Espresso Martini
The Espresso Martini is a chic and invigorating cocktail that perfectly balances the bitterness of coffee with the sweetness of liqueur and the clean kick of vodka. It is characterized by its dark, alluring appearance and the signature creamy, frothy head, often garnished with three coffee beans. This drink is a popular choice for an after-dinner drink, a pick-me-up before a night out, or for any coffee lover seeking a sophisticated alcoholic beverage. It's a modern classic that has gained immense popularity worldwide.
Preparation
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Preparation time
Difficulty
Drink Classification
The Espresso Martini is classified as a modern classic cocktail. It is a coffee-flavored cocktail served as an after-dinner drink or a digestif. It is not a true martini as it contains no gin or vermouth.
Serving
Served chilled in a classic Martini or Coupe glass, this is a relatively strong cocktail with an ABV of around 25-30%. The drink is small in volume but packs a punch in both flavor and effect.
Serving size
Approximately 100-120 ml / 3.5-4 oz
Alcohol content
Around 25-30% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Martini glass or Coupe glass
Glass treatment
Chilled
Backstory
The Espresso Martini was created in the early 1980s by British bartender Dick Bradsell at the Soho Brasserie in London. According to Bradsell, a famous model walked in and asked for a drink that would "wake me up, and then f**k me up". He combined vodka, sugar, coffee liqueur, and a shot of fresh espresso from the bar's machine, and a legend was born.
Origin
London, United Kingdom, created in the early 1980s.
Espresso Martini
Originally named the "Vodka Espresso" by its creator, Dick Bradsell, it was also briefly known as the "Pharmaceutical Stimulant". The name "Espresso Martini" eventually became the most popular and widely recognized. This name highlights its key ingredients and its presentation in a V-shaped martini glass.
Original name
Vodka Espresso
Alternative name
Pharmaceutical Stimulant
Characteristics overview
This drink offers a bold aroma of roasted coffee and a rich, bittersweet flavor profile. Its appearance is striking, with a deep brown liquid topped by a velvety crema, and it provides a smooth texture with a warming coffee aftertaste.
Flavor
Rich coffee, bittersweet, smooth, bold
Aroma
Roasted coffee, vanilla, sweet liqueur
Taste balance
Bitter, sweet
Aftertaste
Lingering coffee, clean, warming
Fizziness
None
Color appearance
Deep dark brown, almost black, with a thick, creamy, pale-tan foam head (crema)
Texture
Smooth, creamy, velvety, rich
Seasonality
All-season, energizing, sophisticated
Flavor intensity & Experience
The Espresso Martini has a balanced sweetness and bitterness with no sourness or saltiness. It has a high alcohol strength and a rich, creamy texture from the foam, but is not carbonated.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation
Ingredients
This cocktail requires three core ingredients: a neutral vodka, a rich coffee liqueur like Kahlúa, and a shot of hot, freshly brewed espresso. Simple syrup can be added to adjust the sweetness to your preference.
- Vodka50 ml / 1.7 ozA good quality, neutral vodka is recommended.
- Coffee Liqueur25 ml / 0.85 ozKahlúa or Tia Maria are popular choices.
- Freshly Brewed Espresso25 ml / 0.85 ozMust be hot and freshly brewed to create the best foam.
- Simple Syrup5-10 ml / 0.15-0.3 oz(optional)Adjust to taste, or omit if you prefer a less sweet drink.
Ice type
- Cubed
Mixing equipments
You will need a cocktail shaker and strainer to mix and chill the drink, along with a jigger for accurate measurements. An espresso machine is essential for creating the fresh, hot coffee shot needed for the signature foam.
- Cocktail shaker for shaking ingredients with ice
- Strainer (Hawthorne or fine mesh) for pouring into the glass
- Jigger for measuring ingredients
- Espresso machine or method to make strong coffee
Instructions
The key to a great Espresso Martini is shaking the ingredients—vodka, coffee liqueur, and fresh espresso—vigorously with ice. This creates the signature velvety foam, which is then strained into a chilled glass and garnished.
1. Chill your serving glass (Martini or Coupe) by filling it with ice or placing it in the freezer.
2. Brew a fresh, hot shot of espresso and let it cool for a moment.
3. Fill a cocktail shaker with cubed ice.
4. Pour the vodka, coffee liqueur, hot espresso, and simple syrup (if using) into the shaker.
5. Seal the shaker tightly and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds. This is crucial for creating the thick, creamy foam.
6. Empty the ice from your chilled glass.
7. Double-strain the mixture into the chilled glass to ensure a smooth texture and a perfect foam top.
8. Garnish with three coffee beans placed gently on the center of the foam.
9. Serve immediately while the foam is fresh.
Garnishing
The classic garnish is three coffee beans placed carefully on top of the creamy foam. They are said to represent health, wealth, and happiness.
- Three coffee beans arranged in a petal shape on the foam
Dietary Information
This cocktail contains caffeine and is typically dairy-free, egg-free, nut-free, and vegan, though it's always best to check the specific brand of coffee liqueur used. It is also generally gluten-free, but those with severe sensitivities should verify the vodka brand.
✓ Contains alcohol
✕ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly
Nutrition information
Per serving, this cocktail contains approximately 200-250 calories and 15-20 grams of carbohydrates, almost all of which are sugars from the liqueur and any added syrup.
Calories
Averagely 200-250 kcal / 837-1046 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 15-20 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 15-20 g
Sugar level
Occasions
This cocktail is perfect as a sophisticated after-dinner digestif or a stylish pick-me-up to start an evening. It's an excellent choice for cocktail parties and celebrations. Its energizing qualities make it a popular drink for a night out.
- After-dinner drink
- Night out
- Cocktail party
- Celebration
Pairing suggestions
The Espresso Martini pairs wonderfully with sweet treats, especially those with chocolate or coffee flavors like tiramisu or rich chocolate cake. It also complements simple biscotti for dipping. For a savory option, a mild cheese board can balance the drink's sweetness and bitterness.
- Chocolate desserts
- Tiramisu
- Biscotti
- A cheese board with mild cheeses
Espresso Martini: The Ultimate Sophisticated Pick-Me-Up
The Espresso Martini is a modern classic cocktail renowned for its ability to both energize and relax. Created in the 1980s, it combines vodka, coffee liqueur, and fresh espresso to produce a drink that is rich, smooth, and beautifully balanced between sweet and bitter. Its most distinguishing feature is the thick, creamy foam that crowns the dark liquid, traditionally garnished with three coffee beans. Perfect as an after-dinner drink or a sophisticated start to a night out, the Espresso Martini is a worldwide favorite for coffee and cocktail lovers alike.
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