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Espresso Martini
Vodka, fresh espresso and coffee liqueur shaken to a thick, velvety crema. Dessert and a pick-me-up in one glass.
- Strength
- 15% ABV
- Standard drinks (US)
- 1.4
- Calories
- 177 kcal
- In the glass
- 5⅓ oz
- Method
- Shaken
- Vodka
- Espresso
- Coffee Liqueur
- Simple Syrup
How to Make an Espresso Martini
- Add the vodka, espresso, coffee liqueur and simple syrup to a shaker.
- Fill with ice and shake hard for 12 to 15 seconds.
- Double strain into a chilled coupe.
- Garnish with three coffee beans.
Print the Pour GuideA true-scale card for your boston shaker glass with a line for every pour.
Free Pour With Your CameraLine up your glass and pour to the lines on screen.
Tilt Pour With Your PhoneStrap your phone to the bottle. It counts every pour and buzzes at the measure.
About the Espresso Martini
Dick Bradsell created it in London in the 1980s, reportedly for a guest who wanted a drink to wake her up and then mess her up. It was first called the Vodka Espresso.
Bartender's tip: Shake extra hard with fresh, hot espresso. The coffee oils are what build the foam.
Taste Profile
Sweet
Sour
Bitter
Strong
Fresh
Good to Know
- What glass is an Espresso Martini served in?
- A coupe. The stem keeps your hand away from the cold drink, and the curved rim makes it far harder to spill than a V-shaped martini glass.
- Is an Espresso Martini shaken or stirred?
- Shaken. It contains citrus, juice, cream or egg, which need the force and aeration of shaking.
- How strong is an Espresso Martini?
- About 15% ABV after dilution, or roughly 1.4 US standard drinks (19 g of alcohol) per serve.
- How many calories are in an Espresso Martini?
- Roughly 177 kcal per drink, most of it from alcohol.
- Can I make an Espresso Martini without vodka?
- Yes. London Dry Gin is the closest substitute, though the drink will taste different.