Espresso Martini

The espresso martini is an elegant cocktail that combines fresh espresso, coffee liqueur, vodka, and a little simple syrup.  This martini is perfect before dinner, but also makes a fabulous dessert cocktail. 

The espresso martini is a must for coffee lovers.

It’s rich with flavor from the espresso and the coffee liqueur.  

While many choose to garnish their espresso martinis with coffee beans, we garnish ours with a lemon peel as a nod to the Italian restaurants that traditionally serve espresso with lemon.

The espresso martini is a wonderful cocktail to serve for dessert alongside tiramisu or orange olive oil cake.

Espresso martini ingredients

• Espresso. We used espresso from a local coffee shop but you can certainly brew your own at home or even use strong coffee. 
• Coffee liqueur. Mr. Black cold brew coffee liqueur was used here and seems to be the liqueur of choice for many mixologists.  If you can’t find Mr. Black, there are plenty of other options to choose from, like Kahlua or Tia Maria.
• Vodka. We used unflavored vodka for our espresso martini but you can try using a flavored vodka if you want to change it up.  Vanilla or caramel-flavored vodkas would be great with the espresso.
• Simple syrup. We made our own simple syrup but many stores sell it.  To make your own simple syrup use a 1:1 water-to-sugar ratio and simply simmer the water and sugar until the sugar dissolves.  Allow the syrup to cool and store it in the refrigerator to cool before using.
• Garnish. As mentioned above, we used a lemon peel as a garnish but coffee beans would be a great garnish as well.

How to make an espresso martini

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add 1 ounce of vodka, 1 ounce of espresso, 2 ounces of Mr. Black (or other coffee liqueur), and 1/4 ounce of simple syrup.
2. Shake vigorously for 30 seconds, then strain and pour the ingredients into a coupe or martini glass.
3. Gently twist the lemon peel over the drink to release some of its essence, then place it on top of or inside the martini.
4. Serve immediately and enjoy!

More dessert-worthy cocktails

The espresso martini is definitely a wonderful dessert cocktail.  Here are a few others that are also perfect for closing out a meal with something sweet.

• Pumpkin spice martini – Rumchata, pumpkin vodka, and vanilla vodka.
• Sgroppino – lemon sorbet, prosecco, and vodka.
• Eggnog white russian –  the perfect Christmas cocktail.
• Apple pie a la mode martini – hard cider, vanilla ice cream, vodka, and club soda.

If you’ve enjoyed this espresso martini recipe or any recipe on this site, give it a 5-star rating and leave a review.

We strive to satisfy a number of learning styles.  If you are someone who prefers to learn by watching, you can find most of our recipes on YouTube and our Facebook Page.