Cocktail Atlas

Classic Espresso Martini

Vodka, coffee liqueur, a little sugar syrup and a strong fresh espresso, shaken hard for a creamy top. The IBA spec.

Cocktail Atlas · Updated

Spirit
Vodka
Glass
Cocktail glass
Method
Shaken
Difficulty
Intermediate

The riffs: Espresso Martini Variations

Spec source: IBA official cocktail list

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Classic Espresso Martini

Ingredients

Ingredients for Classic Espresso Martini. Tick each one as you add it.
AddedMeasureIngredient
1⅔ oz
1 oz
⅓ oz
1 shot

Steps

  1. Pour everything into a cocktail shaker.
  2. Shake well with ice.
  3. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with 3 coffee beans.

Garnish 3 coffee beans

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Batch it For a party of 4–20

Makes 8 drinks, about 30 oz · 900 ml before ice.

Classic Espresso Martini batch
AmountIngredient
13⅓ oz · 400 mlVodka
8 oz · 240 mlCoffee liqueur
2⅔ oz · 80 mlSimple syrup
8 shotStrong espresso
6 oz · 180 mlCold water, for dilution (approx.)

The water stands in for the melt from shaking: about 25% for a shaken drink. It is an approximation, so taste and adjust. Chill the batch at least 2 hours and pour over fresh ice.

Fits a 1 liter bottle or carafe.

Made it?

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Why it works

Hot, fresh espresso is what makes the drink: its oils whip into a dense, creamy foam when shaken hard with ice. Vodka adds strength without competing flavors, coffee liqueur doubles the coffee and adds sweetness, and the small measure of sugar syrup balances espresso’s bitterness. Straining into a chilled glass keeps the foam on top.

Substitutions

  • No espresso machine? Use 1 oz strong cold-brew concentrate; the foam will be lighter.
  • Any coffee liqueur works; the IBA spec names Kahlúa.
  • Skip the sugar syrup for a drier, more bitter drink.

Variations

Questions

How is the foam made?
By shaking fresh espresso hard with ice. The coffee’s oils and the air create the foam; stale or cold coffee foams poorly.
Hot or cooled espresso?
Fresh is best. Hot espresso melts a little more ice, so shake hard and strain right away.
Is there caffeine in an Espresso Martini?
Yes, about as much as the shot of espresso in it.

Making it: Classic Espresso Martini

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