Everything You Need To Know About The Espresso Martini

The Espresso Martini is one of the world’s favourite cocktails and offers endless possibilities for customisation, using everything from flavoured liqueurs to artisanal coffee blends. 

By combining freshly brewed espresso with the velvety texture of vodka and coffee liqueur; you create an uplifting and sharp cocktail full of flavour and life. For us, the perfect espresso martini doesn’t necessarily include alcohol - subbing Vodka with our Clean V gives a delicious finish that rivals its alcoholic counterpart.

In this guide, we’ll explore essential techniques, ingredient tips, and garnishing ideas to elevate your cocktail game. Get ready to impress your friends, enjoy a caffeine kick, and embrace the chic, lively spirit of this iconic drink. 

How To Make The Perfect Espresso Martini

The espresso martini’s iconic parts are actually pretty simple. 

The primary ingredients are vodka, freshly brewed espresso, coffee liqueur, and sugar syrup. Choosing high-quality versions of these ingredients will significantly enhance the overall taste and experience of your cocktail. We love the clean V as a substitute for vodka, however you can also use Clean T for a tequila-based espresso martini.

Coffee 

One of the most vital parts of the espresso martini is the coffee. Using freshly brewed coffee is ideal, however ensure that you pour it in last - or it will melt the ice in the shake and dilute your cocktail.

Vodka

Vodka’s smooth, strong and subtle profile makes the espresso martini a delight for the senses and gives it a firm kick.

Liqueur 

Some recipes use liqueurs to sweeten the cocktail and add depth of flavour. Tia Maria or Kahlúa are often favoured. If you’re opting for a non-alcoholic espresso martini you can leave this step out or opt for a non-alcoholic option.

Sugar 

For those with a sweet tooth, adding sugar syrup can sweeten the cocktail and make it slightly less serious.

Espresso Martini Recipe

Ingredients

Handful of ice

25ml Clean V or Vodka

35ml Coffee liqueur or non-alcoholic coffee liqueur

35ml fresh espresso

Coffee beans, to garnish

Optional sugar syrup

Method

Chill the martini glass in the freezer for half an hour before serving.

Place ice in a cocktail shaker 

Add vodka, liqueur and coffee. 

Add sugar syrup to taste.

Shake

Strain into your martini glass and serve with a coffee bean garnish.

The History of the Espresso Martini

While the espresso martini is a modern classic in the cocktail world, it boasts a relatively recent origin compared to other timeless drinks.

Its creation is attributed to the legendary bartender Dick Bradsell in the 1980s in London. The story goes that a young model, rumoured to be none other than Kate Moss, walked into the Soho Brasserie where Bradsell was working and asked for a drink that would “wake me up and then f*** me up.” Inspired by the challenge, Bradsell combined vodka, espresso, coffee liqueur, and sugar syrup, giving birth to what we now know as the Espresso Martini.

Initially dubbed the "Vodka Espresso," the cocktail quickly gained popularity due to its unique blend of energising coffee and potent alcohol. This drink perfectly encapsulated the vibrant, fast-paced atmosphere of London’s nightlife during the 1980s. As the cocktail evolved, it adopted the more sophisticated moniker of "Espresso Martini," aligning it with the classic Martini family of cocktails, despite having no gin or vermouth.

Over the decades, the Espresso Martini has maintained its allure, becoming a staple in bars and homes worldwide. Its versatility and the ease with which it can be customised have contributed to its enduring popularity. Today, it stands as a testament to the creativity and innovation in cocktail culture, embodying the perfect balance of bitter, sweet, and spirited flavors that continue to captivate drinkers everywhere.

Variations and Creative Twists on the Classic Recipe

While the classic Espresso Martini is a delight in its own right, there are numerous variations and creative twists you can experiment with to suit your personal taste or impress your guests. One popular variation is the Vanilla Espresso Martini, which incorporates vanilla vodka or a splash of vanilla syrup to add a smooth, sweet note to the drink.

For a more indulgent version, try the Chocolate Espresso Martini. Add a dash of chocolate liqueur or a spoonful of cocoa powder to the shaker, and rim the martini glass with cocoa powder or grated chocolate for an extra touch of decadence. This variation is perfect for dessert or as a treat for chocolate lovers.

Another exciting twist is the Spiced Espresso Martini, which introduces spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to the mix. You can infuse the sugar syrup with these spices or add a pinch directly to the shaker. This variation adds a warm, aromatic complexity to the cocktail, making it an excellent choice for colder months or festive occasions.

For those who enjoy experimenting with different spirits, consider replacing the vodka with rum or tequila for a unique flavor profile (or Clean R or Clean T). Each spirit brings its own character to the cocktail, allowing you to create a drink that reflects your personal preferences or the theme of your gathering.

Tips for Choosing the Best Coffee for Your Cocktail

Selecting the right coffee for your Espresso Martini is crucial to achieving the best flavour. The quality and type of coffee bean you choose will directly impact the taste and aroma of your cocktail. Start with a high-quality, freshly roasted coffee bean. Look for beans that have been roasted within the past two weeks to ensure maximum freshness and flavour.

When it comes to choosing the coffee blend, opt for a medium to dark roast. These roasts tend to have a richer, more robust flavour profile that pairs well with the other ingredients in the Espresso Martini. Beans with chocolate, caramel, or nutty notes work particularly well, as they complement the sweetness of the coffee liqueur and the smoothness of the vodka.

It’s also important to consider the grind size of your coffee. For espresso, a fine grind is essential to achieve the strong, concentrated flavour needed for the cocktail. If you’re brewing your espresso at home, invest in a good quality grinder that allows you to adjust the grind size to your preference. Freshly ground coffee will always yield a superior flavor compared to pre-ground coffee.

Experimenting with different coffee origins can also add an interesting twist to your Espresso Martini. Beans from regions such as Ethiopia, Colombia, or Sumatra each bring their own unique flavor profiles, from fruity and floral to earthy and spicy. Don’t be afraid to try different beans and blends until you find the one that perfectly suits your taste.

FAQ About Espresso Martinis

Why don’t bartenders like espresso martinis?

Many bartenders express that the coffee part of the espresso martini can make it a difficult pour for beginners. Unlike normal cocktails, bartenders have to pull coffee before they can start mixing and shaking and if you add the coffee in the wrong order you end up with a watery drink.

When do people drink an espresso martini?

Mastering this drink allows you to bring a touch of elegance and excitement to any occasion, whether you’re hosting a dinner party, enjoying a quiet evening at home, or impressing friends at a cocktail gathering. Plus, the non-alcoholic version can be enjoyed any time!

How many beans should garnish an espresso martini?

Four beans in an Espresso Martini symbolise good fortune and stability, offering a sense of security and long-term prosperity, though the classic and more traditional garnish is three beans, representing health, wealth, and happiness. While the three-bean tradition stems from Italian culture and is often a toast to these blessings, using four beans is a less common variation that personalises the drink. 

What are common mistakes when making espresso martini?

Some common errors include using stale espresso, not shaking vigorously enough, melting the ice with espresso which dilutes the drink.