How to Make a Proper Espresso Martini from Home
Taylor Nachtrieb .
The espresso martini is one of the most iconic coffee cocktails, perfectly balancing the bold flavors of espresso with the rich smoothness of vodka and coffee liqueur. For home baristas who already have an espresso machine on hand, crafting this drink becomes even more rewarding. Here’s a complete breakdown of how to make an espresso martini at home that rivals any you’d find at a cocktail bar.
The base recipe is simple, but the quality of each ingredient really matters here. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
What You’ll Need
The base recipe is simple, but the quality of each ingredient really matters here. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
- Freshly pulled espresso – 1 oz (30ml)
- Vodka – 1.5 oz (45ml)
- Coffee liqueur (e.g., Kahlúa or Mr Black) – 0.75 oz (22ml)
- Simple syrup (optional, to taste) – 0.25–0.5 oz (7–15ml)
- Ice – for shaking
- Cocktail shaker
- Fine mesh strainer
- Chilled martini or coupe glass 3 coffee beans – for garnish
Pull a Fresh Espresso Shot
The quality of your espresso will make or break this cocktail. For espresso martinis, a medium/dark or dark roast is preferred. Darker roasts have a richer flavor profile and lower acidity level that can hold up to the sweetness of the liqueur without having its flavors be overshadowed.
Use fresh, well-balanced beans and dial in your machine to pull a shot that finishes in about 25–30 seconds. You’re not aiming for a ristretto here—you want full-bodied espresso with enough volume to cut through the alcohol and sweet liqueur. One of our favorite roasts to use for espresso martinis here at Chris’ Coffee is our Dolce Tazza roast.
Tip: Let the shot cool for a minute or two before shaking. Too-hot espresso can cause excessive ice melt, watering down the cocktail and reducing the signature foamy top.
Shake with Ice (and Shake Hard!)
Add the following to your cocktail shaker:
- 1 oz fresh espresso
- 1.5 oz vodka
- 0.75 oz coffee liqueur
- 0.25–0.5 oz simple syrup (optional, depending on your sweetness preference)
- A handful of ice
Now shake it like you mean it.
A vigorous 15–20 second shake is crucial. This not only chills the drink and combines the flavors, but also aerates the mixture, creating that coveted layer of crema-like foam on top when you pour it out.
Tip: If you’re using Mr Black (a less sweet, more coffee-forward liqueur), you may not need as much simple syrup. Taste and adjust to your liking.
Strain and Serve
Double strain the contents of the shaker into your chilled martini or coupe glass using both the shaker’s built-in strainer and a fine mesh strainer. This removes any ice shards and gives the drink a silky texture.
You should see a beautiful layer of foam forming on top of the dark, rich liquid.
Garnish with 3 Coffee Beans
Float three whole coffee beans on top of the foam. This traditional garnish isn’t just for aesthetics—it’s said to represent health, wealth, and happiness (Or just an extra nod to the coffee lovers out there).
Optional Twists & Variations
Want to put your own spin on it? Here are a few fun ways to personalize the drink.
Add a pinch of salt. Just like in cooking, a tiny pinch of salt can enhance and round out the coffee and chocolate notes.
Experiment with flavored vodka. Vanilla vodka pairs nicely for a dessert-forward twist, while chili- or ginger-infused vodkas can add complexity.
Swap in different liqueurs. Try using a hazelnut liqueur like Frangelico or a dark crème de cacao for a nutty or chocolatey variation.
Top with shaved chocolate or espresso dust. For presentation flair and an aromatic boost, try shaving a bit of dark chocolate on top, or lightly dusting with finely ground espresso.
Espresso Martini Troubleshooting
If your drink turns out flat, unbalanced, or too sweet, here are a few tips.
Foam not forming? Use fresh espresso, shake hard, and make sure your ice is fresh and not melting too fast. Stale or watery espresso won’t build proper foam.
Bitter taste. Check your espresso shot—it may be over-extracted. You can also scale back the vodka and slightly increase the liqueur or syrup.
Too sweet. Reduce or omit the simple syrup, and consider switching to a drier coffee liqueur like Mr Black.
With a quality espresso machine and a few thoughtful ingredients, you can craft a drink that’s both energizing and elegant. Whether you’re entertaining guests or just treating yourself to a weekend nightcap, mastering this cocktail will make your home bar feel like a five-star lounge.
Ready to level up? Don’t forget—better beans and a great espresso grind make all the difference. Explore our curated selection of espresso blends and grinders to help you get the most out of your next espresso martini night.
