ESPRESSO MARTINI

To us, a well-mixed Espresso Martini is sweet with a velvety mouth-feel. It has a pleasant coffee aftertaste with subtle notes of toffee.

Easy – just shake the ingredients with lots of ice for 15-20 seconds. The longer and more enthusiastically you shake, the more microfoam builds up, giving you that layer of creamy froth when you strain it into your glass.

Our (un)biased opinion is that Kahlúa adds a depth of flavour and a hint of sweetness. It also balances out the other ingredients and helps create a smooth mouthfeel.

While they’re both popular (and our favourite) drinks made with Kahlúa, an Espresso Martini includes espresso and is shaken to create a frothy top, while a Black Russian is a simpler mix of Absolut Vodka and Kahlúa served over ice, without the froth. Here’s our favourite Black Russian Recipe.

Absolutely! We suggest using 1 part syrup (we recommend either chocolate or vanilla), 1 part non-alcohol vodka or water and 1 part espresso coffee. This way, you still get the delicious coffee flavour without the alcohol, making it a great option for non-drinkers.

We recommend espresso (freshly) roasted coffee. We love using high-quality, dark roast coffee beans, which you can grind up yourself at home. This ensures a rich flavour that stands out in your cocktail. Using good quality medium roasted beans also works well. It depends on your taste.

That’s okay, regular coffee also works. You can use a home coffee pod machine, or a stove top percolator. Just remember, If you’re using regular coffee, you’ll need to use less water, as the intensity will differ. Also, if you’re using filtered coffee, just know that the froth won’t be as thick and creamy.

We think freshly brewed espresso is best, but if you’re in a pinch, you can also use strong instant coffee. Just make sure it’s well-dissolved and has a rich flavour to mimic the intensity of espresso.

For sure! Cold brew can be a great alternative, since it has a smoother, less acidic coffee flavour. We think it especially works well in warmer weather and adds a different twist to the traditional Espresso Martini.

Easy! If you prefer a sweeter cocktail, we recommend adding a splash of simple syrup. This enhances the sweetness without overpowering the rich coffee flavour, giving you a perfectly balanced drink. Check out our recipe for the Vodka Espresso.

Shaking does a couple of things – it chills the ingredients down and helps build up the microfoam by creating tiny air bubbles, which give that classic creamy texture. We think that’s just as important as getting the flavours right.

While a cocktail shaker is ideal, you don’t need one. We say anything with a tight fitting lid, like a mason jar, protein shaker or a blender bottle works just as well. Just make sure the lid is screwed on tight to stop it getting messy.

Straining removes the shards of ice and any coffee grounds after shaking, and helps build the creamy texture. You don’t need a cocktail strainer, a tea strainer works just as well.

We recommend using a jigger for precise measurements. If you don’t have one, a tablespoon measure works too, as 1 tablespoon is close to ½ ounce (15 ml). We also sometimes use a 30 ml shot glass.

Any ice will do, but we prefer using large ones as they melt slower! We also love experimenting with ice cubes made from filtered coffee, for a stronger coffee flavour. Try it!

As the name suggests, we think the best way is to serve it in a classic martini glass. These elegant glasses showcase the drink best. If you don’t have one, any cocktail glass or similar-shaped one you have at home will do.

It could be the type or amount of coffee you’re using. If you feel it’s too bitter, we suggest balancing the bitterness with a touch of simple syrup or using a less intense coffee blend.

Absolutely! We suggest adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, aromatic twist. It’s especially delightful during the holiday season. Check out our Espresso Martini Variations.

Now we’re talking! Yes, flavoured syrups like vanilla, caramel, or hazelnut can give your cocktail a delicious twist. We suggest starting with a small amount and adjusting to taste.

Just like us, most people like to garnish with three whole coffee beans. They stand for health, wealth, and happiness. Gently place them on the frothy top for an elegant and professional finish.

Our favourite thing about Espresso Martinis is they go so great with food. For example, they’re perfect for brunch. We suggest trying them with pancakes, avocado toast or bagels. They’re also ideal for after dinner treats. We love pairing them with our Kahlúa Desserts like Coffee Cheesecake or Tiramisu. The sweetness and creaminess of these desserts balance the strong coffee flavours. Or for something savory, try salty snacks like nuts or a cheese platter.

Definitely! We recommend pre-mixing the ingredients (minus the ice) in a large pitcher. Then when it’s time, shake the individual drinks with ice right before serving to ensure each cocktail is fresh and frothy.

We suggest experimenting with garnishes like a sprinkle of cocoa powder, some chocolate flakes, or even a dusting of cinnamon. These small touches can elevate your cocktail and impress your guests. For more inspiration, check out our Espresso Martini Variations.