Very few cocktails are as polarising as the espresso martini. While it enjoys a steadfast following, a substantial percentage of coffee lovers don’t see the merit of mixing a stimulant like coffee with a high-proof vodka. Not to mention, most bartenders across the globe are wary of making single portions of espresso martini during busy nights, given how much time it takes to make and chill an espresso shot.
However, the foamy cocktail’s origin story has a glamorous origin story which seems quite fitting. It’s widely believed that the first ever espresso martini was made at London’s Soho Brasserie in the eighties, by the legendary bartender Dick Bradsell.
The story goes that a famous supermodel (widely believed to be Naomi Campbell) requested Bradsell to make her a drink that would ‘wake me up and then f**k me up.’ Bradsell had used the herb-forward Polish Zubrowka vodka to make the iconic cocktail and blended it with Kahlúa, and freshly brewed espresso.
The cocktail marries the intensity and bold richness of espresso with the smoothness of vodka and the sweet complexity of coffee liqueur. While the predominant flavour in an espresso martini is, coffee, it’s played up by the vodka’s clean and neutral base, resulting in a sophisticated and well-balanced concoction with just the right amount of bitterness. If you’re looking to make an espresso martini at home, follow these amazing recipes!
Classic Espresso Martini
The classic espresso martini has a perfectly balanced profile; it's intensity is matched by the sweetness of the liqueur, although it's pretty to moderate the flavours
Ingredients:
1 ½ oz vodka
1 oz coffee liqueur (e.g., Kahlúa)
1 oz freshly brewed espresso
½ oz simple syrup
Ice cubes
Method
Brew a shot of espresso and let it cool to room temperature. In a shaker, combine vodka, coffee liqueur, espresso, and simple syrup.
Add ice to the shaker and shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds.
Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
Optional: Garnish with a few coffee beans on top.
Vanilla Espresso Martini
This one has a subtle floral accent courtesy the vanilla essence; it underscores the espresso's intensity perfectly. Go for this if you're opting for an espresso martini during the daytime
Ingredients:
2 oz vanilla vodka
1 oz coffee liqueur
1 oz freshly brewed espresso
½ oz vanilla syrup
Ice cubes
Method
Brew a shot of espresso and let it cool to room temperature.
In a shaker, combine vanilla vodka, coffee liqueur, espresso, and vanilla syrup.
Add ice to the shaker and shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds.
Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a vanilla bean or a twist of orange peel.
Salted Caramel Espresso Martini
Salted caramel can add some more depth to a regular espresso martini; this is the perfect drink for non-coffee drinkers since it has a more pleasing aftertaste.
Ingredients:
1 ½ oz caramel vodka
1 oz coffee liqueur
1 oz freshly brewed espresso
½ oz salted caramel syrup
Ice cubes
Method:
Brew a shot of espresso and let it cool to room temperature. In a shaker, combine caramel vodka, coffee liqueur, espresso, and salted caramel syrup.
Add ice to the shaker and shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds.
Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a pinch of sea salt or a caramel drizzle.
Spiced Mocha Espresso Martini
Fancy a zesty espresso martini? Try this creative number which uses spiced rum. You can top off your drink with rum or use it as the base liquor.
Ingredients:
1 ½ oz spiced rum
¾ oz coffee liqueur
¾ oz chocolate liqueur
1 oz freshly brewed espresso
Ice cubes
Method
Brew a shot of espresso and let it cool to room temperature.
In a shaker, combine spiced rum, coffee liqueur, chocolate liqueur, and espresso.
Add ice to the shaker and shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds.
Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a dusting of cocoa powder or a cinnamon stick