Espresso Martini Cocktail Recipe
Espresso Martini Nutrition Facts
Calories:230
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:16g
Alcohol:14%
Created by
Nic Polotnianko
I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.
Last Updated: August 23, 2024
Contents
History
The Espresso Martini was created in the late 1980s by legendary British bartender Dick Bradsell at the Soho Brasserie in London. It is said that a famous model asked for a drink that would 'wake her up and mess her up' at the same time, and thus, the Espresso Martini was born. Since then, it has become a popular choice for coffee and cocktail lovers alike.
- Originally called the 'Vodka Espresso'
- Became popular in the 1990s and early 2000s
- A modern classic cocktail
How Espresso Martini Tastes?
The Espresso Martini is a rich, velvety, and slightly sweet cocktail with a strong coffee flavor and a hint of bitterness. It has a creamy texture and a frothy top, making it a luxurious and indulgent drink.
Interesting facts about Espresso Martini
- The Espresso Martini is sometimes called a 'Pharmaceutical Stimulant' due to its caffeine content
- It's a great after-dinner drink or pick-me-up cocktail
- There are many variations of the Espresso Martini, including those made with flavored vodkas, liqueurs, or different types of coffee
Ingredients
- Vodka: 50ml
- Espresso: 30ml
- Coffee liqueur: 15ml
- Simple syrup: 10ml
- Ice: As needed
- Three coffee beans: For garnish
A few good options for Espresso Martini are:
- Grey Goose
- Belvedere
- Khor
- Smirnoff
Vodka
The vodka is the backbone of this cocktail, providing a neutral spirit that pairs perfectly with the bold coffee flavors. Using 50ml gives just the right kick without overpowering the espresso. Skimp on this and your cocktail might feel like a flat latte; overdo it and you're at a college party again.
Mary Mitkina
Espresso
Freshly brewed espresso at 30ml adds the vital coffee punch. It's rich, robust, and wakes the cocktail— and possibly you— right up. If the espresso is too weak, the drink becomes insipid; too strong, and it might just overshadow the other flavors.
Alex Green
Coffee Liqueur
At 15ml, the coffee liqueur amplifies the coffee flavor and adds a touch of sweetness. Think of it as the supporting actor that could steal the show if given too much of a role – balance is key. Swap it for a chocolate liqueur and hello, mocha martini!
Emma Rose
Simple Syrup
Just 10ml rounds out the drink, taming the bitterness of the coffee. Without it, you might be puckering more than sipping. But with too much, you'd swear you were drinking dessert.
Mary Mitkina
Ice
This unseen hero chills and dilutes the drink to perfection as needed. No ice? Expect a lukewarm handshake from an old friend. Ice is non-negotiable.
Alex Green
Three Coffee Beans
The traditional garnish not only looks elegant but also adds a subtle aroma that enhances the first sip. Three is the magic number – one for health, one for wealth, and one for happiness. Or so the tradition goes.
Emma Rose
Recipe. How to make Espresso Martini Drink
- Chill a martini glass by filling it with ice and setting it aside
- Combine ingredients in a cocktail shaker: 50ml vodka, 30ml freshly brewed espresso, 15ml coffee liqueur, and 10ml simple syrup
- Fill the shaker with ice and seal it tightly
- Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds, or until the outside of the shaker becomes frosty
- Discard the ice from the martini glass and strain the cocktail into the glass
- Garnish with three coffee beans, arranged in a triangle on top of the frothy surface
Pro Tips
- Use freshly brewed espresso for the best flavor
- Shake vigorously to create a nice frothy top
- Chill the glass before serving to keep the cocktail cold longer
Perfect Pairings
Desserts
- Chocolate Desserts: The rich flavors of chocolate pair beautifully with the coffee notes in the Espresso Martini.
- Nut-Based Desserts: Almond biscotti or walnut brownies complement the nutty tones that can come from the coffee.
Savory Snacks
- Charcuterie: A platter featuring cured meats and aged cheeses balances the Espresso Martini's sweetness and can cleanse the palate.
- Salted Nuts: Saltiness offsets the sweetness and the booze, making for a perfect bar-side snack.
Cheese
- Creamy Cheeses: Think brie or camembert, which can be a nice contrast to the cocktail's bold flavors.
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What you could change in Espresso Martini
- Vodka: Can be replaced with rum for a different flavor profile
- Espresso: Strong brewed coffee can be used if espresso is not available
- Coffee Liqueur: Can be substituted with a chocolate liqueur for a mocha martini
Explore all drinks starting with E here
And of course - twists🍹
The Nutty Irishman
- Substitute the vodka with Irish cream and add a splash of hazelnut liqueur.
- Flavor Profile: Creamier with a nutty undertone.
- Why Make It: Sometimes our souls cry out for a hint of Ireland and a dash of nuttiness, all in a creamy embrace. Perfect for St. Paddy's or when you're just feeling a wee bit whimsical.
The Caramel Macchiato Martini
- Amp up the espresso, substitute coffee liqueur with caramel vodka.
- Flavor Profile: A sweet and velvety kiss of caramel with each sip.
- Why Make It: For those days when your sweet tooth dictates your cocktail choice. It's like your favorite caramel macchiato decided to dress up for a night out.
Spicy Mocha Martini
- Mix in chocolate liqueur with a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Flavor Profile: A playful dance of spicy and sweet, with a chocolatey twist.
- Why Make It: When life's too bland, spice it up! The warmth of the pepper will light a little fire in your belly and heart, while chocolate smooths everything over.
In case you forgot basics how to make Espresso Martini
The basic composition of simple syrup is relatively straightforward – a 1:1 ratio of sugar and water. This mixture is heated until the sugar dissolves, resulting in a clear, sweet syrup.
Learn everything about simple syrupAdd your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.
Learn everything on how to shakePlace your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.
Learn everything on how to strainGarnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).
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Frequently Asked Questions on Espresso Martini
What kind of vodka is best for an Espresso Martini?
A high-quality, neutral-tasting vodka is best for an Espresso Martini to highlight the flavors of the coffee.
Are there any specific coffee beans recommended for Espresso Martinis?
Arabica coffee beans are usually preferred for their balanced acidity and sweetness, but the choice largely depends on personal preference.
Do I need a special kind of shaker for making Espresso Martini?
Any good-quality cocktail shaker would work. However, a shaker with a built-in strainer allows for easier pouring.
How do I get that nice frothy top on an Espresso Martini?
The froth forms when the drink is shaken vigorously. The shaking process creates aeration, which leads to the formation of small bubbles on top.
Can I make an Espresso Martini without alcohol?
Yes, simply substitute the vodka and coffee liqueur with coffee and extra simple syrup.
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