A frothy, boozy blend of bold espresso, smooth vodka, and the right touch of sweetness—the espresso martini is having a major moment. This classic cocktail has returned with a modern edge, and it’s better than ever.
With a refined take on the original recipe, this iconic drink has reclaimed its spot as a luxurious indulgence. Ideal as a nightcap or a celebratory pick-me-up, the updated espresso martini balances rich coffee flavor with a velvety, frothy finish. Ready your shaker and glass—this one’s simple to make and impressive to serve.
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How to make an espresso martini
You’ll be surprised how easy this cocktail is to prepare.
The Espresso Martini was invented by British bartender Dick Bradsell in the 1980s. Legend has it he created the drink at Soho Brasserie in London when a young model asked for something that would “wake me up and mess me up.”
While the original formula was simply vodka, espresso, and Kahlua, the contemporary espresso martini leans toward craft-cocktail techniques and more nuanced ingredients. For one cocktail, combine 1.5 ounces of vodka, 1 ounce of freshly brewed espresso, 0.5 ounce of chicory liqueur or coffee liqueur, and 0.5 ounce of brown sugar simple syrup in a shaker filled with ice.
Shake vigorously to create a rich crema, then strain into a chilled martini glass, coupe, or Nick and Nora glass.
Why are there three espresso beans as a garnish?
The tradition of three coffee beans as a garnish traces back to Italian customs, notably the Sambuca con la mosca. The three beans symbolize health, wealth, and happiness—an elegant, simple wish for good fortune that also looks stylish on the frothy surface.
What makes an espresso martini frothy?
The froth is one of the defining features of the best espresso martini. Freshly brewed espresso produces the rich crema that creates a lasting foam on top of the cocktail. If you don’t have an espresso machine, you can try very strongly brewed coffee or a chilled concentrate and shake vigorously to encourage some froth, but it won’t replicate the same creamy texture you get from true espresso.
Many home bartenders use single-serve espresso machines for convenience. Fresh espresso yields the best froth and helps the drink hold its garnish.
Substitutes for Kahlua
If you prefer alternatives to Kahlua, chicory liqueur is an excellent option that brings depth and a slightly different coffee note. You can also use other coffee liqueurs, homemade coffee liqueur, espresso liqueurs when available, or Tia Maria. Each swap adjusts the flavor profile slightly—try a few to find the balance you prefer.
If you love this espresso cocktail, you might also enjoy these other modern classics:
- Aperol Cosmopolitan
- Paper Plane Cocktail
- Limoncello Lemon Drop
📖 Recipe
Espresso Martini
Ingredients
- 1.5 ounces vodka use a good quality vodka
- 0.5 ounces Hoodoo or coffee liqueur chicory or coffee liqueur
- 1 ounce espresso freshly brewed
- 0.5 ounces brown sugar simple syrup see notes
- ice cubes enough to fill shaker
- 3 beans espresso beans garnish
Equipment
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Cocktail shaker
Instructions
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Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Pour all ingredients over the ice, secure the lid, and shake vigorously until well chilled and foamy.
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Strain into a chilled cocktail glass, coupe, or Nick and Nora glass. Garnish with three coffee beans.