This espresso martini recipe is the shaken coupe: vodka, coffee liqueur, and a shot of fresh espresso. It is not a Kahlua mudslide, not a dirty Shirley, and not homemade moonshine — those stay on their own URLs. This page is the three-ingredient coffee cocktail.
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Espresso Martini
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 cocktail 1x
Description
Classic espresso martini with vodka, coffee liqueur, and fresh espresso. Shaken and served in a coupe. From Your Daily Hit.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces (60ml) vodka
- 1 ounce (30ml) coffee liqueur (Kahlúa or similar)
- 1 ounce (30ml) fresh espresso, cooled 1 minute
- 1/4 ounce (8ml) simple syrup, optional if the espresso is very bitter
- 3 coffee beans, for garnish
- Ice, for the shaker
Instructions
- Chill a coupe or martini glass.
- Add the vodka, coffee liqueur, espresso, and optional syrup to a shaker with a full scoop of ice.
- Shake hard for 15 to 20 seconds until the tin is frosty and a thick foam forms.
- Double-strain into the chilled glass. Float three coffee beans on the foam.
Notes
Fresh espresso foams better than cold brew. If you only have instant, dissolve 1 teaspoon in 1 ounce hot water and cool. Shake longer than a gin drink — the foam is the point.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Drink
- Method: Shake
- Cuisine: Contemporary
Martini, not a mudslide
A mudslide is cream and ice cream. This is a shaken espresso drink with a thin crema. Keep them on separate pages.
Substitutions
Vanilla vodka is fine. Mr Black or another coffee liqueur works. Decaf espresso still foams if it is freshly pulled.
Mistakes to avoid
Do not use cold leftover coffee — you lose the foam. Do not under-shake. Do not serve it in a rocks glass with ice; this is an up drink.
Storage
Mix to order. You can batch the vodka and liqueur; add espresso and shake per glass.
Nutrition (estimated)
About 220 calories per cocktail without extra syrup. Estimate only.
FAQ
Can I use cold brew instead of espresso?
You can, but the foam will be thinner. Fresh espresso is what makes the crema.
How do I get a thick foam?
Shake hard with plenty of ice for a full 15 seconds. The espresso should still be slightly warm when it hits the shaker.
Is this the same as a mudslide?
No. A mudslide is creamy. This is a shaken vodka-and-espresso cocktail.
Can I make a pitcher?
Batch the vodka and liqueur. Shake each serving with espresso so the foam stays.