The Espresso Martini is the drink that wakes a night up. It is smooth, it is properly coffee-forward, and it arrives with that glossy foam on top that makes it look far harder to make than it actually is. I have made more of these than almost any other cocktail, first behind the bar and now at Boozy, and the secret is not some fancy technique, it is fresh coffee and a genuinely hard shake.
This is the classic Espresso Martini, vodka, coffee liqueur and a fresh shot of espresso, balanced so it is rich and smooth rather than sweet. It takes about five minutes. My ingredient notes are underneath, along with how to get that signature foam and the quick way there if you have not got a coffee machine.
What Is an Espresso Martini?
An Espresso Martini is a cold coffee cocktail built from vodka, coffee liqueur and a fresh shot of espresso, shaken hard and served straight up with a foamy top. It was invented in London in the late 1980s by the legendary bartender Dick Bradsell, supposedly after a model asked him for something that would, in polite terms, wake her up and then knock her out.
Despite the name, there is no gin or vermouth in it, so it is not a martini in the traditional sense at all. It takes its name from the glass and the way it is served, straight up in a martini or coupe. What started as an eighties London classic is now one of the most ordered cocktails in the country, the go-to when people want a drink and a pick-me-up in one.
Ingredients
This makes one Espresso Martini. Scale it up evenly for a batch, and brew the coffee fresh right before you shake.
A Few Notes on the Ingredients
Vodka is the neutral base, so a clean standard vodka is all you need. The coffee is the star here, not the spirit, so there is no sense spending a fortune on it.
Coffee liqueur brings sweetness and a deeper, rounded coffee note. A good one makes a real difference, it is doing as much for the flavour as the espresso, so it is worth using something you would happily drink on its own.
Fresh espresso is the non-negotiable bit. It is what gives the drink its rich flavour and, crucially, its foam. Brew it fresh and use it while it is still hot, straight into the shaker. Cold leftover coffee will not give you the same crema on top.
Sugar syrup balances the bitterness of the coffee. Start with the measure here and adjust to taste, a good espresso martini should be smooth and rounded, never harsh but never a dessert either.
How Do You Get the Foam on an Espresso Martini?
The foam is not added, it is created. When you shake hot fresh espresso hard with ice, the air and the natural oils in the coffee emulsify into a fine crema that floats to the top. Two things matter most: the espresso needs to be freshly brewed, and the shake needs to be genuinely vigorous. Fine straining into the glass then gives you that clean, glossy top with the three beans sitting on it.
Variations Worth Trying
- Vanilla Espresso Martini: add a little vanilla syrup for a softer, sweeter, dessert-leaning version.
- Salted Caramel Espresso Martini: swap the sugar syrup for salted caramel syrup for a richer, indulgent twist.
- Chocolate Espresso Martini: add a dash of chocolate or cacao liqueur for a mocha feel.
- Tequila or rum base: swap the vodka for a reposado tequila or aged rum for a warmer, more characterful drink.
Skip the Mixing
If you love an Espresso Martini but not the palaver of brewing espresso and shaking every round, this is exactly why I started Boozy. We make proper party cocktails, canned, chilled and ready to pour. If you would rather skip the mixing entirely, our ready-to-drink Espresso Martini gives you that same rich, smooth coffee serve straight from the can. It sits alongside the rest of our cocktail cans, from the Pornstar Martini to the Purple Rain, all bold, bright and made for a crowd. If you are buying for a coffee lover, our Espresso Martini gift set, with glasses and a shaker, makes a lovely present.
Espresso Martini FAQs
What alcohol is in an Espresso Martini?
An Espresso Martini is made with vodka and coffee liqueur, with a shot of fresh espresso and a little sugar syrup. The vodka is the base spirit and the coffee liqueur adds sweetness and depth alongside the fresh coffee.
Does an Espresso Martini contain martini?
No. There is no gin or vermouth in it. It takes its name from the martini-style glass it is served in, not from any martini ingredients. It is a vodka and coffee cocktail served straight up.
How do you get the foam on an Espresso Martini?
Fresh, hot espresso shaken hard with ice creates the foam. The air and coffee oils emulsify into a fine crema during the shake, which floats to the top when you strain it. Fresh coffee and a vigorous shake are the two things that matter.
Can you make an Espresso Martini without a coffee machine?
Yes. If you have not got an espresso machine, use very strong fresh coffee from a stovetop pot or a good instant espresso. You may not get quite as thick a foam, but the flavour will still be rich and coffee-led.
Is an Espresso Martini strong?
It can sneak up on you. It is smooth and easy to drink, but it contains both vodka and coffee liqueur, so it is a proper cocktail. The caffeine also keeps you going, which is part of why it has such a reputation on a night out.
