This espresso martini recipe combines the richness of cold brew with a touch of sweetness, coffee liqueur, and vodka to make a refreshing cocktail. Whether looking to get the party started or settle in for a nightcap, this is the perfect go-to cocktail to try.
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The Best Espresso Martini
The first time I had an espresso martini was when Frank and I stopped by Olive & Ivy in Scottsdale on one of our final nights out (read about that here).
I know my tastes well enough to know I’d probably like it, but what I didn’t expect was that it would become Frank’s next favorite cocktail. In fact, Frank loved it so much that he ordered another one at a different bar in Flagstaff a few days later!
Since then, I’ve given it a go to try and make my own, and I have to say, it tastes way better when you make it at home! My guess is that it has to do with the addition of homemade cold brew coffee concentrate. Don’t worry, I’ve included a recipe for that down below!
If you’re looking for more awesome cocktail recipes to serve up at your next get-together, check out this sparkling butterfly pea gin cocktail.
Ingredients + Gear
Here’s a quick breakdown of the ingredients you will need for this martini recipe:
- Vodka – any brand will work, don’t stress too much about it. For this recipe, I’m using a local distillery, Heritage Distilling.
- Coffee liqueur – I prefer Kahlua.
- Simple syrup – Make your own by combining equal portions of hot water and sugar. Melt the sugar in the water and allow it to cool in the fridge before using.
- Cold brew coffee concentrate – I’ve included a recipe down below, but you can also buy premade cold brew concentrate.
- Chocolate-covered espresso beans – Optional, for garnish.
Ingredients for Concentrated Cold Brew Coffee
After you’ve made cold brew concentrate at home once, you’ll never bother buying it again. While it does take a little bit of planning, the prep time is minimal. Also, you don’t have to use your expensive coffee for this.
Here are the ingredients we will need to make cold-brew coffee concentrate:
- Coffee – Coarsely ground
- Filtered Water
- Vanilla extract – Optional
Tips for Making an Espresso Martini
- For additional coffee flavor, opt for espresso-infused vodka.
- As you shake your martini, the oils in the espresso will create a thick foam, so don’t stop shaking until you get there!
- Another fun optional garnish is a light dusting of ground coffee.
Espresso Martini
Equipment
- 1 Cocktail shaker
- 1 Jigger
- 1 Martini glass
- 1 32 oz. Mason jar Optional, if making your own cold brew extract
- 2 Coffee filters Optional, if making your own cold brew extract
- Measuring cups Optional, if making your own cold brew extract
- Strainer Optional, if making your own cold brew extract
Ingredients
- 2 oz. Vodka
- 1/2 oz. Coffee liqueur Kahlua, or any preferred brand
- 1/2 oz. Simple syrup
- 1 oz. Cold brew concentrate Or 1 oz. cooled espresso
- 1 Chocolate-covered espresso bean Optional, for garnish
- Ice
For cold brew concentrate (makes approximately 24 oz. of cold brew concentrate)
- 1 cup Coarsely ground coffee Optional, for making cold brew concentrate
- 4 cups Cold filtered water Optional, for making cold brew concentrate
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract Optional, for making cold brew concentrate
Instructions
- In your cocktail shaker, combine ice with vodka, coffee liqueur, cold brew concentrate, and simple syrup. Shake until your cocktail begins to foam.
- Strain your espresso martini into a chilled martini glass and garnish with espresso beans.
To make cold brew concentrate:
- In your mason jar, add coarsely ground coffee and half of your cold filtered water, and vanilla extract. Stir to combine, then add the remaining water.
- Cover your mason jar and let it sit on the counter for at least 12 hours.
- Strain your cold brew by placing a strainer over an empty container and place 1 coffee filter on the strainer. Slowly pour the cold brew over top of the strainer, careful not to overflow. If necessary, replace the first filter with a fresh one and proceed until completed.
- Store your finished cold brew concentrate covered in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. To drink beyond a cocktail, combine equal parts water and concentrate and add desired milk, creamer, or sugar.
FAQs
Yes! To do this, you will likely have to make your own concentrated cold brew using decaf coffee, which can be made by combining 1 part decaf coffee to 4 parts filtered water. Allow this to sit out for up to 12 hours, strain, then use in your espresso martini recipe.
An espresso martini combines 2 ounces of vodka with 1/2 ounce of coffee liqueur, so it is going to be higher in alcohol than some other cocktails.
Vodka is kind of what makes an espresso martini a “martini” in the first place, but you can certainly experiment with making an espresso martini using bourbon or whiskey.
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