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This creamy espresso martini is a robust, sophisticated co*cktail made with simple ingredients. If it weren’t for the co*cktail glass, looking at it, you might think it’s a cold brew or strong coffee drink.
Looking for another dessert co*cktail recipe? Try thisdairy-free eggnogspiked with brandy or apumpkin spice white Russiannext time.
Table of Contents
- How to Make This Creamy Espresso Martini Recipe
- Espresso Martini Variation
- Expert Recipe Tips
- More Delicious co*cktail Recipes
- Creamy Espresso Martini Recipe
It feels like this elegant co*cktail has been having its moment of late — and I can see why! It’s the perfect pick-me-up drink at the start of the night, and the perfect after-dinner drink to enjoy with dessert like thesegluten-free biscotti,paleo chocolate cake, orhazelnut shortbread cookies with Nutella ganache.
The taste of this coffee co*cktail is smooth and velvety, blending rich coffee flavor with the bold kick of vodka that doesn’t overpower. The coffee base is bold and slightly bitter but is well-balanced by the creamy texture of the coffee liqueur and the sweetness of the simple syrup. The velvety froth on top is a nice contrast to the silky co*cktail.
Served in a chilled martini glass and garnished with espresso beans and cocoa powder, the result is a fancy coffee co*cktail that appeals to both coffee lovers and co*cktail enthusiasts.
It’s just like the classic espresso martini, but with the addition of heavy cream to make it light and creamy.
If you’re looking for a non-alcoholic drink with fresh espresso, we have the perfect drink. Ouriced cinnamon dolce latteincorporates the rich flavor of fresh espresso (or cold brew coffee) with a cinnamon dolce syrup made with real maple syrup and topped with creamy foam and whipped cream.
How to Make This Creamy Espresso Martini Recipe
The full printable recipe is below, but let’s walk through the steps with some photos and a video so you have a clear idea of what to expect. This traditional espresso martini is really easy and these step-by-step instructions will make sure they turn out every time.
Make simple syrup.Heat equal parts water and granulated sugar over medium heat, stirring until the sugar completely dissolves then allow it to cool.
Brew and cool espresso.Brew a shot of espresso and allow it to cool to room temperature.
Espresso alternative: see the recipe card for instant coffee or cold brew options.
Combine ingredients.Fill a co*cktail shaker or mason jar with ice cubes. Add vodka, coffee liqueur, cooled espresso, simple syrup, and heavy cream to the shaker.
Shake and serve.Shake the ingredients vigorously for about 15-20 seconds. This will chill and mix the ingredients thoroughly. Strain the drink into a chilled glass and top with coffee beans and sifted cocoa powder.
Espresso Martini Variation
- This recipe calls for Kahlua coffee liqueur, but you can substitute with Bailey’s Irish cream liqueur to still make a delicious espresso martini.
- Not a fan of vodka? Try a gin espresso martini instead.
- Use a flavored vodka like marshmallow or vanilla vodka.
- Make it a virgin co*cktail by using heavy cream in place of the Kahlua and omitting the vodka.
- Want less caffeine? Make it with decaf espresso.
- Don’t have an espresso maker? Try cold brew coffee, cold brew concentrate, or instant espresso powderinstead.
- If you really want to take this drink to the next level, you could garnish the rim of your martini glass with chocolate syrup and crushed chocolate shavings.
Expert Recipe Tips
- For best results, make sure you allow time for the espresso to cool completely before you pour it over the ice.
- Be sure to use freshly brewed espresso and to shake the co*cktail for a full 15 seconds to get the frothiest foam on top.
If you make this frothy espresso martini recipe, I’d love for you to give it a star rating ★ below. You can alsotag me on Instagramso I can see it!
More Delicious co*cktail Recipes
- Thisskinny spicy margarita is perfect for taco night.
- Try thisspiced winter sangria for special occasions.
- Thismaple bourbon smashtakes coziness to the next level.
- Thiscranberry Moscow muleis the perfect holiday co*cktail.
- Love a drink with a creamy liqueur? Try thispumpkin spice white Russian.
Tap stars to rate!
5 from 3 votes
Creamy Espresso Martini Recipe
Prep: 10 minutes mins
Cook: 5 minutes mins
Total: 15 minutes mins
This creamy espresso martini is a robust, sophisticated co*cktail made with simple ingredients. If it weren’t for the co*cktail glass, looking at it, you might think it’s a cold brew or strong coffee drink.
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Molly Thompson
Servings: 1 martini
Ingredients
Simple Syrup (4 Servings)
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar or honey
Creamy Espresso Martini
- 1 1/2 ounces (3 tablespoons) vodka (I used Titos)
- 1 1/2 ounces (3 tablespoons) Kahlua
- 1 ounce (1 shot; 2 Tablespoons) espresso (Note 1)
- 1 ounce (2 Tablespoons) cold heavy cream
- .5 ounce (1 Tablespoon) simple syrup more or less to taste
- Ice cubes
- Coffee beans for garnish
Instructions
In a small saucepan, combine equal parts water and granulated sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar completely dissolves. Let it cool, and then transfer to a clean container. You can store any extra simple syrup in the refrigerator for future use.
Brew a shot of espresso and allow it to cool to room temperature. Alternately, use cold brew coffee, instant espresso, or cold brew concentrate.
Fill a shaker with ice cubes. Add vodka, coffee liqueur, cooled espresso, simple syrup, and heavy cream to the shaker. Shake the ingredients vigorously for about 15-20 seconds. This will chill and mix the ingredients thoroughly.
Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass and serve with coffee beans. Sift cocoa powder on top for an added garnish if desired.
Last step! If you make this, please leave a review letting us know how it was!
Notes
Note 1. Espresso alternatives. You can use instant espresso if you don’t have an espresso machine. You can also use cold brew instead. Cold brew is stronger than regular coffee so it’s a better option! You may need to taste and add a bit more as needed.
Batch of Martinis (4 servings): Use all o fthe simple syrup because it makes 4 servings (unless you want it sweeter). Add 6 ounces (3/4 cup) each of vodka and kahlua and 4 ounces (1/2 cup) each of espresso and heavy cream. Use all of the simple syrup in the original recipe. Follow instructions to shake and divide into 4 chilled martini glasses.
Special Tools (affiliate links): co*cktail shaker, Martini Glasses (coupe glasses), Espresso Machine.
Video
Nutrition
Serving: 1martini | Calories: 422kcal | Carbohydrates: 37.7g | Protein: 0.9g | Fat: 10.9g | Cholesterol: 33.7mg | Sodium: 13.3mg | Fiber: 0g | Sugar: 33.3g | Vitamin A: 122.5IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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