Espresso Martini Cocktail

Bold, silky, and irresistibly energizing, the Espresso Martini turned coffee culture into nightlife culture. A perfect balance of vodka, fresh espresso, and sweet coffee liqueur, crowned with its iconic creamy top and three coffee beans for good luck.

How to Mix It

1Brew fresh espresso and let it rest for 10–15 seconds.

2Add espresso, vodka, coffee liqueur, and simple syrup to a shaker.

3Shake hard with plenty of ice to create the signature foam.

4Double strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass and garnish with three coffee beans.

Experience

The Espresso Martini is a cocktail that transports you — a journey that begins with its aroma alone. For coffee lovers, it’s the perfect bridge from the workday into happy hour, or the ideal warm-up before a night out in the city.
But there’s something more emotional at play: the Espresso Martini is a comfort cocktail.
Just like comfort food connects us to childhood or memories of home, this drink brings back the familiar warmth of early-morning kitchen aromas — the smell of coffee drifting through the house as you opened one sleepy eye before school.
A sip of that foam, and suddenly it’s nostalgic, energizing, and irresistible all at once.

A Touch of History

Legend has it the Espresso Martini was created for a woman. Dick Bradsell, the iconic London bartender, once received a guest who asked for a cocktail that would “wake her up and give her energy.”
Inspired by the challenge, he combined vodka — the trendiest spirit of the era — with freshly pulled espresso from the bar’s new machine.
The result became a global phenomenon and one of the most defining cocktails of the modern era.

Pro Tips

• Use freshly brewed espresso — the foam is richer, thicker, and visually stunning.
• Choose a dry, dark Colombian-style coffee for deeper flavor.
• Shake harder than usual; vigorous aeration creates the perfect velvety foam.
• Freeze your coupe glass ahead of time for a chilled, elegant serve.

Variations

• Irish Cream Espresso Martini – Creamy, confort, Baileys Original Irish Cream Liqueur popular variation.
• Mezcal Espresso Martini – Smoky, bold, unconventional.
• Salted Caramel Espresso Martini – Dessert-like richness with caramel notes.
• Irish Espresso Martini – Replace vodka with Irish whiskey for warmth and depth.

FAQ

Does the espresso need to be fresh?
Yes — fresh hot espresso is essential for proper foam and aroma.

Can I make it less sweet?
Reduce or remove simple syrup and choose a drier coffee liqueur.

Can I batch Espresso Martinis?
Yes — but shake each serving individually to rebuild the foam.