International · Drinks

Espresso Martini

Vodka, coffee liqueur and a shot of fresh espresso shaken hard until it wears a thick hazelnut crema. It only works with genuinely fresh coffee.

4.8(2,811)Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 2811 reviews 5 min total Serves 1 servings Easy
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Espresso Martini — international drinks recipe, served and ready to eat
Ingredients and preparation for espresso martini
Ingredients and preparation for espresso martini

Method

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  1. Chill a coupe or martini glass in the freezer for at least 10 minutes.

  2. Pull a fresh shot of espresso. Do not let it stand — you have about a minute before it stops foaming properly.

  3. Fill a cocktail shaker two-thirds with ice.

  4. Add the vodka, coffee liqueur, sugar syrup and the hot espresso.

  5. Shake as hard as you can for 15 to 20 seconds, until the shaker is painfully cold and heavily frosted.

  6. Double-strain through a fine sieve into the chilled glass — this catches ice shards and gives a cleaner foam.

  7. Let it settle for 20 seconds so the crema rises, then float three coffee beans in the centre and serve.

Chef’s Tips

  • Fresh espresso only. Cold brew, instant or yesterday's coffee will not produce a crema.
  • Shake harder and longer than feels necessary. The foam is the whole point.
  • Adjust the sugar to your coffee — a darker roast needs a little more.

Pairing Suggestions

  • Serve after dinner in place of dessert
  • Excellent with a square of dark chocolate
  • A good match for tiramisu

Storage & Reheating

Mix to order. The espresso cannot be made ahead. Sugar syrup keeps 1 month refrigerated.

Nutritional Highlights

Per serving, calculated from the ingredient list. Treat these as an estimate — brands and cuts vary.

212Calories
0gProtein
14gCarbs
0gFat
0gFibre
12gSugar
5mgSodium

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