beans, ground cinnamon stick or cinnamon.

    The Best Simple Espresso Martini Recipe | Inspire • Travel • Eat (7)

Video

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Tried this recipe?Mention @InspireTravelEat or tag #InspireTravelEat!

The Best Simple Espresso Martini Recipe | Inspire • Travel • Eat (2024)

FAQs

Is Kahlua or Baileys better for Espresso Martini? ›

I recommend Kahlua for a strong coffee tasting espresso martini, or Baileys for a creamier espresso martini. My secret trick is to use both Kahlua and Baileys for a creamy, yet rich coffee flavored espresso martini. Espresso – you'll need one shot of espresso for this recipe! You can use regular or decaf espresso.

What is the best liquor for espresso martinis? ›

The liquor base for an espresso martini co*cktail is vodka. We recommend choosing a premium unflavored vodka made with the finest ingredients to help the drink truly shine.

What coffee is best for an Espresso Martini? ›

The best way to get the best taste and mouthfeel from an espresso martini is to use a freshly brewed espresso, using freshly roasted arabica beans. As is the case throughout Recent Beans, we believe your espresso should be made from 100% freshly roasted arabica, to a medium level for those awesome sweet flavour notes.

What is stronger, Kahlua or Baileys? ›

The Kahlua alcohol percentage is around 20%—slightly higher than Baileys alcohol content which is typically 17%. Kahlua and Baileys are versatile liqueurs that make delicious co*cktails when combined with other ingredients.

What can I use in espresso martini instead of Kahlua? ›

Dark Rum: This helps replace the Kahlua in conventional espresso martinis. Sugar Free Simple Syrup: You have lots of syrup options, including Miss Mary's Sinless Syrups and ChocZero Vanilla Syrup. Both work well here.

Is Kahlua or Tia Maria better for espresso martini? ›

A Bartender's Go-To Espresso Martini Recipe

Per Overproof's report, overall, Kahlúa leads as the top coffee liqueur brand, and Tito's Handmade Vodka leads as the top vodka brand by the percentage of branded menu mentions.

What type of person drinks espresso martini? ›

Espresso Martini

Coffee, alcohol and sugar - the ultimate combination made for those who live to “work hard, play harder”. If that's you, you're a type A personality who is enviably outgoing, extremely ambitious and rigidly organised.

What kind of person drinks espresso martini? ›

Espresso Martini

If this is your co*cktail of choice you are likely an intense individual who gives 100% to everything you do. Espresso Martini drinkers have a 'work hard, play hard attitude and are happy to take the lead in both professional and social situations.

What can you put in an Espresso Martini instead of vodka? ›

Garnish with coffee beans – if you're feeling fancy. No vodka? No problem! You can make an Espresso Martini without vodka – you could make an Espresso Martini with rum, an Espresso Martini with gin or an Espresso Martini with tequila.

Can I use vanilla extract in an Espresso Martini? ›

The Vanilla Bean Simple Syrup is quick to make and goes great in coffee, lattes and of course Espresso Martinis! It adds just a touch of depth and flavor to the Espresso Martini that makes it extra special. You must use a fresh vanilla bean pod and not vanilla extract because it does not impart the same flavor.

Why is my Espresso Martini not frothy? ›

If you're not getting a creamy texture, it could be that your espresso is un-frothed. Make sure to froth your espresso before adding it to the co*cktail shaker for the best results - a good frothy foam will make an amazing difference.

Does Kahlua go in an espresso martini? ›

Kahlúa adds sweetness to your Espresso Martini, balancing out the other ingredients. It also helps create that velvety mouthfeel.

Should coffee be cold for espresso martini? ›

Hot or Cold Espresso? The shot of espresso in your Martini should always be cold.

Can you use strong coffee instead of espresso for espresso martini? ›

You can make an espresso martini without an espresso machine using cold brew or drip coffee. Cold brew coffee yields a strong coffee concentrate that can be a substitute for espresso. If you're looking for a milder flavor and a drink that is not as strong, try using brewed coffee.

Can Baileys be used in an Espresso Martini? ›

An Espresso Martini is a classic co*cktail made with freshly brewed espresso, Baileys, and a splash of vodka, delicious. Learn how to make an Espresso Martini at home and shake up your next co*cktail party. So, grab a few friends and try taking your martinis to the next level. It all starts with Baileys and espresso!

Is Kahlua good in Espresso Martini? ›

Kahlúa adds sweetness to your Espresso Martini, balancing out the other ingredients. It also helps create that velvety mouthfeel.

Do you put Kahlua or Baileys in coffee? ›

Our Irish Coffee with Baileys and Kahlua Recipe is one of our wonderful Irish recipes! It's lovely to serve baileys coffee as a solo dessert beverage. Some folks think it has to be kalhua vs baileys–I say why not have both?! Unless you prefer the traditional Irish coffee baileys just by itself, then omit the kahlua.

Will Baileys curdle in Espresso Martini? ›

Clean your co*cktail equipment well before making this drink. Any leftover drops of lime or lemon juice can make the Baileys curdle.

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