23 Best Espresso Martini Recipes To Share With Friends

Published:

This page may contain compensated links. For more information read our disclaimer here.

Get ready to elevate your mixology skills with our collection of the best espresso martini recipes. From classic and timeless concoctions to modern and unique espresso martini flavors, this guide is your passport to a world of coffee cocktail delights.

Whether you’re a fan of Baileys, Tequila, or just crave a hint of cream, peppermint or pumpkin spice in your espresso martinis, we’ve got you covered. We’ll even delve into the secrets of crafting a perfect foamy espresso martini and answer your espresso martini cocktail questions.

So, join us as we explore the rich history and diverse flavors of this classic cocktail and all the delicious espresso martini variations you can make at home and share with friends.

collage of espresso martinis with text espresso martini drink recipes.

What’s In An Espresso Martini?

The espresso martini is believed to have been created by Dick Bradsell in London in the 1980s.

Perhaps the most well known coffee cocktail (although the Siciliano is equally as tasty), the drink is a simple combination of spirits, coffee and liqueur with a gorgeous foamy crema and the signature three coffee beans resting on top.

Typically served in a martini or coupe glass, the ingredients and ratios in the classic espresso martini recipe are:

  • 2 oz (60 ml) vodka
  • 1 oz (30 ml) espresso
  • 1/2 oz (15 ml) coffee liqueur
  • 1/4 oz (7.5ml) simple syrup

While martini purists like to point out that the espresso martini isn’t actually a martini at all (it lacks gin and vermouth), the drink is firmly cemented in cocktail bar menus and continues to be one of the most popular coffee drinks with alcohol.

classic espresso martini cocktail drink in coupe glass on dark background.

Popular Espresso Martini Variations

Like all popular drinks, things evolve over time, people experiment and before you know it there are dozens of espresso martini variations to try!

So in this espresso martini recipes guide we share some of the most popular espresso martini flavors – recipes that have a unique twist on this beloved cocktail recipe.

Whether you love Baileys, Chocolate Liqueur, Tequila or Gin, there are countless ways to incorporate your favorite spirit or liqueur into an espresso martini cocktail recipe.

As well as different flavors, you can also experiment with the ratios of espresso martini ingredients to create unique espresso martinis.

You might notice many of these espresso cocktail recipes have similar ingredients, but different proportions of coffee, liqueur and base spirit.

This tinkering is all part of the fun when making cocktail drinks at home. Some ways you can adjust the recipes to your taste include:

  • If you love a stronger coffee flavor, increase the espresso or coffee liqueur ratio.
  • For a stronger cocktail, increase the base spirit ratio.

So, if you’ve always wanted to know how to make an espresso martini at home, read on, because we have some awesome recipes to share with you!

Don’t forget to check out our answers to some of your most common espresso martini questions at the end of the article so you can make the best espresso martinis at home!

Espresso Martini Recipes

Get ready to channel your inner bartender with these incredible espresso martini recipes.

From classic to modern and truly unique espresso martini variations, you are sure to find a new favorite espresso martini cocktail in this list.

Espresso Martini FAQs

What Coffee Liqueur Is Best For An Espresso Martini?

Kahlua is the most popular coffee liqueur for espresso martinis, but other good options include Tia Maria and Mr Black coffee liqueur.

Can You Use Strong Coffee Instead Of Espresso For An Espresso Martini?

Yes, you can use moka pot, cold brew, french press or filtered coffee instead of espresso. Just ensure you brew a strong batch as you don’t want weak coffee in your coffee martini.

What Is The Secret To A Foamy Espresso Martini?

The beautiful layer of crema on an espresso martini is produced when you vigorously shake hot coffee with ice and liqueur in a cocktail shaker.

The oils in the coffee combined with the sugar from the liqueur and the CO2 produced when shaking the ingredients with ice produces the foam you see on the drink.

Pin to save for later!

collage of espresso martini cocktails with text overlay 23 unique and tasty espresso martini drink recipes.

More Alcoholic Coffee Recipes

If you loved these espresso martini variations, you may also like to check out these great boozy coffee recipes:

Discover more coffee drinks recipes here or browse all our coffee recipes.

Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Photo of author

Rachel Rodda

Founder of Creators of Coffee, Rachel is a passionate coffee lover, SCA member and former barista. Her favorite brewing method is espresso - although cold brew is a close second. She loves to research all things coffee to share with other home baristas what want to make great coffee at home.

Comments

Leave a Comment

Have a question, comment or rating? Please leave it below! Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *