Coffee Martini Recipe: A coffee martini (often referred to as an Espresso Martini) is the perfect blend of sophistication and stimulation. It’s where the bold, roasted flavor of espresso meets the smooth, crisp kick of vodka—creating a cocktail that’s both energizing and elegant. With its rich crema on top and deep aroma, it’s like having your favorite cup of coffee dressed up in a tuxedo. It’s no surprise that this cocktail is a crowd-pleaser among both coffee addicts and cocktail lovers.
Born in the 1980s and originally created by legendary bartender Dick Bradsell, the coffee martini was made at the request of a model who wanted something to “wake her up and mess her up.” And just like that, a legend was born.
Why This Drink Is So Popular
The coffee martini isn’t just tasty—it hits that rare sweet spot between comfort and class. Think about it: the boldness of espresso wakes your senses while vodka gives you that gentle buzz. It’s perfect after a meal, during a celebration, or anytime you want to impress. And with coffee being such a huge part of many people’s daily routines, why not carry that obsession into the evening with a cocktail twist?
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating the perfect coffee martini starts with choosing high-quality, balanced ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
Core Ingredients:
- Freshly brewed espresso (30 ml / 1 oz)
- Vodka (45 ml / 1.5 oz)
- Coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa – 30 ml / 1 oz)
- Ice (for shaking)
- Coffee beans (for garnish – optional)
Each of these ingredients plays a role in taste, texture, and appearance. Let’s break down how to choose the best of each.
Choosing the Right Coffee
Freshly brewed espresso is the heart of the coffee martini. Don’t settle for instant coffee—it just won’t do. Ideally, you want strong, high-quality espresso that’s freshly brewed right before mixing. The crema (foam) from espresso also adds that gorgeous top layer when the drink is shaken well.
If you don’t have an espresso machine, you can use:
- Moka pot coffee – close to espresso strength
- Strong cold brew – smoother but less frothy
Avoid pre-brewed bottled coffee, unless it’s ultra-fresh or cold-pressed with high caffeine.
Types of Vodka for a Coffee Martini
Vodka makes up the alcoholic base of your drink, so the quality matters. A smooth, clean vodka works best—no need for overly flavored ones unless you’re going for a twist (like vanilla vodka).
Recommended brands:
- Grey Goose
- Tito’s
- Absolut
- Belvedere
Stick to something neutral so the coffee flavor can shine.
Espresso vs Coffee Liqueur: Do You Need Both?
Yes, ideally. Espresso gives you the bitter boldness, while the coffee liqueur sweetens and softens the overall flavor. Kahlúa is the most popular choice, but Tia Maria or Mr Black are great alternatives. Together, they balance bitterness and sweetness, making each sip incredibly smooth.
Equipment You’ll Need
The Essentials:
- Cocktail shaker – to blend and froth
- Jigger or measuring tool – for accuracy
- Strainer – to pour a clean cocktail
- Chilled martini or coupe glass – presentation is key
Optional Add-Ons:
- Espresso machine or Moka pot
- Cocktail picks for garnish
- Microplane or grater (for chocolate shavings, if desired)
How to Prepare a Coffee Martini – Step-by-Step Guide
Time to bring everything together. Here’s how to make a coffee martini that tastes as amazing as it looks.
Step 1: Brew Your Espresso
Use fresh espresso—preferably a dark roast with chocolatey notes. Brew it right before mixing to get the most flavor and crema.
Pro Tip: Let it cool for 1–2 minutes before shaking so it doesn’t melt the ice too fast.
Step 2: Chill the Glass
Fill your martini glass with ice or pop it in the freezer for 5 minutes. A cold glass helps preserve the crema and keeps your drink refreshing.
Step 3: Measure and Add Ingredients
Into your shaker, add:
- 45 ml vodka
- 30 ml coffee liqueur
- 30 ml freshly brewed espresso
- A small scoop of ice
Optional: Add 10 ml simple syrup if you like it sweeter.
Step 4: Shake Like a Pro
Seal your shaker and give it a vigorous shake—at least 15–20 seconds. You want it ice-cold and frothy.
Shake until your hands feel like they’re freezing. That’s how you know it’s ready.
Step 5: Strain and Pour
Using a fine mesh strainer, pour your cocktail into the chilled glass. This prevents ice shards from ruining the silky finish.
Step 6: Garnish for the Finish
Top it with 3 coffee beans (classic look) or even a dusting of cocoa powder or shaved chocolate if you’re feeling fancy.
The result? A gorgeous, creamy-topped martini that looks like it came straight from a cocktail bar.
Tips for the Perfect Coffee Martini
Creating a coffee martini that hits all the right notes is both an art and a science. Want that rich flavor, smooth texture, and signature frothy top every single time? Here are the insider secrets to make your cocktail bar-worthy:
1. Frothy Top: The Mark of a Great Coffee Martini
That beautiful foam layer on top? It’s what separates a decent martini from a stunning one. To get that frothy crema:
- Use fresh espresso with crema still intact.
- Shake hard and fast. You need to aerate the mixture.
- Double strain to avoid ice chips, which can ruin the texture.
2. Ice Quality Actually Matters
Don’t overlook your ice! Use large, clean cubes. Cloudy or crushed ice melts faster and dilutes the drink. The goal is to chill and aerate without watering it down too much.
3. Adjust Sweetness to Your Taste
Not a fan of too much sweetness? Cut back on the coffee liqueur or skip the simple syrup. Prefer a dessert-like treat? Add a splash of vanilla vodka or flavored syrup like hazelnut or caramel.
4. Balance is Key
The standard ratio is:
- 1.5 oz vodka
- 1 oz coffee liqueur
- 1 oz espresso
But you can tweak it. Want more coffee kick? Up the espresso. Need it stronger? Add more vodka.
5. Serve Immediately
The crema fades within minutes, so serve your drink right after shaking. Timing is everything.
Variations of the Coffee Martini
Once you’ve mastered the classic recipe, it’s time to get creative. Here are some popular (and delicious) twists:
Baileys Coffee Martini
Swap out the coffee liqueur for Baileys Irish Cream to add a creamy, chocolatey touch. It’s perfect for dessert-style cocktails.
Spiced Coffee Martini
Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg, or infuse your vodka with vanilla or chai spices. Ideal for cozy winter nights.
Mocha Espresso Martini
Add ½ oz chocolate liqueur or 1 tsp cocoa powder to bring in those mocha vibes. Garnish with a chocolate rim for extra drama.
Vegan/Dairy-Free Option
Use plant-based cream liqueurs (like almond or oat-based ones), and ensure your coffee liqueur is dairy-free. You won’t miss the milk!
When to Serve a Coffee Martini
This cocktail isn’t just for one kind of event. Its versatility makes it a showstopper in multiple situations:
After-Dinner Delight
The mix of coffee and alcohol makes it the perfect digestif—something to sip after a heavy meal.
Brunch with a Kick
Move over, mimosas. A coffee martini can give your weekend brunch a bold, boozy upgrade.
Cocktail Party Star
Want to impress your guests? Serve a round of these, and watch everyone go from curious to obsessed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even though the recipe is simple, some pitfalls can ruin your drink. Avoid these and you’ll be golden:
1. Over-shaking or Under-shaking
Too much shaking? You’ll break the crema and overly dilute the drink. Too little? It won’t be cold or frothy enough. Aim for 15–20 seconds of hard shaking.
2. Using Stale Coffee
Old espresso tastes bitter or flat. Always use freshly brewed coffee.
3. Wrong Ingredient Ratios
Stick to the 1.5:1:1 ratio as your base. Deviating too much can make it too boozy, bitter, or sweet.
4. Pouring Into a Warm Glass
A warm glass kills the vibe. Always chill it beforehand.
Coffee Martini Nutrition Facts
Let’s talk numbers. A standard coffee martini contains:
| Nutrient | Amount (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 200–250 kcal |
| Alcohol | 15–20% ABV |
| Caffeine | 60–80 mg |
| Sugar (with liqueur) | 10–15g |
Want to Make It Lighter?
- Use less liqueur or switch to a lower-sugar version.
- Swap vodka for a light spirit or vodka soda mix.
- Choose espresso with no added sugar.
Pairing Ideas
A coffee martini pairs beautifully with rich or complementary flavors. Here’s how to turn it into a full experience:
Best Desserts to Serve With It
- Chocolate mousse
- Tiramisu
- Cheesecake
- Affogato (yep, more coffee!)
Savory Snacks That Work Surprisingly Well
- Salted nuts (especially almonds)
- Sharp cheeses (think aged cheddar or gouda)
- Spiced crackers or crostini
The cocktail’s bitterness balances out sweet and salty dishes alike.
Storing and Prepping Ahead
Planning a party? Here’s how to stay ahead of the game.
Can You Make It in Advance?
Yes—but not entirely. You can batch-mix vodka and coffee liqueur. Add espresso and shake right before serving to keep the crema fresh.
How to Store Leftover Mix
If you have leftovers (rare!), store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. Shake again before serving to re-froth.
Coffee Martini vs Espresso Martini
Many people use these terms interchangeably, but is there a difference?
Technically, They’re the Same
Both contain espresso, vodka, and coffee liqueur. The “espresso martini” is just a more specific term.
Some Coffee Martinis May Not Use Espresso
Some recipes use brewed coffee or cold brew instead of espresso, making them slightly lighter and less bitter.
When in doubt, just ask what’s in it!
Non-Alcoholic Coffee Martini
Want the same rich taste without the booze? Here’s how:
Ingredients:
- Fresh espresso or cold brew
- Coffee syrup or extract
- Non-alcoholic spirit (like Lyre’s Coffee Originale)
- Ice, shaker, and garnish
You still get the froth, depth, and dessert-like vibe—without the hangover.
FAQs about Coffee Martini Recipe
1. Can I use instant coffee for a coffee martini?
Technically, yes—but it won’t taste as good. Freshly brewed espresso or cold brew is the way to go for a deep, rich flavor.
2. What can I substitute for Kahlúa in a coffee martini?
Try Tia Maria, Mr Black, or a homemade coffee liqueur. You can also add simple syrup + extra espresso if you’re avoiding alcohol.
3. Why isn’t my coffee martini frothy on top?
You may not be shaking hard enough, or you didn’t use freshly brewed espresso. Make sure you also double strain the cocktail.
4. Can I make a decaf version of the coffee martini?
Absolutely! Use decaf espresso or cold brew to cut down on the caffeine without losing the coffee flavor.
5. How long does a coffee martini last in the fridge?
If mixed but not shaken, it can last up to 2 days in the fridge. Shake again before serving to refresh the texture.
Conclusion
A coffee martini is more than just a trendy cocktail—it’s a sensory experience. The bold aroma of espresso, the smooth hit of vodka, the touch of sweetness from coffee liqueur, and the rich crema topping make it a go-to for any coffee lover who wants their caffeine with a kick.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, relaxing after a long day, or simply want to try something new, this drink is sure to satisfy. Master the basics, try a few variations, and you’ll never look at coffee the same way again.
Cheers to your new favorite cocktail!
