Espresso Martini
Espresso Martini is what you make for after dinner drinks, or when you need a pick-me-up but don’t want to fall behind the pack on a night out with your mates! Dangerously drinkable with a good slog of liquor, this coffee cocktail is crowd favourite just like your LuckyLadds topless waiter will be.
Ingredients
- 40ml / 1 1/3oz Vodka
- 20ml (2/3 oz) Kahlua
- 20ml (2/3 oz) espresso coffee , cooled
- 3 coffee beans , garnish
The Perfect Espresso Martini Recipe
The Espresso Martini is smooth, bold, creamy, and honestly one of the most dangerously easy cocktails to drink on a night out. With vodka, Kahlua, and fresh espresso shaken over ice, it’s the perfect mix of strong coffee flavour and cocktail kick. Whether it’s after dinner drinks, girls night cocktails, or the point of the night where everyone suddenly needs a second wind, this one always disappears fast.
What You’ll Need ☕
- 40ml vodka
- 20ml Kahlua
- 20ml fresh espresso coffee, cooled
- Ice (the ice will help with frothing, so be generous)
Optional Garnish
- 3 coffee beans
- Cocoa powder dusting
- Chocolate shavings
How To Make An Espresso Martini
This cocktail is all about the shake. The harder you shake it, the creamier and smoother the espresso foam becomes on top.
- Chill Your Glass: Place your martini or coupe glass in the freezer while preparing the cocktail.
- Add Ingredients To A Shaker: Add vodka, Kahlua, cooled espresso coffee, and plenty of ice into a cocktail shaker.
- Shake Hard: Shake aggressively for around 15 seconds until the shaker feels icy cold. This creates the creamy foam layer.
- Strain Into Glass: Double strain into your chilled glass for a smooth finish.
- Garnish & Serve: Float three coffee beans on top and serve immediately.
Why Everyone Loves Espresso Martinis
It’s basically the cocktail version of saying “we’re definitely not going home yet.” Rich coffee flavour, smooth sweetness, and just enough kick to wake everyone back up after dinner or halfway through a big night out. One Espresso Martini somehow always turns into another, especially once everyone sees them coming out topped with that thick creamy foam and coffee bean garnish.
Delicious Espresso Martini Variations
Salted Caramel Espresso Martini
Add salted caramel syrup for a sweeter dessert-style version.
Chocolate Espresso Martini
Add chocolate liqueur or chocolate bitters for a mocha-style cocktail.
Vanilla Espresso Martini
A splash of vanilla syrup softens the coffee flavour beautifully.
Baileys Espresso Martini
Add Baileys for a creamier and smoother version.
Frozen Espresso Martini
Blend with ice for a frozen cocktail version perfect for summer nights.
Shake up your menu
More cocktails to try
Want variety at the bar? Mix in one of these LuckyLadds-approved cocktails to keep every round exciting.
Signature cocktail
Aviation
The aviation is a cocktail made with gin, maraschino liqueur, crème de violette, egg white and lemon juice. This beautiful floral, light-purple-hud gin Prohibition-era martini is as decorative as it is deliciously strong, the perfect drink for summer or a themed event. Served in an elegant coupe glass, the aviation cocktail dates all the way back to as far as the early 20th century. Get your handsome Topless Waiter to make you the Aviation and enjoy a blast from the past!
- 45ml Lomond Blackberry and gooseberry gin
- or
- 60ml gin (such as Tanqueray)
- 15ml Maraschino liqueur
- 15ml Crème de Violette
- 20ml lemon juice
- 1 egg white
Signature cocktail
Scorpion Cocktail Punch
The Scorpion is a potent and complex tropical cocktail, often served as a punch. Its origins trace back to the mid-20th century, and its recipe has evolved over time, resulting in many variations. While recipes vary, rum is a constant, and you’ll frequently find orange juice and orgeat syrup. Traditionally served in a scorpion bowl, it can be quite a showstopper with a flaming shot of rum at its center.
- 1 1/2 (750-milliliter) bottles aged rum
- 1/2 (750-milliliter) bottle white wine
- 4 tablespoons gin
- 4 tablespoons brandy
- 2 cups lemon juice
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1 cup orgeat syrup
- 2 sprigs fresh mint
- Orange slices, for garnish
- Lemon slices, for garnish
- Gardenias or edible flowers, for garnish
Signature cocktail
Raspberry Drop Martini
This sophisticated cocktail offers a harmonious blend of flavors. The gin provides a refined base, while the fresh lemon juice adds a crisp, tart note. Rich raspberry syrup brings a touch of fruity sweetness, balanced by the subtle bitterness of sweet vermouth. The egg white (or aquafaba) creates a velvety smooth texture, and the chilled concoction is elegantly garnished with fresh raspberries.
- 50ml Gin
- 10ml fresh lemon juice
- 5ml raspberry syrup
- 10ml sweet vermouth (red)
- 1 egg white (or aquafaba for vegan option)
- 4-5 ice cubes
- Raspberries to garnish
Let's Go
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FAQs
Got a question about our cocktails?
Our cocktails are fun! And we bet you have heaps of questions. Here are the most common questions hens organisers have asked us. Your question not answered here? Reach out to us!
Why does an Espresso Martini get foam on top?
Why does an Espresso Martini get foam on top?
The foam comes from freshly brewed espresso being shaken hard with ice. The coffee oils and air create that signature creamy top layer.
Why are there three coffee beans on top?
Why are there three coffee beans on top?
Traditionally the three beans represent health, wealth, and happiness.
What coffee works best for Espresso Martinis?
What coffee works best for Espresso Martinis?
Fresh espresso gives the strongest flavour and best crema for foam.
Should espresso be hot or cold before shaking?
Should espresso be hot or cold before shaking?
Slightly cooled is best. Hot espresso melts the ice too quickly.
Why are Espresso Martinis so popular at hens parties?
Why are Espresso Martinis so popular at hens parties?
They look classy, taste smooth, and keep the energy going later into the night.
Can I make a sweeter Espresso Martini?
Can I make a sweeter Espresso Martini?
Yes, add vanilla syrup, caramel syrup, or extra coffee liqueur.
Why is my Espresso Martini watery?
Why is my Espresso Martini watery?
Usually from not enough ice or shaking for too long after the ice has melted.
Can I use cold brew coffee?
Can I use cold brew coffee?
Yes. Cold brew creates a smoother less bitter cocktail.
Can I make a dairy-free creamy Espresso Martini?
Can I make a dairy-free creamy Espresso Martini?
Yes, oat milk or coconut cream work really well in creamy variations.
What garnish works besides coffee beans?
What garnish works besides coffee beans?
Chocolate shavings, cocoa powder, caramel drizzle, or even crushed biscuits work well.
