Best Espresso Martini Recipe (2024)

Published: May 3, 2023 by Morgan Peaceman · This post may contain affiliate links · 3 Comments

Classic co*cktails never go out of style, especially this espresso martini. This recipe for the best espresso martini is made with delicious bailey's, shaken over ice, and is excellent for a Sunday funday with the gals, or after dinner treat.

Espresso martinis are known as an after-dinner aperitif, but otherwise, they are suitable all year long!

This was inspired by my other fancy co*cktails such as my citrus spritz, honey apple cider sangria, and more!

What are the ingredients for this recipe?

Making co*cktails shouldn't take too many ingredients, otherwise it can easily go out of balance. This recipe is very standard, so let's see what we need:

• Vodka:There are so many vodka choices out there, but I tend to stick to either Van GoghVodka, Tito's, or a classic Ketel One.
• Coffee Liquor: In testing this recipe, I used Frangelico, but it doesn't do the same as Kahlua. Ihighly recommend Kahlua in this espresso martini.
• Espresso:If you can't use espresso, you can use a black cold brew coffee can or cold-brewed coffee.
• Bailey's:I added the Bailey's IrishCream in this version, but you can opt to leave it out.

See the recipe card below for specific information about quantities.

How do I make this recipe?

Making this recipe is quick, easy, and will be worth brewing espresso for!

In a shaker, add ice, then pour in the vodka, cold espresso or cold brew, coffee liquor and baileys. Shake until the mixture becomes frothy.

Pour into a martini glass and top with three espresso beans.

HINT: You could add an egg white to the martini to give an additional frothy texture!

Recipe Swaps and Substitutions

This is a standard, classic, very recognizable espresso martini, however, if you want to switch things up, here's what I would suggest:

• Kahlua - instead of using Kahlua, if you don't have it or want to get it, if you have Frangelico, it will work, I tested it, and it was okay, as I recommend Kahlua, but it can still work!
• Espresso - if you don't want to make fresh espresso, cold brew coffee works too
• Vodka - I would not use any other alcohol or spirit here other than vodka, however there are a variety of different brands of vodka to choose from!

Serving Variations

Now that we've covered making a classic version of this recipe, let's switch up how to serve it!

• Frozen - add the entire co*cktail to a blender with ice and make it a frozen co*cktail!
• Peppermint - add a drop of peppermint to spruce it up.
• Bailey's Irish Cream - I tested this recipe with the addition of bailey's, but you don't have to!

All you really need for this recipe is a few simple bar tools and you'll be sipping on deliciousness in no time.

• co*cktail shaker
• Jiggers:Measuring the amount of alcohol that goes into co*cktails is something I learned the hard way, but also when I was a bartender. It is important to measure the ingredients to get that "just right" taste and balance. co*cktails are all about balance!
• Frother:This is optional, if you want to make the espresso martini super frothy on top.

How do I store this drink?

I wouldn't necessarily make this martini to reserve for another time or as a leftover. However, if you have leftovers, you could make it into ice cubes and add to iced coffee! That would be a VERY exciting coffee morning.

Hungry for More?

Looking for other recipes like this? Try these: