Espresso Martini Mocktail

This Espresso Martini Mocktail delivers all the sophisticated flavor and creamy texture of the original cocktail without any alcohol. It combines freshly brewed espresso with a non-alcoholic coffee spirit alternative, a touch of sweetness, and a secret ingredient for that iconic foam. It's the perfect pick-me-up for any time of day. This drink offers a delicious and stylish non-alcoholic option for coffee lovers and cocktail enthusiasts alike.
Espresso Martini Mocktail

Preparation

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

This beverage is classified as both a mocktail, due to its non-alcoholic nature mimicking a classic cocktail, and a coffee drink, given its primary ingredient. It falls into the Modern Classic category because it's a contemporary, alcohol-free adaptation of a well-known modern cocktail. It perfectly suits the growing trend of sophisticated non-alcoholic beverages.

Serving

This is a cold, non-alcoholic drink served in a chilled Coupe or Martini glass. The serving size is typical for a 'short' cocktail, focusing on intensity over volume.
Serving size
Approximately 120 ml / 4 oz
Alcohol content
0% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Coupe or Martini glass
Glass treatment
Chilled

Backstory

The original Espresso Martini was famously created by bartender Dick Bradsell in London in the late 1980s. This mocktail version is a modern adaptation, born from the growing demand for sophisticated non-alcoholic beverages that don't compromise on taste or presentation. It captures the essence of the original's 'wake me up and...' spirit, providing the uplifting coffee kick without the alcohol.
Origin
This is a modern, 21st-century creation inspired by the original Espresso Martini from the United Kingdom (c. 1980s). The mocktail version gained popularity globally in the late 2010s and 2020s with the rise of the low-and-no alcohol movement.

Espresso Martini Mocktail

The drink is commonly known as an Espresso Martini Mocktail. Alternative names like Virgin Espresso Martini or Non-Alcoholic Espresso Martini simply clarify its alcohol-free nature. The name Espresso Faux-tini is a more playful take, emphasizing that it is a non-alcoholic imitation of the classic cocktail.
Original name
Espresso Martini Mocktail
Alternative names
  • Virgin Espresso Martini
  • Non-Alcoholic Espresso Martini
  • Espresso Faux-tini

Characteristics overview

This drink features a deep, rich coffee flavor with a balanced bitterness and sweetness, crowned by a velvety, frothy texture. Its appearance is striking, with a dark body and a thick, creamy foam, offering a sophisticated sipping experience year-round.
Flavor
Coffee, Rich, Slightly sweet, Roasted, Earthy
Aroma
Roasted coffee, Subtle vanilla, Caramel notes
Taste balance
Balanced, Bitter, Sweet
Aftertaste
Clean, Lingering coffee flavor
Fizziness
None
Color appearance
Dark brown, Opaque, Thick crema-like foam top
Texture
Frothy, Creamy, Smooth, Velvety
Seasonality
All-season, Refreshing

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor is dominated by the pleasant bitterness of coffee and a high level of creaminess from the foam, with a mild sweetness to balance it all out. It is completely non-alcoholic and still, with no carbonation.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This recipe requires chilled fresh espresso, a non-alcoholic coffee spirit for depth, simple syrup for sweetness, and aquafaba for creating the signature frothy top. All ingredients are readily available and alcohol-free.
  • Freshly Brewed Espresso60 ml / 2 oz
    Must be chilled before use to prevent melting the ice too quickly.
  • Non-alcoholic Coffee Spirit30 ml / 1 oz
    Brands like Lyre's Coffee Originale or an alcohol-free coffee liqueur work well. If unavailable, use an extra 1 oz of strong, chilled coffee.
  • Simple Syrup15 ml / 0.5 oz
    Adjust to taste. Maple syrup or agave nectar can be used as alternatives.
  • Aquafaba15 ml / 0.5 oz(optional)
    The liquid from a can of chickpeas. This is the key to a thick, stable, vegan foam. A pasteurized egg white can be used for a non-vegan version.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

You will need a standard cocktail shaker set, including a Hawthorne and a fine mesh strainer, to properly mix, chill, and strain this mocktail. A jigger is essential for measuring ingredients accurately.
  • Cocktail shaker for chilling and mixing ingredients.
  • Hawthorne strainer to hold back ice when pouring.
  • Fine mesh strainer for double-straining to achieve a smoother foam.
  • Jigger or measuring tool for accurate ingredient portions.

Instructions

The process involves chilling the espresso and glass, shaking all ingredients vigorously with ice, and double-straining into the glass. The final touch is the classic three-bean garnish before immediate serving.
1. Prepare your espresso and allow it to cool down completely. You can place it in the freezer for 5-10 minutes to speed this up.
2. Chill your Coupe or Martini glass by filling it with ice or placing it in the freezer.
3. Fill a cocktail shaker three-quarters full with ice cubes.
4. Add the chilled espresso, non-alcoholic coffee spirit, simple syrup, and aquafaba to the shaker.
5. Secure the lid tightly and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds. The shaker should become frosty on the outside.
6. Discard the ice from your chilled glass. Double-strain the mixture from the shaker into the glass to ensure a silky-smooth foam.
7. Garnish by carefully placing three coffee beans on top of the foam. Serve immediately.

Garnishing

The traditional garnish for an Espresso Martini is three coffee beans, said to represent health, wealth, and happiness. They are carefully placed on the center of the foam after pouring.
  • Three coffee beans, floated on the center of the foam in a petal formation.

Dietary Information

This drink contains caffeine but is otherwise very allergen-friendly. It is alcohol-free, dairy-free, egg-free, gluten-free, and nut-free, making it suitable for both vegan and vegetarian diets.
✕ Contains alcohol
✕ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This is a relatively low-calorie mocktail, with around 60-80 calories per serving. The carbohydrate and sugar content comes primarily from the simple syrup and can be reduced by using less or a sugar-free alternative.
Calories
Averagely 60-80 kcal / 251-335 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Approximately 12-15 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Approximately 10-13 g
Sugar level

Occasions

Perfect as a sophisticated after-dinner drink, this mocktail also shines at brunch or any social gathering. It's an excellent celebratory beverage for those avoiding alcohol or simply a stylish afternoon pick-me-up.
  • After-dinner drink
  • Social Gathering
  • Brunch
  • Celebration
  • Afternoon Pick-me-up

Pairing suggestions

This mocktail pairs beautifully with coffee-based or chocolate desserts like tiramisu and dark chocolate truffles. Simple, crisp cookies such as biscotti or shortbread also complement the rich coffee flavor perfectly, making it an excellent dessert accompaniment.
  • Tiramisu
  • Dark chocolate truffles
  • Biscotti or shortbread
  • Coffee-flavored desserts

The Ultimate Espresso Martini Mocktail: All the Froth, None of the Fuzz

The Espresso Martini Mocktail is a sophisticated and delicious non-alcoholic drink that perfectly mimics its classic counterpart. It boasts a rich coffee flavor, a velvety texture, and the signature creamy foam top, making it an ideal choice for a celebratory toast, an after-dinner treat, or a stylish afternoon pick-me-up. Easy to prepare, it only requires a few key ingredients to achieve its classic look and taste without any alcohol.