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espresso martini on a palate board with espresso beans around it
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5 from 2 votes

The Perfect Espresso Martini Recipe (with Kahlúa!)

This easy espresso martini recipe is a simple but elegant cocktail that’s rich, smooth, sweet, and creamy and sure to win over any guest at your next gathering! 
Prep Time5 minutes
Total Time5 minutes
Course: beverages, cocktails
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free
Servings: 1 martini
Author: Mary Smith

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 2 oz Tito's vodka
  • ½ oz Kahlua
  • 1 oz cold brew concentrate or cooled espresso or cooled very strong coffee
  • ½ oz honey simple syrup or regular simple syrup or agave syrup

Honey Simple Syrup

  • ¼ cup honey
  • ¼ cup water

Instructions

  • 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.
  • Add ice to a shaker along with the vodka, Kahlua, coffee/espresso, and simple syrup. Shake vigorously for 30 seconds until frothy.
  • Pour into a chilled martini glass and top with 3 coffee beans for garnish. Enjoy!

Notes

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. 
  • Optional: Add in ½ oz half & half or Original Nutpods to make an extra creamy version!

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!
 

Nutrition

Serving: 1martini | Calories: 220kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 0.04g | Fat: 0.1g | Saturated Fat: 0.04g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.04g | Sodium: 14mg | Potassium: 42mg | Sugar: 17g | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 2mg | Iron: 1mg