Best Espresso Martini - Tastefully Grace (2024)

Nothing beats an espresso martini that you can enjoy right at home! This easy espresso martini recipe is the best, with tips and tricks along the way to make that restaurant-quality, showstopping frothy finish and deliciously balanced coffee flavor.

This espresso martini recipe gives YOU the power to choose! Some like to use Kahlua, that yields an intense coffee flavor. Some like the creaminess of Baileys. Some like to both Kahlua and Baileys (like me!) to enjoy the best of both worlds! Regardless of your coffee liqueur preference, I’ll show you how to make the espresso martini of your dreams, from start to finish.

We all know that espresso martinis make the best after dinner drink before dessert with a cheese board and bacon jam or with something sweet like these wicked good brown butter chocolate chip cookies. You also can’t go wrong with an espresso martini pre-dinner during co*cktail hour as a pick-me-up!

Easy Espresso Martini

There’s so many reasons to love this espresso martini recipe. Here’s just a few reasons why you’ll love it!

• Best flavor: this espresso martini recipe is the perfect mix between coffee flavor and creaminess, the two essential components of a great espresso martini!
• Coffee kick: coffee lovers! Espresso Martinis provide a caffeine boost, making them a favorite for coffee lovers like me.
• Versatility: as a dessert co*cktail, an aperitif, or a happy hour favorite, espresso martinis are great for any occasion.
• 4 ingredients: espresso martinis are great to make at home because they only require 3-4 ingredients (vodka, espresso, and Kahlua and/or Baileys).
• Customization: The classic recipe can be personalized with different vodka brands, coffee liqueurs, amounts of espresso, and garnishes based on your preferences.

Espresso Martini Recipe Ingredients

• Vodka – good quality, unflavored vodka is the classic base for an espresso martini.
• Coffee liqueur – use whatever coffee liqueur you like! I recommend Kahlua for a strong coffee tasting espresso martini, or Baileys for a creamier espresso martini. My secret trick is to use both Kahlua and Baileys for a creamy, yet rich coffee flavored espresso martini.
• Espresso – you’ll need one shot of espresso for this recipe! You can use regular or decaf espresso.
• Ice – you’ll need a handful of ice to chill your drink down while shaking it.
• Instant espresso or coffee beans (optional garnish) – I love garnishing my co*cktail with some instant espresso instead of coffee beans, so that way you aren’t trying to sip around the coffee beans floating in your martini (which is the traditional way)!

How to Make An Espresso Martini

Kitchen Equipment Needed

You really only need a few tools to make an espresso martini at home:

• co*cktail shaker and strainer (or mason jar or blender bottle with lid)
• A jigger (or 1 tablespoon measure which is close to ½ ounce)
• A martini glass (or other glass) to serve!
• An espresso maker or some way to make espresso.

Pro Tips for Making This Recipe

• Add ½ ounce simple syrup if you like your martini extra sweet!
• You can use gin instead of vodka if preferred, however keep in mind that gin has a more floral, herbaceous quality.
• Garnish your co*cktail with a pinch of instant espresso (my favorite way), coffee beans (the classic way), chocolate covered espresso beans, or a dusting of cocoa powder. I prefer the instant espresso garnish so that way you aren’t trying to push away coffee beans with your lips while drinking!
• Shaking your co*cktail vigorously will yield that frothy, foamy “head” on your co*cktail.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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