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.
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.
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.
Classic Espresso Martini Recipe
The perfect balance of bitter and sweet flavors, there's a reason this espresso martini recipe is a classic.
With just 3 ingredients it's the one of the best espresso cocktails to enjoy with friends.
Frangelico Espresso Martini
For Frangelico cocktail lovers, this recipe for an espresso martini with Frangelico is a delicious modern take on the classic drink.
The hazelnut flavor blends perfectly and the cocktail retains the classic look of an espresso martini.
Eggnog Espresso Martini
Celebrate the holidays in style with our eggnog espresso martini recipe! A delightful twist on a classic cocktail favorite, this eggnog martini is the ultimate holiday cocktail.
Tequila Espresso Martini
This Espresso Martini variation uses tequila instead of vodka as the base liquor.
So if you're not a fan of vodka, or just love Tequila more, this is a fun twist on the espresso martini ingredients.
The tequila adds extra depth of flavor to the drink and is a super fun alternative to the standard cocktail recipe.
Espresso Martini with Baileys
Baileys is one of the most popular Espresso Martini variations, and this espresso martini with baileys recipe is a delicious, smooth, chocolatey delight.
It is the perfect dessert cocktail and guaranteed to impress that special person in your life!
Chocolate Coffee Martini
This coffee martini is for all the chocolate lovers! With a sweet, chocolatey taste the combination of strong coffee, chocolate liqueur and vodka is a winner.
Gin Espresso Martini
Martini afficionados will tell you the classic Espresso Martini recipe isn't technically a martini as it doesn't contain gin or vermouth.
So for the gin martini lovers, you have to try this delicious Gin Espresso Martini recipe!
Pumpkin Spice Espresso Martini
If you love to serve seasonal cocktails, this Pumpkin Spice Espresso Martini recipe is one of the best Fall Themed Cocktails for pumpkin spice lovers!
All the classic martini ingredients are combined with an aromatic pumpkin spice syrup to produce a warming, slightly sweet Fall cocktail you may just fall in love with.
Peppermint Espresso Martini
Calling all Holiday cocktail lovers - this Peppermint Espresso Martini is such a fun twist on the classic recipe.
Perfect for Christmas or New Years Eve cocktails, the peppermint syrup and cream pair perfectly with the espresso martini ingredients to create a unique and festive cocktail for the holidays.
Viral TikTok Parmesan Espresso Martini
If you love to try new drinks trends, this unconventional cocktail is certainly a unique twist on a classic recipe!
The combination of sweet and salty flavors works remarkably well and it is sure to be a talking point at your next party!
Classic Espresso Martini
If you prefer a slightly sweeter cocktail but want to stay true to the og espresso martini recipe, this classic espresso martini with 4 ingredients is a great option.
With equal measures of espresso, vodka and coffee liqueur, the coffee flavor is more pronounced, then sweetened with the addition of simple syrup.
Frozen Espresso Martini
For the ultimate fun Summer party cocktail, try this frozen espresso martini recipe.
With equal measures of espresso, vodka, coffee liqueur and Baileys it is a super refreshing creamy pick me up!
Baileys Espresso Martini with Gin
For Gin Espresso Martini fans, here is another recipe to try, this time with a creamy Baileys twist.
This modern cocktail is such a good choice for parties and special occasions with a lovely look and delicious creamy finish.
Creamy Salted Caramel Espresso Martini
For lovers of the salted caramel macchiato and white russian cocktail, this salted caramel espresso martini recipe is sure to be a hit!
The combination of espresso, Kahlua, vodka, caramel syrup and cream is perfectly rich, sweet and creamy.
Chai Espresso Martini
Attention dirty chai latte fans - you're going to love this Chai Espresso Martini recipe!
Cozy and aromatic, the spicy chai flavors are perfect for anyone looking for Winter cocktail recipes or festive cocktails for the holidays!
Baileys Peppermint Espresso Martini
This smooth and minty martini is such a fun holiday cocktail for your next party.
With just three ingredients it is simple to prepare and tastes so good!
Cuban Espresso Martini
This cuban espresso martini is a clever twist on the classic recipe thanks to the addition of cuban coffee, or cafecito to balance the bitter and sweet cocktail flavors.
It couldn't be easier to mix up this recipe, and you don't even need an espresso machine!
Creamy Mr Black Espresso Martini
If you've tried to love the classic espresso martini, but find it too bitter, then try this creamy espresso martini recipe.
With the addition of a small amount of cream and the amazing Mr Black coffee liqueur, this espresso martini variation is super smooth.
Espresso Martini Recipe with Kahlua
With a different ratio of vodka, coffee liqueur and espresso and the addition of a honey syrup, this espresso cocktail is such as great twist on this adored cocktail recipe.
With less intense coffee flavors and a subtle honey sweetness, this is an elegant and smooth coffee cocktail to serve at your next dinner party.
Creamy Espresso Martini Mocktail
Looking for an espresso martini mocktail? Try this creamy alcohol free espresso martini recipe.
With a similar look to the Baileys espresso martini, it is a strong and creamy non-alcoholic pick me up.
Virgin Espresso Martini
Want to skip the alcohol but don't want creamy either? Try this virgin espresso martini recipe.
With four simple ingredients this recipe is a tasty non-alcoholic mocktail version of the traditional espresso martini drink.
Espresso Martini Shots
Perfect for parties or when a regular espresso martini keeps you up at night, these espresso martini shots are super cute and such a great way to serve espresso martini cocktails to a crowd.
Oat Milk Espresso Martini
If you love a creamy cocktail drink but are looking for a dairy free espresso martini recipe without Baileys, try this recipe.
WIth the classic recipe measures of espresso, coffee liqueur and vodka, it adds a touch of oat milk for extra creaminess to smooth out and sweeten the drink.
Pumpkin Spice Espresso Martini Cocktail
For something completely different, this pumpkin spice espresso cocktail is a super indulgent variation on the theme!
The aromatic pumpkin spice syrup and whipped cream topping turn this espresso martini into the ultimate Fall inspired cocktail!
Espresso Martini FAQs
Kahlua is the most popular coffee liqueur for espresso martinis, but other good options include Tia Maria and Mr Black coffee liqueur.
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.
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.
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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.
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These all look amazing!!