The Espresso Martini isn’t a dessert—it’s a drink for the final round: cold, strong, and with the bite of freshly brewed coffee. Here, the neutrality of Vodka meets the roasted aromas of espresso—no foam, no sweetness, just sharp edges. Perfect when the night isn’t over yet, but the next morning has already begun.
And this is what you need for the Espresso Martini
4 cl Vodka
2 cl 1:1 sugar syrup
1 freshly brewed espresso (approx. 5 cl, cooled)
1 splash of coffee liqueur (optional, for added depth)
What matters most
The espresso must be *fresh*—no older than 30 minutes. If it sits too long, it oxidizes and tastes sour or metallic. Important: The espresso shouldn’t be too heavily sweetened, or the drink will taste cloying. For a professional touch, brew the espresso directly into a pre-chilled glass so it cools quickly. And: The coffee grounds on the crema aren’t just for show—they release a subtle aroma when you crush them between your lips.
Variations
- White Russian Martini — Replace the espresso with 3 cl coffee liqueur and 2 cl cream. Gently stir in the cream after shaking so the drink is creamy but not too heavy.
- Mocha Martini — Add 1 cl chocolate syrup and garnish with grated dark chocolate. Make sure the syrup isn’t too sweet—less is more, and you can always adjust to taste.
- Spiced Espresso Martini — Add 2 dashes of orange bitters and a pinch of cinnamon to the shaker. The bitters enhance the coffee’s roasted notes without overpowering the drink.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use cold drip coffee instead?
No. Cold drip coffee is too watery and lacks the necessary intensity. An espresso brings the right concentration of aromas and acidity—anything else tastes like diluted coffee with Vodka.
Why isn’t my Espresso Martini foamy?
Because you didn’t shake it enough or the ice is too old. The drink needs vigorous shaking to form the crema—similar to how espresso itself works. If the ice melts before the drink is cold, it dilutes the mixture and kills the foam.
Can I skip the sugar syrup?
Yes, but then the drink will taste harsher and less balanced. The syrup rounds off the coffee’s bitterness. If you prefer it drier, reduce it to 1 cl or replace it with a splash of vanilla syrup.
