If you're a die-hard coffee fan, your go-to drink bars or clubs is probably something like a black Russian or white Russian. What you might not realize is that there's actually a whole host of other caffeine-filled, coffee-flavored cocktails that'll abate your late-night coffee cravings or give you something with extra kick for brunch.
Interested in expanding your cocktail horizons and scratching your coffee itch? These are espresso martini recipes to add a much-needed kick.
Espresso Martini
A classic espresso martini is far from your average coffee martini. Vodka meets espresso meets coffee liqueur for an evening drink that'll taste like your morning cup of joe with a little something extra. And it is just as boozy and delicious as you imagine.
Ingredients
- 1¾ ounces vodka
- 1 ounce espresso, freshly brewed
- ¾ ounce coffee liqueur
- Ice
- Three whole espresso beans for garnish
Instructions
- Chill a martini glass or coupe.
- In a cocktail shaker, add ice, vodka, espresso, and coffee liqueur.
- Shake to chill.
- Strain into the chilled glass.
- Garnish with the espresso beans.
Wondering how to get that tasty looking foam on top of your espresso martini? Shake, shake, shake! That's thanks to the freshly brewed espresso. Double strain for a thicker foam.
Caramel Espresso Martini
A beautiful mix between a caramel macchiato and an espresso, this caramel espresso martini creates a caramel kiss that's buzzing with flavor, caffeine, and spirits.
No caramel vodka? No problem. Add a half ounce of caramel syrup, instead.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces caramel vodka
- 1 ounce espresso, freshly brewed
- ¾ ounce coffee liqueur
- Ice
Instructions
- Chill a martini glass or coupe.
- In a cocktail shaker, add ice, caramel vodka, espresso, and coffee liqueur.
- Shake to chill.
- Strain into the chilled glass.
Cinnamon Espresso Martini
Perfect for people who like to have a little spice in their life, this cinnamon espresso martini gets its heat from the ever beloved liquor, Fireball whiskey. If cinnamon whiskey is a bridge too far, go ahead and use a vanilla, brown sugar, or peanut butter whiskey.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces coffee liqueur
- 1 ounce Fireball whiskey
- ½ ounce espresso, freshly brewed
- Ice
- Cinnamon stick and ground cinnamon for garnish
Instructions
- Chill a martini glass or coupe.
- In a cocktail shaker, add ice, coffee liqueur, cinnamon whiskey, and espresso.
- Shake to chill.
- Strain into the chilled glass.
- Garnish with a cinnamon stick and ground cinnamon.
Wake Up Call Martini
This cocktail recipe will absolutely give you the wake up call that you're looking for after long days spent at the office or toiling away on your latest project. Ring, ring!
Ingredients
- 2 ounces espresso, freshly brewed
- 1 ounce gin
- ½ ounce simple syrup
- Ice
- Whole espresso or coffee beans for garnish
Instructions
- Chill a martini glass or coupe.
- In a cocktail shaker, add ice, espresso, gin, and simple syrup.
- Shake to chill.
- Strain into the chilled glass.
- Garnish with the whole espresso beans.
Morning Breakfast Martini
There's nothing wrong with starting your day off with a sweet breakfast, and this martini can give you that pep in your step that chocolate waffles and powdered sugar French toast normally do.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces vanilla vodka
- 1 ounce espresso
- ½ ounce maple whiskey
- ¼ ounce crème de cacao
- Ice
- Bacon strip for garnish
Instructions
- Chill a martini glass or coupe.
- In a cocktail shaker, add ice, vanilla vodka, espresso, maple whiskey, and crème de cacao.
- Shake to chill.
- Strain into the chilled glass.
- Garnish with a bacon strip.
Citrus Espresso Martini
Mix your morning glass of orange juice with your cup of joe by whipping up a glass of this citrus espresso martini. Wait, wait, wait, not literally. But those soft, sweet orange flavors of the liqueur add the perfect brightness to the bitter flavors of the espresso.
Ingredients
- 1 ounce vodka
- ¾ ounce coffee liqueur
- ¾ ounce orange liqueur
- ½ ounce espresso
- Ice
- Orange twist for garnish
Instructions
- Chill a martini glass or coupe.
- In a cocktail shaker, add ice, vodka, coffee liqueur, orange liqueur, and espresso.
- Shake to chill.
- Strain into the chilled glass.
- Garnish with an orange twist.
Ways to Garnish an Espresso Martini
From subtle to grand, there are a bunch of cool ways that you can garnish an espresso martini. Are you a traditionalist, or do you dream of modern looks for your buzz-worthy martini? These can get you started.
- The quintessential way to garnish an espresso martini is to place three espresso beans on the top of your finished drink. It's an old superstition that these represent health, wealth, and happiness.
- Incorporate morning ingredients like bacon or maple syrup into your garnishes for a true breakfast of champions. Better yet, use a bacon garnish when using a vodka or bourbon infused with bacon.
- Shaving some dark, milk, or white chocolate onto the top of your finished drink will add a hint of sweetness to an otherwise strong, slightly bitter cocktail.
- An unusual way to garnish an espresso martini is to add a citrus peel or twist, given that these drinks aren't usually centered on citrus flavors; however, the bright colors contrast beautifully with the drink's earth tones.
- Top with a pinch of ground spices, such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin spice.
Espress-o Your Delight
Like laughter, espresso martinis are contagious. Once a friend starts sipping, the envy over the espresso martini has but one cure: to order one for yourself. And yes, you can absolutely use decaf espresso if you're someone who is only looking for a buzz from spirits. Whatever recipe you use to get your buzz-buzz on, it'll definitely be contagious.
