Espresso Martini
A sophisticated caffeinated cocktail that perfectly balances rich espresso with smooth vodka and sweet coffee liqueur. The ultimate after-dinner pick-me-up.
Prep Time
5 min
Glass
Coupe
Difficulty
Medium
Ingredients
Instructions
Pull a fresh shot of espresso and allow it to cool slightly.
Add vodka, coffee liqueur, espresso, and simple syrup to a shaker.
Fill shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15 seconds.
Double strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass.
Garnish with three coffee beans floated on the foam.
Pro Tips
Use freshly pulled espresso — the crema creates the perfect foam layer.
Shake extra hard to emulsify the espresso and create that signature froth.
Swap vodka for aged rum for a deeper, caramel-like complexity.
The Story
Created in 1983 by legendary bartender Dick Bradsell at Fred's Club in London. A model asked him for something that would 'wake me up and then mess me up.' He combined vodka with fresh espresso, and a modern classic was born. The drink experienced a massive revival in the 2020s, becoming one of the most ordered cocktails worldwide.
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