The Perfect Espresso Martini Recipe (with Kahlúa!)

What is an Espresso Martini?

An espresso martini is a coffee-flavored, classic cocktail made with vodka, coffee liqueur (Kahlua), fresh espresso shots, and simple syrup. It’s bold and sweet and beautifully served in a coupe or martini glass and garnished with coffee beans.

This delightful cocktail offers a delightful combination of caffeine and alcohol for a perfect pick-me-up drink during social gatherings or late-night outings. 

What Makes This Recipe Great

Calling all coffee lovers! This frothy, dreamy, and creamy Espresso Martini Recipe is the perfect after-dinner drink. A simple but mighty cocktail featuring bold flavor, a burst of caffeine, and a beautiful presentation in your favorite coupe glass. 

It’s fun, fancy, and super easy to make. The resulting cocktail is bold and sweet, offering a sippable martini-style drink with a kick!

My version is made with honey simple syrup instead of regular white sugar, which gives the drink a deeper, refined-sugar-free flavor. Shake, pour, and serve this frothy coffee cocktail with a few espresso beans to garnish. 

The best part about this easy cocktail recipe is that it requires super simple ingredients that you may already have on hand! 

• Tito’s vodka: I love Tito’s because it’s gluten-free, affordable, and tastes great. If you have a favorite vodka, use it!   
• Kahlua: You can substitute this for another coffee liqueur, such as Tia Maria or Mr. Black cold brew coffee liqueur. 
• Cold Brew Concentrate: Chilled espresso or very strong regular coffee will also work. I prefer a dark roast, but you can use whichever roast you like. 
• Honey Simple Syrup: Regular simple syrup or agave syrup will also work. Adjust the amount of simple syrup according to taste. 
• Garnish with espresso beans, if desired. 
• Optional: Add in 1/2 oz half & half or Original Nutpods to make an extra creamy version!

Honey Simple Syrup

• Honey
• Water 

1. Make the honey syrup: Combine the honey and water in a small pot on the stove and stir until the honey is dissolved. Cool and set aside. You can save any extras for future cocktails. 
2. Add ice cubes to a cocktail shaker.
3. Add vodka.
4. Add Kahlua.
5. Pour in the coffee/espresso
6. Lastly, add the simple syrup.
7. Shake vigorously for 30 seconds until frothy.
8. Pour into a chilled martini glass and top with 3 coffee beans for garnish. Enjoy!

Expert Tips

• Coffee: If you don’t have an espresso machine for freshly made espresso, you can buy a cold brew coffee concentrate, brew a strong pot of coffee, or use a French press. Just be sure to cool your coffee before using it, as this espresso martini recipe is best served chilled, and hot coffee will melt the ice and not have as strong coffee flavor. In a pinch, instant coffee could also work.   
• Variations: This drink can be made with a few different delicious variations such as Bailey’s Irish Cream, Chocolate liqueur or chocolate syrup, or even white chocolate syrup. Add a touch to your cocktail shaker (to taste) and make the cocktail as directed. 
• Frozen Espresso Martini: To make a slushy version of this delicious expresso martini recipe, follow these instructions:  
  • Fill an ice cube tray with cold brew concentrate or strongly brewed coffee. Place in the freezer for 5-6 hours up to overnight. 
  • Blend 8-10 coffee ice cubes, 4 oz of vodka, and 2 oz of Kahlua in a high-speed blender until smooth. 
  • Pour into 2 martini glasses and serve. Garnish with coffee beans. 

Serving Tips

• Serve cold in your favorite martini glass or coupe, and garnish with a few whole espresso beans. See the tips above for recipe variations!

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