An espresso martini is the cocktail for coffee lovers: fresh, sweet-bitter and with a creamy layer of foam. The secret is not in expensive spirits, but in freshly brewed espresso. As a coffee roastery in Ghent since 1937, we share our recipe, plus a non-alcoholic version and the tips that make the difference.
Ingredients (1 cocktail)
- 50 ml vodka
- 30 ml coffee liqueur
- 30 ml freshly brewed espresso (1 shot)
- 5–10 ml sugar syrup (to taste)
- A handful of ice cubes
- 3 coffee beans for garnish
You will need a cocktail shaker. No shaker? A well-sealed jam jar also works.
How to make an espresso martini
- Brew the espresso. Use an espresso machine or a Bialetti. Let the espresso cool for a minute so the ice does not melt immediately.
- Chill your glass. Put a martini or coupe glass in the freezer for a while, or fill it with ice and water while you make the cocktail.
- Fill the shaker. Add the ice, vodka, coffee liqueur, espresso and sugar syrup to the shaker.
- Shake hard. Shake as vigorously as you can for 15 to 20 seconds. This creates the typical layer of foam.
- Strain and garnish. Pour the cocktail through a sieve into the chilled glass and place three coffee beans on the foam. Traditionally, they stand for health, wealth and happiness.
Which coffee is best for an espresso martini?
Choose a full-bodied espresso with chocolate notes and low acidity. It holds up well against the liqueur and produces the best crema, and therefore the best foam.
Our tip: Grande Aroma. An espresso blend of 75% Arabica and 25% Robusta with a rich aroma and a full, creamy finish. Thanks to the Robusta, you get extra crema, ideal for a thick layer of foam. From €9.00 per 300 g.
Prefer it even stronger? Try Mazzaro, our Italian espresso, named after Erminio Mazzaro, who founded Mokabon in 1937. From €9.40 per 300 g.
Don't have an espresso machine? Then order your coffee ground for Bialetti or espresso: we grind it fresh for your device.
Alcohol-free espresso martini
Even those who do not drink can enjoy the festive feeling. Replace the vodka and liqueur with 50 ml of non-alcoholic spirit (or cold water) and 20 ml of vanilla or caramel syrup. Shake hard: the foam comes from the espresso, not the alcohol.
An espresso martini in the evening, without a sleepless night
An espresso martini after dinner? Then use our Decafeïne, 100% Arabica with the full flavour of regular coffee. Your guests will not notice the difference, but they will enjoy a good night's sleep.
For a party: make six at once
Mix 300 ml vodka, 180 ml coffee liqueur, 180 ml cold espresso and 30–60 ml sugar syrup in a bottle beforehand and put it in the refrigerator. Shake two cocktails at a time with fresh ice cubes to keep the foam looking great.
5 tips for the perfect layer of foam
- Use freshly roasted beans: coffee that is a few weeks old produces more crema than coffee that is months old.
- Brew the espresso just before you shake, not hours in advance.
- Use plenty of ice: the shaker should be at least half full.
- Shake harder and longer than you think.
- Pour through a fine sieve so that no ice shards end up in the glass.
Where does the espresso martini come from?
The cocktail was invented in London in the 1980s by bartender Dick Bradsell. According to the story, a guest asked for a drink that would keep her awake while helping her relax. Since then, it has grown into one of the most popular cocktails in the world.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use filter coffee in an espresso martini?
You can, but filter coffee is lighter and produces little foam. Brew it twice as strong. A Bialetti gets closer to real espresso.
Should the espresso be hot or cold?
Lukewarm to cold. Hot espresso melts the ice too quickly and makes the cocktail watery. Let it cool for a minute.
Which coffee liqueur should I use?
Any coffee liqueur from the supermarket or liquor store will work. If you want it less sweet, use a little less liqueur and a bit more espresso.
How much alcohol is in an espresso martini?
With 50 ml vodka and 30 ml coffee liqueur, one glass contains about as much alcohol as two glasses of wine. Enjoy it in moderation, or choose the non-alcoholic version above.
Feeling inspired? Discover all our freshly roasted coffees, or read our recipe for the perfect Irish coffee and our 10 original coffee gifts.
