A splash of liqueur—Kahlúa, Baileys, or RumChata—can elevate this coffee martini, but it isn’t required. If you don’t have specialty liqueurs on hand, you can make an excellent and easy coffee martini with quality vodka, chilled coffee or espresso, and a touch of chocolate syrup. A pinch of cinnamon, a drop of vanilla, and some ice are all you need to finish this quick pick-me-up cocktail.

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This martini is a lovely after-dinner sip when you want something to lift your spirits. The hint of chocolate and a brownie bite garnish make it feel indulgent without being fussy—a simple, delicious pick-me-up.

When I bartended downtown, a couple used to request coffee martinis “not creamy.” That preference inspired me to keep things darker and less dessert-like. Instead of always reaching for cream-based liqueurs, I developed a simplified version built around chilled coffee or espresso, chocolate syrup or simple syrup, and a good vodka. Sometimes Kahlúa made an appearance. Back then I used an espresso-flavored vodka with great results; nowadays I often use Tito’s or another reliable vodka and still get a coffee-forward martini that’s delicious.

Combine coffee and vodka

In a cocktail shaker, combine cooled or room-temperature coffee (or espresso) with vodka. Using chilled coffee helps the drink stay crisp; if your coffee is warm, let it cool before mixing.

Related: Easy Cinnamon Spice Rum Iced Coffee

Add chocolate and vanilla

Drizzle a small amount of chocolate sauce into the shaker and add a splash of vanilla extract. A little simple syrup can be added if you prefer a sweeter cocktail.

Add a pinch of cinnamon, fill the shaker with ice, cover, and shake vigorously until the mixture is well-chilled and the flavors are combined.

Related: Bright Lemony Rum-Tini

Shake, strain, and pour a Pick Me Up Martini

Chill a martini glass if you like, and drizzle a little chocolate sauce along the inside for a decorative and flavorful touch. Strain the shaken cocktail into the glass and finish with a garnish—small cubed brownie bites are a fun, indulgent option.

If you prefer a less boozy version, reduce the vodka to 1 1/2 oz. You can also serve this on the rocks in a rocks glass over fresh ice rather than strained into a martini glass—both presentations taste great.

Use whatever chocolate sauce you enjoy; a deep, rich sauce adds decadence to the finished cocktail. Garnish with brownie bites or serve them on the side for a dessert-style pairing.

Make the sweetest garnish

If you have leftover brownies, cube a few and skewer them as a playful garnish. Rolling brownie cubes in a little cocoa powder gives them a cocoa-dusted finish and a polished look.

If you don’t want to skewer brownies, simply serve them on the side. Either way, they pair beautifully with this coffee martini.

There’s often leftover coffee in my house—between running after two kids and daily coffee routines, I usually have extra. A casual iced coffee is common, but sometimes I like to shake up a pick-me-up martini in honor of those customers who preferred their drinks less creamy.

This coffee martini wakes up the senses and makes a great after-dinner or holiday cocktail. Serve with a sweet garnish or a few buttery cookies for an extra treat.

How do you like it?

Do you prefer caramel instead of chocolate, or a creamier coffee cocktail? There are endless variations to explore. If you try this coffee martini or create your own twist, share how it turned out—cheers to a delicious pick-me-up!

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