This vodka espresso martini is a smooth, bold, coffee forward cocktail that comes together in a shaker in just a few vigorous shakes.
With only three ingredients plus a handful of ice, it is easy to make at home, and the thick foam on top looks like something poured at a cocktail bar. Pour it into a chilled glass, float three coffee beans on the foam, and you have a classic nightcap.
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Why This Vodka Espresso Martini Recipe Works
The ratio is simple and balanced. Two parts vodka to one part coffee liqueur to one part espresso gives a drink that tastes of coffee first, with a gentle sweetness and a clean finish from the vodka.
Shaking hard with plenty of ice does two jobs at once. It chills the drink quickly and whips tiny air bubbles into the espresso, which is what builds the creamy foam that sits on top of the glass.
Because the recipe uses so few ingredients, quality shows. Fresh espresso, a good coffee liqueur, and a clean mid priced vodka make a noticeably better drink than stale coffee and a harsh spirit, so spend a little extra on the parts that matter.
Ingredients for Vodka Espresso Martini
- 1 1/3 oz vodka (40 ml)
- 2/3 oz coffee liqueur (20 ml), adjust the amount for more or less sweetness
- 2/3 oz freshly brewed espresso (20 ml), cooled
- 3 whole coffee beans, for garnish
- 1 cup ice cubes, for the shaker
Vodka. A clean, neutral vodka keeps the focus on the coffee. Choose a smooth bottle you would happily sip, since there is nothing in the glass to hide a harsh spirit.
Coffee liqueur. This adds sweetness and a deep roasted flavor. Use a little more for a sweeter drink or a little less if you prefer a dry, bitter edge.
Espresso. Brew it fresh and let it cool before it goes into the shaker. Hot espresso melts the ice too fast and waters the drink down.
Ice. Fill the shaker about two thirds full with fresh, hard ice cubes. Small or wet ice melts quickly and dilutes the cocktail.
Coffee beans. Three beans floated on the foam are the traditional garnish. They are for looks and aroma, so skip eating them.
How to Make Vodka Espresso Martini
1. Chill the glass Put a cocktail glass in the freezer, or fill it with ice water, while you mix so the drink stays cold from the first sip to the last.
2. Cool the espresso Make a fresh shot of espresso and let it cool until it is no longer steaming. Cooling first protects the foam and keeps the ice from melting too fast.
3. Fill the shaker Add the ice to a cocktail shaker, then pour in the vodka, the coffee liqueur, and the cooled espresso.
4. Shake hard Close the shaker tightly and shake vigorously about 10 times, until the outside of the shaker feels frosty and cold. A hard shake builds the foam.
5. Strain and garnish Strain the drink into the chilled glass and scrape any foam from inside the shaker on top. Float three coffee beans on the foam and serve right away.
How to Serve Vodka Espresso Martini
Serve the cocktail straight after shaking, while the foam is thick and the glass is frosty. It makes a fine finish to a rich dinner, so try it after a slice of creamy New York cheesecake, beside a plate of thick bakery style chocolate chip cookies, with a square of gooey brownie pie, or next to a wedge of cinnamon streusel coffee cake for a late brunch.
How to Store and Reheat Vodka Espresso Martini
This drink is ideal when made fresh and served right away, because the foam collapses within minutes and the ice dilutes it. If you want to prep ahead, brew the espresso, cool it, and keep it in a covered jar in the refrigerator for a day, then keep the vodka and liqueur at room temperature. Shake each drink to order rather than mixing a batch, and do not store a mixed drink that has already been shaken with ice.
Tips and Variations for Vodka Espresso Martini
Use a tight lid. Press the shaker lid on firmly and hold both ends while you shake, so no coffee escapes.
Shake longer for more foam. A few extra shakes make the foam thicker, so keep going until the metal is too cold to hold comfortably.
Adjust the sweetness. Start with the listed amount of liqueur, taste, and add a small splash more if you like it sweeter. A teaspoon of simple syrup also works.
Try a decaf version. Swap in decaf espresso for an evening drink that will not keep you awake.
Mix one drink at a time. Shake each drink separately in the shaker. Doubling the volume in one shaker gives less foam.
Add a flavor twist. A small dash of vanilla extract or a splash of flavored syrup, such as caramel, gives the drink a dessert feel.
Chill the espresso fast. Pour the hot shot into a small metal cup set over ice to cool it in a minute or two.
Keep your tools clean. Rinse the shaker and strainer right after use so coffee oils do not build up, and for general kitchen hygiene habits see the FDA safe food handling guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vodka Espresso Martini
What is in a vodka espresso martini?
It has three ingredients: vodka, coffee liqueur, and freshly brewed espresso, shaken with ice and strained into a chilled glass.
How do you get the foam on a vodka espresso martini?
Use fresh espresso, plenty of ice, and a hard, tight shake. The vigorous motion traps air in the coffee oils, which forms the creamy layer on top.
Can I make a vodka espresso martini without a shaker?
Yes. Use a tightly sealed jar with a lid, fill it with ice, add the liquids, and shake hard. Strain it through a small sieve into the glass.
Can I use instant coffee instead of espresso?
You can in a pinch. Dissolve a rounded teaspoon of instant espresso powder in a splash of hot water, cool it fully, and use it in place of the shot, though the foam will be lighter.
How strong is this drink?
It holds just under three ounces of liquid with two alcoholic ingredients, so it is a fairly strong cocktail. Sip it slowly, and do not drive after drinking.
Vodka Espresso Martini
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Cocktail glass
- Strainer
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 ⅓ oz vodka 40 ml
- ⅔ oz coffee liqueur adjust for sweetness
- ⅔ oz espresso freshly brewed and cooled
- 3 coffee beans for garnish
- 1 cup ice cubes for the shaker
Instructions
Cooking
- Chill. Place a cocktail glass in the freezer while you prepare the drink so it frosts over.
- Combine. Fill a cocktail shaker two thirds full with ice, then add the vodka, coffee liqueur, and cooled espresso.
- Shake. Seal the lid and shake hard 10 times, until the shaker is frosty and a thick foam has formed inside.
- Strain and garnish. Strain into the chilled glass, scrape the foam on top, add 3 coffee beans, and serve immediately.
