The Perfect Espresso Martini Recipe to Make at Home
Crave’s Cocktail Guide: In this series, we show you how to make classic cocktails at home with simple ingredients and easy step-by-step instructions.
I love coffee. I love vodka. I love cocktails. So it probably comes as no surprise that I also love an espresso martini.
In fact, it’s usually my go-to dessert order in restaurants when I simply cannot manage another bite of food. Somehow, even when I’m completely full, I can always manage one more drink — and an espresso martini feels just indulgent enough to count as pudding.
Rich, smooth and topped with that signature creamy foam, it’s one of those cocktails that feels a little bit glamorous but is actually surprisingly simple to make at home.
With just a few ingredients and a good shake, you can recreate the same bold coffee flavour and velvety texture you’d expect from a good cocktail bar.
What Is an Espresso Martini?
The espresso martini was created in the 1980s by London bartender Dick Bradsell, who reportedly invented the drink when a customer asked for something that would “wake me up and then mess me up.”
The result was a clever combination of vodka, coffee liqueur and freshly brewed espresso, shaken hard with ice to create the cocktail’s signature creamy foam.
Today it’s one of the most popular cocktails in bars across the UK and beyond.
Ingredients
To make one espresso martini you will need:
- 40ml vodka
- 20ml coffee liqueur (such as Kahlúa)
- 30ml freshly brewed espresso (cooled slightly)
- 10ml sugar syrup (optional, depending on taste)
- Ice
To garnish:
- 3 coffee beans
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Fine strainer (optional)
- Martini glass
How to Make the Perfect Espresso Martini
Making an espresso martini is all about the shake. The vigorous shaking is what creates that signature foam on top.
Step 1: Brew the espresso
Make a fresh shot of espresso and allow it to cool slightly so it doesn’t melt the ice too quickly.
Step 2: Add ingredients to the shaker
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add the vodka, coffee liqueur, espresso and sugar syrup if using.
Step 3: Shake hard
Shake vigorously for around 15–20 seconds. The more energy you put into the shake, the better the foam will be.
Step 4: Strain into a glass
Strain the cocktail into a chilled martini glass.
Step 5: Garnish
Finish by placing three coffee beans on the surface of the foam.
Tips for the Perfect Espresso Martini
Use fresh espresso
Freshly brewed espresso creates the best foam and gives the drink a richer flavour.
Shake harder than you think
A strong shake aerates the cocktail and creates the creamy top layer espresso martinis are known for.
Chill your glass
Placing your martini glass in the fridge or freezer for a few minutes helps keep the cocktail colder for longer.
Espresso Martini Variations to Try
Once you’ve mastered the classic version, there are plenty of ways to experiment.
Vanilla Espresso Martini
Add a splash of vanilla syrup for a sweeter, dessert-style cocktail.
Salted Caramel Espresso Martini
Use salted caramel syrup for a richer, indulgent twist.
Chocolate Espresso Martini
Add a small amount of chocolate liqueur for a mocha-inspired drink.
A Cocktail That Never Goes Out of Style
The espresso martini has remained popular for decades for good reason. It combines the bold flavour of coffee with the smooth kick of vodka, creating a drink that works equally well as an after-dinner cocktail or a late-night treat.
Best of all, once you know how to make one properly, you’ll never need to order it in a bar again.
Basic Cocktail Equipment
If you’re planning to make cocktails at home regularly, having a few simple tools makes the process much easier. The good news is that you don’t need a full professional bar setup to make most classic cocktails.
A few essentials will cover almost every drink.
Cocktail shaker
A shaker is essential for mixing cocktails properly and creating the smooth, chilled finish that drinks like espresso martinis are known for.
Jigger (measuring tool)
A jigger helps measure spirits accurately so the balance of flavours in your cocktail is just right.
Strainer
Used to strain cocktails into the glass while keeping ice and small ingredients behind.
Bar spoon
Useful for stirring cocktails such as negronis, martinis and old fashioneds.
Citrus juicer
Fresh lime or lemon juice makes a big difference in cocktails like margaritas and mojitos.
Martini or coupe glasses
Many classic cocktails are served in these elegant glasses, which also help keep drinks cold.
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Joanne Brook-Smith is a writer and editor with two decades of publishing experience. She launched Crave Magazine during the Covid period to create a fresh, inspiring space for food, travel and lifestyle content.
