How to Make the Perfect Espresso Martini

Coffee and cocktails – two of life’s greatest pleasures, finally united. The Espresso Martini has been a staple of cocktail menus for decades, and for good reason. It’s sophisticated, indulgent, and gives you that perfect buzz. But did you know you can make a café-quality Espresso Martini at home in under five minutes?

The secret? Freshly brewed espresso and quality coffee liqueur. Not the cheap stuff that tastes like artificial syrup – a properly crafted liqueur that lets the coffee flavour shine.

Today, we’ll show you how to make the perfect Espresso Martini at home with our step-by-step guide.

Why you’ll love this recipe

• Ready in under 5 minutes – impressive cocktails, fast
• No special equipment needed – just a shaker or a jam jar
• Customisable – adjust sweetness, strength, and coffee intensity
• Looks professional – that signature crema foam on top
• Cheaper than a cocktail bar – without the £12 price tag

Ingredients

You’ll need just five ingredients for this drink.

• 50ml vodka (good quality – it makes a difference)
• 25ml coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa, Mr Black, or Borghetti)
• 25ml fresh espresso (freshly brewed – don’t skip this)
• 5-10ml sugar syrup (optional – adjust to taste)
• Ice cubes (preferably large cubes that melt slowly)

For garnish: Three coffee beans (the classic Espresso Martini garnish)

The espresso is the star here. Freshly brewed espresso gives the drink its signature crema foam and rich flavour. If you don’t have an espresso machine, brew a very strong coffee using a moka pot or Aeropress – but espresso is best.

Shop the ingredients:

• Browse our freshly roasted coffee beans for the perfect espresso
• Explore our coffee brewing equipment to make the perfect shot

Equipment

• Cocktail shaker (or a jam jar with a tight-fitting lid)
• Espresso machine, moka pot, or Aeropress
• Jigger or measuring tool
• Coupe or martini glass
• Fine strainer (optional – for a super-smooth finish)

Method

Follow these five simple steps.

Step 1: Brew your espresso

Pull a fresh shot of espresso (about 25-30ml). If you don’t have an espresso machine, brew a very strong coffee using a moka pot or Aeropress. Use about 30ml of concentrated coffee as your substitute.

Pro tip: Let the espresso cool for 30-60 seconds before shaking. Hot espresso melts the ice too quickly and waters down your drink.

Step 2: Chill your glass

Pop your coupe or martini glass in the freezer for a few minutes. A chilled glass keeps your drink colder for longer and looks more professional.

Step 3: Combine ingredients in the shaker

Add the following to your cocktail shaker:

• 50ml vodka
• 25ml coffee liqueur
• 25ml espresso (cooled slightly)
• 5-10ml sugar syrup (optional – add less for a drier drink)

Step 4: Add ice and shake vigorously

Fill the shaker with ice cubes – about three-quarters full. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds. The key to the perfect Espresso Martini is creating that signature crema foam, and that comes from vigorous shaking.

Pro tip: Shake until the shaker feels icy cold to the touch – about 15 seconds of hard shaking.

Step 5: Double strain and serve

Double strain the cocktail into your chilled glass to remove any tiny ice shards. A fine strainer ensures a silky smooth texture.

Watch as the crema forms a beautiful, creamy foam on top – this is the satisfying part. Garnish with three coffee beans placed on the foam.

Pro tips for the perfect Espresso Martini

• Use freshly roasted coffee beans – freshly roasted beans produce the best crema.
• Don’t skip the crema – the crema on your espresso is what creates the signature foam on your Espresso Martini. It’s non-negotiable.
• Chill your glass – a cold glass keeps your drink colder for longer and prevents dilution.
• Adjust sweetness to your taste – Kahlúa is sweet, Mr Black is less sweet. Adjust the sugar syrup accordingly.
• Use good quality vodka – the vodka is half the drink. Don’t skimp on quality.
• Shake hard, not gentle – weak shaking = weak foam. Give it some welly.

Variations to try

Once you’ve mastered the classic, try these twists.

Vanilla Espresso Martini: Add 5ml of vanilla syrup alongside the coffee liqueur.

Spiced Espresso Martini: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the shaker.

Salted Caramel Espresso Martini: Add 10ml of salted caramel syrup for a sweet-savoury twist.

Decaf Version: Use decaf espresso for an evening-friendly treat (for when you want the cocktail without the caffeine keeping you up).

Nitro Cold Brew Martini: Use cold brew concentrate instead of espresso for a smoother, less acidic version.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best coffee liqueur for an Espresso Martini?
Kahlúa is the classic choice – sweet and smooth. For a less sweet, more coffee-forward drink, try Mr Black or Borghetti.

Can I make an Espresso Martini without an espresso machine?
Yes. Use a moka pot or Aeropress to brew a very strong, concentrated coffee (about 30ml). It won’t have the same crema, but it will still taste great.

Why does my Espresso Martini not have foam?
You didn’t shake hard enough. Shake vigorously for a full 15-20 seconds. The crema on your espresso is also essential – stale beans won’t produce enough crema.

Can I use instant coffee?
We don’t recommend it. Instant coffee won’t produce the crema needed for the signature foam, and the flavour is inferior. Freshly brewed espresso is the way to go.

How do I store leftover coffee liqueur?
Coffee liqueur doesn’t need refrigeration. Store it in a cool, dark place and it will last for years.

Final word

The Espresso Martini is the cocktail you didn’t know you could make so well at home. It’s sophisticated, delicious, and surprisingly easy. With freshly roasted beans and a bottle of quality coffee liqueur in your kitchen, you’re just five minutes away from cocktail-bar quality.

Shop CoffeeHype coffee beans now and start crafting the perfect Espresso Martini.

Now go brew something beautiful.