Want more cocktail ideas? The Espresso Martini is on our list of the top 50 Most Popular Cocktails. Why we love this recipe: Alex and I are cocktail experts with over 300 cocktail recipes in our library, and we’re homemade coffee drink enthusiasts. As you might expect, this combination of both is a fast favorite over here. We love mixing up this frothy, cool, bittersweet drink for friends and family—or ourselves, for a fun at-home date night! There are several variations on what a Espresso Martini recipe looks like. The original version had two types of coffee liqueur and simple syrup. Today, it really varies based on on the bartender. Per the International Bartender Association’s list of IBA official cocktails, the Espresso Martini ingredients are:
Vodka Kahlua or coffee liqueur, like Tia Maria or Sheridan Espresso or double strength coffee or cold brew concentrate Simple syrup
Use half the simple syrup, which still lets the flavors shine. Make an Espresso Martini recipe with no simple syrup. Kahlua has added sugar, so combining it with vodka and espresso still makes for a sweet and balanced drink.
Espresso: You can use an espresso machine or portable espresso maker to make an espresso shot. You can also use non-traditional tools like making French press espresso. Strong coffee or Moka Pot: Simply make strong coffee using double the grounds of your regular method. You can also use a Moka Pot (Bialetti) to make strong coffee that has a flavor in between espresso and coffee. Cold brew concentrate: You can also make an Espresso Martini using cold brew concentrate, either purchased or homemade. This has the added benefit of already being chilled! The concentrate is very strong and has a similar flavor to espresso (make sure not to water it down before using).
Kahlua is a coffee liqueur that’s made in Mexico. It’s made with rum, sugar and coffee. It does have some caffeine, but only about 25% as much as the same volume of coffee. The standard Kahlua is dairy-free, vegan and plant-based: it contains only rum, sugar and coffee. How much does Kahlua cost? It costs about $20 per bottle. What are some substitutes for Kahlua? You can also use other types of coffee liqueur, like Tia Maria or Sheridan’s. What other cocktails use Kahlua? Use it to make Kahlua drinks like the White Russian, Black Russian or Mudslide.
Mix up a White Russian or Black Russian, classic cocktails made with vodka and Kahlua. Try a classic Irish Coffee, or other spiked coffees like Amaretto Coffee, Kahlua Coffee, Spanish Coffee or a Carajillo. Try the Espresso Margarita instead.
Frequently asked questions
5 from 2 reviews To convert to tablespoons, 1 ounce = 2 tablespoons.
