Espresso Martini Cocktail Recipe
Taste
Rich, Smooth & Indulgent
Skill Level
Medium
Prep Time
5 Minutes
Bold, elegant and perfectly balanced, the Espresso Martini is the ultimate pick-me-up cocktail. Blending the smooth sophistication of Kingmaker Vodka with freshly brewed espresso and velvety coffee liqueur, it’s both indulgent and invigorating, the perfect choice for an evening drink or an after-dinner delight.
With its luxurious crema and rich aroma, the Espresso Martini brings together two worlds: the elegance of classic mixology and the comforting allure of a good cup of coffee. Whether you’re winding down after a meal or kicking off the night, this is a cocktail that always delivers sophistication in every sip.
Ingredients
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50ml Kingmaker Vodka
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50ml freshly brewed espresso (cooled slightly)
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25ml coffee liqueur
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10ml simple syrup or vanilla syrup (optional, for sweetness)
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Ice cubes
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Garnish: three coffee beans
Tools You’ll Need
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A cocktail shaker
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A jigger or small measuring glass
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A strainer or fine sieve
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A chilled coupe or martini glass
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A bar spoon or stirrer
How to Make the Perfect Espresso Martini
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Prepare your espresso – Brew a fresh shot of espresso and allow it to cool slightly so it doesn’t melt the ice too quickly.
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Add ingredients to your shaker – Pour in Kingmaker Vodka, espresso, coffee liqueur and syrup (if using).
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Add ice and shake vigorously – Fill the shaker with ice and shake hard for about 15–20 seconds to create that signature frothy top.
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Strain and pour – Double strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass for a smooth, silky finish.
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Garnish with elegance – Float three coffee beans on top, a traditional touch symbolising health, wealth and happiness.
Our Tips for Making the Perfect Espresso Martini at Home
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Use freshly brewed espresso for the best crema and aroma, instant coffee just won’t compare.
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Shake it hard. Vigorous shaking creates that luxurious frothy layer on top.
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Cool the espresso slightly before adding it to avoid diluting the drink.
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Choose your liqueur wisely. Kahlúa or Tia Maria both work beautifully with Kingmaker Vodka.
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Chill your glass, it keeps the cocktail crisp and refined from first sip to last.
Similar Drinks
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Passionfruit Martini – A fruity, modern vodka classic with tropical sweetness.
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Negroni – A bold, bittersweet cocktail with a sophisticated edge.
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Elderflower Fizz – A lighter, sparkling option with floral notes for contrast.
From Coffee Bar to Cocktail Icon
The Espresso Martini is a modern classic with a story as bold as its flavour. Created in London during the 1980s, it’s rumoured to have originated when a model asked bartender Dick Bradsell for a drink that would “wake me up and then mess me up.” His response, a mix of vodka, coffee liqueur and espresso, quickly became a global sensation.
Decades later, it remains one of the most beloved cocktails in the world, admired for its balance of strength, sweetness and style. With Kingmaker Vodka at its heart, this version elevates the drink’s smooth, velvety character, making it an ideal choice for evening sophistication or as the perfect end to a meal.
