Kitchen & Garden

If you’re hunting for the best espresso martini recipe, this simple espresso martini cocktail recipe delivers bar-quality results with precise espresso martini recipe ml and oz measurements. Expect velvety crema, bold coffee aroma and an elegant silhouette every time.

In the guide below (best espresso martini recipe), you’ll discover:

• the best liquor for espresso martini (and why neutral vodka still wins),
• a fool-proof espresso martini cocktail recipe with coffee liqueur,
• exact ml/oz ratios for consistent balance,
• and a creamy espresso martini with Baileys and no Kahlúa variation for dessert-level indulgence.

Whether you’re a coffee aficionado, a cocktail enthusiast, or simply someone looking for a show-stopping after-dinner drink, the Espresso Martini delivers. From ingredient selection to troubleshooting foam, every step is covered so you can shake and pour flawless espresso martinis in your own kitchen.

Brief History of the Espresso Martini Cocktail

The Birth of a Modern Classic

The Espresso Martini cocktail is more than just a drink—it’s a testament. With its velvety crema, rich coffee aroma, and sophisticated glassware, this cocktail has become the go-to choice for those who want to end their evening with a jolt of energy and a dash of elegance. Born in the vibrant London bar scene of the 1980s, the Espresso Martini has since conquered the world, appearing on menus from New York to Tokyo.¹ECoffeeFinder.com (2023). The Rich History of Espresso Martini. https://ecoffeefinder.com/the-rich-history-of-espresso-martini

The Espresso Martini was invented by Dick Bradsell at Fred’s Club in London in the early 1980s. Legend has it that a supermodel asked for a drink that would “wake me up, and then fuck me up.” Bradsell combined vodka, fresh espresso, coffee liqueur, and sugar syrup, shaking it vigorously to create a creamy, caffeinated cocktail that would become a global sensation.²The Guardian’s Reporter. (2021). How the espresso martini became the world’s most notorious cocktail. https://www.theguardian.com/food/2021/oct/11/the-espresso-martini-became-the-worlds-most-notorious-cocktail

The Science of the Best Espresso Martini Recipe

What sets the Espresso Martini apart from other coffee cocktails is its texture and balance. The vigorous shaking emulsifies the oils in the espresso, creating a thick, creamy foam known as crema. This foam is not just for looks—it enhances the aroma and mouthfeel of the drink, making each sip a multi-sensory experience.³Espresso Outlet. (2024).Crema: The Science Behind Espresso’s Golden Layer. https://espressooutlet.com/blogs/blog-articles/crema-the-science-behind-espresso-s-golden-layer?

The interplay of hot and cold, bitter and sweet, is what makes this cocktail irresistible. The espresso brings bold, roasted flavors and a touch of acidity; the vodka adds clean strength and structure; the coffee liqueur sweetens and deepens the coffee notes; and the optional sugar syrup rounds out the bitterness, making the drink accessible even to non-coffee drinkers.

Why Fresh Espresso

The crema—the golden, foamy layer that sits atop a well-pulled shot of espresso—is crucial for the Espresso Martini’s signature look and texture. Only freshly brewed espresso will provide the oils and microbubbles needed for a thick, lasting foam. Using instant coffee or stale espresso will result in a flat, lifeless drink.⁴Rome Velasco. (2022). Virgin Espresso Martini. https://drinknolow.com/blogs/news/virgin-espresso-martini

Ingredient Spotlight

Yields 1 cocktail · Prep 10 min · Total 10 min

Keep your glassware in the freezer while you measure—cold glass equals longer-lasting crema. Variants with Baileys, spiced rum, non-dairy “cream,” or no-Kahlúa swaps are detailed in the Quick Variation Ideas section.

Recommended Equipment for an Espresso Martini Station

Nice-to-Have Extras

• Electric coffee bean grinder – grind to espresso fineness just before brewing for maximum aroma. BLACK+DECKER’s One Touch Coffee Grinder should be enough. Upgrade with SHARDOR Burr Coffee Grinder or binRoc Conical Burr Espresso Coffee Grinder.
• Milk-frothing thermometer – confirms espresso cools below 60 °C (140 °F) before shaking to avoid over-dilution.
• Digital scale (0.1 g accuracy) – lets you dose coffee and sugar syrups precisely, ensuring repeatable sweetness levels.

With this toolkit, you can replicate professional bar results in any home kitchen while keeping costs—and countertop clutter—manageable.

Step-by-Step Guide (with pro tips & easy swaps)

A simple espresso martini cocktail recipe is only as good as its building blocks. Use the notes below to nail the flavor, texture, and crema every time.

1. Chill the Glass
   • Freeze a 6–7 oz martini or coupe glass for ≥ 5 min to keep the crema firm and the drink ice-cold.
   • No freezer room? Fill the glass with crushed ice while you prep, then dump it before pouring.
2. Brew & Cool the Coffee
   • Pull a 1 oz espresso shot; rest it 3–5 min so it is warm, not hot. A cooler shot aerates better and avoids over-dilution.
   • No machine? Use a moka pot or AeroPress for a similar 1 oz concentrate; cold-brew concentrate also works but won’t foam as much.
3. Load the Shaker
   Into a shaker packed two-thirds with ice, add:
   • 2 oz vodka (neutral; vanilla-infused for a dessert twist)
   • 1 oz coffee liqueur — choose classic Kahlúa for sweetness or Mr Black for a drier, stronger coffee punch
   • 1 oz cooled espresso
   • 0–0.25 oz simple syrup (only if you like it sweeter or you’re using Mr Black)
   Precision matters: use a jigger so the drink stays balanced and not overly boozy.
4. Shake Like a Pro
   • Shake hard 15–20 s until the tins frost over; vigorous shaking forces micro-bubbles that build a dense, lasting foam.
   • Sensory cue: the shaker should feel painful to hold by the end—this means the drink is fully chilled.
5. Double Strain
   • Hawthorne-strain through the shaker top, then fine-strain through a mesh sieve into the frozen glass.
   • Result: a silky martini free of ice chips, crowned with a thick crema cap.
6. Garnish & Serve
   • Float three coffee beans in the center; tradition says they stand for health, wealth and happiness.
   • Serve immediately while the foam is at its peak.

Quick Variation Ideas

Craving another indulgent sipper? Try our Decadent Chocolate & Pomegranate Kiss dessert cocktail for a rich, ruby-toned nightcap.

Bartender’s Tips for Success

• Brew fresh espresso for the richest crema and boldest flavor.
• Shake harder than you think— vigorous aeration is what creates that thick, velvety foam.
• Chill everything: glass, shaker, spirits, and espresso. Cold gear preserves texture and taste.
• Double-strain to catch ice chips for a perfectly smooth sip.
• Taste and tweak: if the drink feels too bitter, add a splash of simple syrup.
• Serve immediately; crema collapses within minutes.

Creative Cocktail Variations

Serving, Pairing & Storage (Quick Guide)

• Serve: Pour into an ice-cold martini or coupe glass and float three coffee beans for health, wealth & happiness.
• Pair With:
  • Chocolate treats — brownies, mousse, tiramisu
  • Savoury bites — blue or aged cheddar, gouda
  • Nutty sweets — almond biscotti, hazelnut cookies, pecan pie
  • Other coffee cocktails — Irish Coffee, White Russian
• Safety: Contains both caffeine and alcohol; enjoy responsibly, especially if sensitive or driving.
• Make-Ahead: Mix vodka, coffee liqueur and cooled espresso, keep chilled, then shake with ice just before serving.
• Leftovers: Store any unused mixture (no ice) in the fridge up to 24 h; re-shake with fresh ice to revive the crema.

Leftovers: Refrigerate any leftover liquid (without ice) for up to 24 hours. Shake with fresh ice to rebuild the crema before pouring.

FAQs

Ready to shake up your own Espresso Martini? With the best espresso martini recipe in your hands, you’ll master every detail—from crema to garnish, and from ingredient swaps to troubleshooting. Cheers to your new signature cocktail!

Best Espresso Martini (ml/oz) – Baileys or No-Kahlúa

Kitchen & Garden

A classic 10-min Espresso Martini with precise ml/oz ratios, creamy Baileys twist, Mr Black swap for a no-Kahlúa option, plus pro tips for perfect crema every time.

5 from 2 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Course Cocktails, Drinks

Cuisine British, Modern

Servings 1 Serving

Calories 198 kcal

Equipment

• 1 Boston shaker Better aeration → thicker crema
• 1 Fine-mesh strainer Removes ice shards for silky crema
• 1 Jigger (ml/oz) Ensures accurate ratios
• 1 Espresso machine (or Moka pot) Fresh pressurised espresso
• 1 Martini or coupe glass (6–7 oz) Keep frozen for longer crema

Ingredients

  

• 2 oz (60 ml) Vodka Neutral 80-proof (e.g., Tito’s, Ketel One)
• 1 oz (30 ml) Coffee liqueur Kahlúa for classic sweetness or Mr Black for drier profile
• 1 oz (30 ml) Fresh espresso, cooled Rest 3 min before shaking
• 0 – 0.25 oz (0 – 7 ml) Simple syrup (optional) Add only if using Mr Black or a sweeter palate
• Ice cubes Fill shaker ⅔ full
• 3 Coffee beans Garnish; health-wealth-happiness

Variations

• 1 oz Baileys Irish Cream swap for coffee liqueur for creamy twist
• 2 oz spiced rum replaces vodka for a warming version
• Vegan: use Baileys Almande + maple syrup instead of simple syrup

Instructions

 

• Chill glass: Freeze a martini or coupe glass for ≥ 5 min.
  
• Pull espresso: Brew a 1 oz shot; cool 3–5 min.
  
• Load shaker: Add vodka, coffee liqueur (or Baileys/Mr Black), espresso and optional syrup over ice.
  
• Shake hard: 15–20 s until tins frost; vigorous shaking builds dense foam.
  
• Double-strain: Through Hawthorne + fine mesh into the chilled glass.
  
• Garnish & serve: Float three coffee beans; serve immediately while crema peaks.
  

Notes

Nutrition Tab (per 1 cocktail)

Calories	Carbs	Fat	Protein	Sugar
198 kcal	14 g	0 g	0.5 g	14 g

(Values based on vodka + Kahlúa; adjust if using Baileys.)

Notes

• • Make-ahead: Batch vodka, liqueur and cooled espresso; chill up to 24 h, then shake with ice per serving.
  • No-Kahlúa: Use 1 oz Mr Black + 0.25 oz simple syrup.
  • Creamy Baileys: Swap coffee liqueur for 1 oz Baileys; omit syrup.
  • Affogato version: Pour finished drink over a small scoop of vanilla gelato.
  • Safety: Contains caffeine and alcohol—limit intake if sensitive or driving.

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List of Sources

• 1
  ECoffeeFinder.com (2023). The Rich History of Espresso Martini. https://ecoffeefinder.com/the-rich-history-of-espresso-martini
• 2
  The Guardian’s Reporter. (2021). How the espresso martini became the world’s most notorious cocktail. https://www.theguardian.com/food/2021/oct/11/the-espresso-martini-became-the-worlds-most-notorious-cocktail
• 3
  Espresso Outlet. (2024).Crema: The Science Behind Espresso’s Golden Layer. https://espressooutlet.com/blogs/blog-articles/crema-the-science-behind-espresso-s-golden-layer?
• 4
  Rome Velasco. (2022). Virgin Espresso Martini. https://drinknolow.com/blogs/news/virgin-espresso-martini