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Best espresso martini cocktail recipe

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
Total Time 10 minutes
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.
    Best espresso martini cocktail recipe
  • Pull espresso: Brew a 1 oz shot; cool 3–5 min.
    Espresso martini cocktail preparation
  • Load shaker: Add vodka, coffee liqueur (or Baileys/Mr Black), espresso and optional syrup over ice.
    Espresso martini brewing
  • Shake hard: 15–20 s until tins frost; vigorous shaking builds dense foam.
    Best espresso martini recipe: An espresso martini cocktail in a glass
  • Double-strain: Through Hawthorne + fine mesh into the chilled glass.
    Espresso martini cocktail recipe preparation: Double strain
  • Garnish & serve: Float three coffee beans; serve immediately while crema peaks.
    Espresso martini served in three V-shaped glasses and garnished

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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