The best espresso martini recipe: how to make it at home

The classic espresso martini recipe

The best espresso martini recipe at home requires two ounces of vodka, half an ounce of coffee liqueur, and one ounce of fresh espresso. Combine these ingredients in a shaker with plenty of ice and shake vigorously for at least 15 seconds. Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or martini glass to achieve the signature separation of dark liquid and light foam.

Using high-quality ingredients is essential because this cocktail has very few components. While the vodka provides the punch, the coffee liqueur adds sweetness and depth. According to Difford's Guide, the balance between the bitter coffee and sweet liqueur is what creates a professional-grade drink.

How to get the foam on an espresso martini

The thick, creamy foam on top of an espresso martini is created by the proteins in the coffee and the air incorporated from shaking. To get the best foam, you must use fresh espresso that still has its crema — the tan-colored foam on top of a pulled shot. If the espresso is old or stale, the cocktail will look flat.

Shaking technique is the second factor. You must use large ice cubes and shake with enough force to create tiny air bubbles within the liquid. Once you finish shaking, strain the drink immediately. Waiting even 30 seconds can cause the foam to begin breaking down before it hits the glass.

Which coffee works best

Because vodka is a neutral spirit, the coffee provides almost all the flavor in this cocktail. A medium-dark or dark roast is the standard choice because it offers the chocolate and caramel notes that pair best with liqueur. Old Crow Cuppa Joe by Red Rooster is an ideal choice for its bold, chocolaty profile.

If you prefer a more intense, traditional flavor, an extra dark bean like Italian Roast by Oren's will stand up to the alcohol without getting lost. You can browse dark roasts great for espresso to find a variety of beans that work well in cocktails.

Variations: Kahlúa vs coffee liqueur, cold brew vs espresso

While many people use Kahlúa, any high-quality coffee liqueur will work. Some modern craft liqueurs are less sweet and have a more authentic roasted flavor. If your liqueur is very sweet, you may want to decrease the amount to keep the drink balanced.

Using cold brew concentrate is a popular alternative if you do not have an espresso machine. As Serious Eats notes, cold brew concentrate can work, but it lacks the natural crema of espresso. This means your cocktail may have less foam than one made with a fresh shot.

Tips for making a batch for a party

If you are hosting a group, you can pre-mix the vodka and coffee liqueur in a bottle. However, you should still pull the espresso fresh for each round of drinks to ensure the foam is at its peak. Punch suggests that the history of this drink is rooted in the ritual of the fresh pull, so do not skip that step.

To speed up the process, you can pull several double shots of espresso and keep them in a small pitcher at room temperature. 

Frequently asked questions

What is the best coffee for an espresso martini?

The best coffee for an espresso martini is a fresh, dark roast espresso. The bold flavors of a dark roast provide the necessary strength to balance the vodka and sweetness of the liqueur. Freshness is key for creating the thick foam.

How do you get foam on an espresso martini?

You get foam by using fresh espresso with its natural crema and shaking the cocktail vigorously with ice. The shaking process aerates the proteins in the coffee, creating the frothy layer that sits on top of the drink.

Can I use cold brew instead of espresso in a martini?

You can use a strong cold brew concentrate, but the results will be different. Cold brew lacks the oils and crema found in espresso, so the drink will have less foam and a smoother, less acidic flavor.

What vodka is best for an espresso martini?

A clean, neutral vodka is best for an espresso martini. You want the coffee to be the star of the drink, so avoid flavored vodkas that might clash with the roast profile of your beans.

Selecting the right cocktail beans

The espresso martini is only as good as the espresso. A fresh, bold shot from a medium-dark or dark roast holds up to the vodka without getting lost. Using high-quality, roasted-to-order beans ensures the aromatics are at their peak. Trade's dark roast collection ships directly from independent roasters to your door. To find the perfect bean for your next cocktail night, take the taste quiz.