The Espresso Martini seems to be all the rage these days, so we thought it was the perfect cocktail to give you a little pick-me-up in this chilly weather. While it may not be the most popular drink amongst bartenders– and isn’t even a true martini— it’s certainly the perfect cocktail for coffee lovers! So break out your espresso coffee machine, and let’s get shaking!

coffee martini with 2 ounces vodka and fresh espresso, which creates a drink with the colour of coffee

ESPRESSO MARTINI INGREDIENTS

In today’s video, our more traditional version combines vodka with only a 1/2 ounce coffee liqueur and full ounce espresso, plus a little simple syrup to offset the strong coffee flavor. Just FYI: While Absolut vodka is a popular choice of vodka, we’re using Broken Shed. As always, drink what you like!

Note: Although it’s a popular after-dinner drink, it obviously contains actual coffee with caffeine and may keep you up at night! Personally, I prefer this as a brunch cocktail for that reason.

Since you need an espresso maker to create these particular recipes, you can make your own shot of espresso– or plan ahead to pick up a cup at your local coffee house if you don’t have an espresso machine or coffee pod machine.

If you do make your own, account for a little more prep time before you’re ready to serve your final cocktail, especially to allow your coffee to cool.

Pouring the cocktail into a chilled glass to create a gorgeous foam layer

HOW TO MAKE AN ESPRESSO MARTINI

Check out the full video to see how Chris and Rob make this flavorful Espresso Martini and hear Chris talk about some of the various ways you can achieve this delicious coffee cocktail and a little bit about its history.

VARIATIONS ON THE ESPRESSO MARTINI

While both our versions include real espresso, we’ve seen the Espresso Martini made a variety of ways, from instant coffee or espresso powder to cold brew concentrate to Baileys Irish Cream liqueur to just plain ol’ regular coffee (which kind of feels like cheating).

Honestly, we’ve seen so many different ways to make this cocktail, including with hot espresso coffee (our versions are served cold) or vanilla vodka for added sugar and sweetness… You really can pick your path when it comes to this yummy vodka drink.

garnishing a martini glass with coffee beans on top of frothy foam

If you want to mix it up, our resident bartender, Rob Harrah, has a fun riff called the Espresso Ricomincia, which means “Espresso Restart” in Italian. Containing fresh espresso and no additional coffee liqueur, this creamy Espresso Martini packs a big coffee punch mixed with some delicious, rich texture from all the liqueurs.

For this particular recipe, we’re featuring Black Momma Vodka in our recipe, but you can use your favorite vodka (but if you haven’t tried it, definitely pick up a bottle!). Mixed with the different liqueurs, this modern classic offers a nutty, creamy flavor mixed with the bitter bite of coffee.

A dessert cocktail with complex flavors and velvety foam

ESPRESSO RICOMINCIA FROTHY ESPRESSO MARTINI RECIPE

INGREDIENTS:

1 oz Black Momma Vodka
1 oz Amaro Nonino
1/2 oz Nocino Black Walnut Liqueur
1/2 oz Disaronno Velvet Cream Liqueur
1 1/2 oz Espresso Coffee
Three Espresso Beans for garnish (or coffee beans)

DIRECTIONS:

Build in cocktail shaker with ice cubes. Shake until mixed and chilled (about 10-15 secs). Strain into coupe cocktail glass (or Martini glass if you feel strongly about it– We personally prefer a coupe glass for a variety of reasons). Garnish with coffee beans on top of your beautiful foam.

Fun fact: The three espresso beans represent health, wealth, and happiness!

bartender holding a martini with cool coffee espresso and lovely foam on top

CLASSIC ESPRESSO MARTINI RECIPE FOR WINTER

Let us know what you think of this take and the more classic Espresso Martini in the comments! Do you have a favorite recipe of your own? We’d love to hear what delicious cocktail you’re serving up during these winter months and what you’re looking forward to drinking in the spring.

And of course, don’t forget that we sell all the barware you need to make any cocktail or mocktail your heart could desire! Check out our shop to pick up all the bar tools you need for your own home bar. There’s still time to shop for the holidays! (Hint, hint.)

OK, ready to make your own delicious coffee cocktail? Get our more traditional recipe below, and until next time, stay warm… and cheers!