Classic espresso martini recipe

Learn how to make a classic Espresso Martini with my easy recipe! This coffee cocktail is strong, sweet, and delicious, with a creamy, foamy top and topped with coffee beans. It makes the perfect after-dinner drink after a big meal, but is just as good to get the party started! If you love coffee, I urge you to try any coffee lovers dream cocktail, the Espresso Martini! Technically, it’s not a true martini because it doesn’t contain any vermouth, but it’s served in traditional martini glasses and has become just as iconic. It’s strong but sweet, rich, smooth, and utterly delicious! It’s pretty much like your after-dinner coffee, liqueur, and dessert all in one. The best part is how quick and easy it is to make; all you need is four easy ingredients and a cocktail shaker. I retested this recipe to show you why a cocktail shaker is so important in creating that iconic foamy top! More on that below. If you want to impress at your next dinner party, serve this alongside your dessert to really blow your guests away, at a happy hour, or serve it at the start of the night to really kick things off! Coffee – make sure to use strong, fresh espresso coffee, preferably brewed in a machine with plenty of crema on top! If you don’t have an espresso machine, you can substitute the espresso with a cold brew concentrate (however, it won’t be as foamy on top with this swap— more on that below). One kind of coffee to avoid when making this cocktail is instant coffee. It just won’t taste like a true Espresso Martini without proper espresso or brewed coffee. Coffee Liqueur – this is essential to sweetening the martini and imparting a stronger coffee flavor to the martini. I prefer Mr. Black brand— this is a coffee and vodka liqueur that tastes amazing, is slightly sweetened, and really gives this cocktail the best flavor. If you can’t find Mr. Black, use any other kind of coffee liqueur like Tia Maria or Kahlúa! Kahlúa is a rum-based coffee liqueur that is most commonly used in espresso martinis and will taste delicious in this recipe, too. Vodka – use your favorite vodka here; it doesn’t need to be expensive! Simple syrup – this is used to add a touch of sweetness to the cocktail and mellow the flavors of the strong coffee and vodka. You can buy simple syrup in bottles or make it by bringing equal amounts of water and sugar to a boil, then leaving it to cool completely. You can adjust the level of sweetness in your cocktail by using more or less simple syrup. Coffee beans – these are a traditional and fun garnish, but not necessary for taste.