Espresso Martini Recipe How to Make

My First Espresso Martini

I tried my first espresso martini years ago. My friend Betty made it. I was so surprised. It tasted like a fancy, grown-up coffee.

The frothy top was my favorite part. It felt like a special treat. I still laugh at that memory. It was a happy little moment.

Why The Shake Matters

You must shake the drink very hard. Do it for a full 20 seconds. This is not a gentle stir. It is a workout for your arm.

This shaking makes the magic foam. That foam is the soul of the drink. It makes each sip feel creamy and light. Doesn’t that sound nice?

A Tiny Bit of History

This drink was invented for a model. The story goes she asked for a drink to “wake her up.” Then she asked for one to “pick her up” too. So a bartender mixed coffee and vodka.

I love that story. It reminds me that good ideas are often simple. They come from listening to what people need. What is your favorite food story?

Making It Just Right For You

The simple syrup is your friend. It balances the bitter coffee. Start with the half ounce. You can always add a tiny bit more.

Taste is personal. This matters because your kitchen, your rules. My husband likes his less sweet. I like mine just like the recipe. Which way do you think you’d like it?

The Final Touch

Those three coffee beans are not just pretty. They are a tradition. In some places, they stand for health, wealth, and happiness. I always add them. It feels like a good wish for the person drinking it.

*Fun fact*: The garnish with three beans is called “the fly’s legs” in Italian. Isn’t that a funny name? It makes me smile every time.

Your Turn To Share

This drink is for sharing good times. It is about making a moment feel special. That matters more than being a perfect bartender.

Who would you make this for? A best friend, a parent, or maybe for yourself after a long week? Tell me about your perfect moment for it.

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Ice	1 cup
Cold-brew espresso concentrate	1½ ounces
Kahlua brand coffee liqueur	1½ ounces
Vodka	1½ ounces
Simple syrup	½ ounce
Coffee beans	3 whole	Optional garnish

A Cozy Evening Treat: My Espresso Martini Story

Hello, dear! Come sit with me. This recipe reminds me of my brother Frank. He loved coffee more than anyone. One chilly evening, he asked for a “coffee cocktail.” I laughed and got to work. The smell of espresso filled our little kitchen. It was so warm and inviting. Doesn’t that smell amazing? This drink is for grown-ups, of course. But I love sharing the story. It feels special and a bit fancy. Let’s make a memory together.

Ingredients

• Cocktail shaker
• Ice
• Freshly brewed espresso or cold-brew concentrate
• Kahlúa (coffee liqueur)
• Vodka
• Simple syrup
• 3 coffee beans (for garnish)
• Tip: Chill your martini glass in advance!

Instructions

Step 1: Gather your ingredients on the counter. You will need a cocktail shaker. Put your ice, espresso, Kahlua, vodka, and syrup inside. Use cold-brew concentrate for a smooth taste. It is less bitter than hot espresso. I learned that from a barista friend. (A hard-learned tip: chill your glass first. It keeps the drink frosty longer!).

Step 2: Now, seal the shaker tightly. Shake it as hard as you can! Do this for 15 to 20 seconds. You will hear the ice clattering. I still laugh at Frank’s first try. He shook it so gently, nothing happened. You want a lovely, frothy top on your drink. That foam is the best part.

Step 3: Get your chilled martini glass ready. Place the strainer on your shaker. Pour the drink slowly into the glass. The strainer holds back the ice. Watch that beautiful dark liquid flow. See the creamy foam rise to the top? It is like a cloud. What’s your favorite part of making a drink? Share below!

Step 4: For the final touch, add three coffee beans. This is traditional. People say it means health, wealth, and happiness. I just think it looks pretty. It tells everyone this is a coffee drink. Now, serve it right away. Sip slowly and enjoy the moment.

Cook Time	5 minutes
Total Time	5 minutes
Yield	1 serving
Category	Drink, Cocktail

Three Fun Twists on the Classic

Once you know the basics, you can play! Here are my favorite little changes. They make the drink your own. Try one next time you have company.

• The Vanilla Dream: Use vanilla vodka instead of plain. It adds a sweet, bakery-like flavor.
• The Chocolate Swirl: Add a splash of chocolate liqueur. Drizzle some inside the glass before pouring.
• The Orange Zest: Rub an orange peel on the glass rim. It gives a bright, sunny aroma with every sip.

Which one would you try first? Comment below!

Serving Your Creation Just Right

This drink is a treat all by itself. But setting a nice mood makes it better. Serve it in a fancy glass. Place it on a small napkin. You could offer some dark chocolate squares on the side. They pair wonderfully with coffee. For a savory bite, try a few salted almonds.

What to drink with it? For a grown-up pairing, a small glass of amaretto is nice. For a cozy non-alcoholic match, I love hot chocolate. Its sweetness balances the coffee. Which would you choose tonight?

Keeping Your Espresso Martini Just Right

This drink is best made fresh. But you can plan ahead. Mix the espresso, Kahlua, and syrup in a small jar. Keep it in the fridge for three days. This is your ready-to-go base.

When you want a drink, just shake the base with ice and vodka. I once made the base for a friend’s visit. It saved me so much time. We had more time to chat at the table.

Batch cooking this base matters. It turns a fancy drink into an easy treat. You can enjoy it without any fuss. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!

Fixing Common Espresso Martini Troubles

Not frothy enough? Shake it harder and longer. Your shaker should feel very cold. I remember when mine was just watery. I learned to shake like I meant it.

Too bitter? Add a tiny bit more simple syrup. Taste it before you shake. Too sweet? Use a little less Kahlua next time. Getting the balance right builds your confidence.

No fancy glass? Any small cup works fine. The flavor is what counts. Which of these problems have you run into before? Fixing small issues makes your cooking journey happier.

Your Quick Espresso Martini Questions

Q: Is this gluten-free? A: Yes, the main ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Always check your specific brands.

Q: Can I make it ahead? A: Mix the non-alcoholic base ahead. Add vodka and ice when serving.

Q: What if I don’t have cold-brew concentrate? A: Use a shot of very strong, cooled espresso. It works wonderfully.

Q: Can I double the recipe? A: Absolutely! Just use a bigger shaker or make two batches.

Q: Are the coffee beans important? A: They are a traditional garnish for good luck. Which tip will you try first?

Fun fact: The three coffee beans are said to represent health, wealth, and happiness.

Cheers from My Kitchen to Yours

I hope you love making this special drink. It always feels like a little celebration. I would love to see your creations.

Your version might inspire someone else. Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest! Let’s share the joy of simple, good things.

Happy cooking!

—Anna Whitmore.