The Kahlúa Espresso Martini is a classic cocktail that's as cozy as it is sophisticated. With just a few ingredients, you can shake up this bar favorite right in your own kitchen. Ideal for dinner parties, date nights, or relaxing evenings at home
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Bold, smooth, and just the right amount of indulgent, the Espresso Martini is the ultimate cocktail for coffee lovers who like their buzz with a twist. This version takes things up a notch with the rich warmth of vanilla vodka and the velvety sweetness of Kahlúa, creating a drink that's as decadent as it is energizing.
Whether you're looking to impress guests at your next dinner party or simply want to treat yourself to something a little extra, this vanilla-infused Espresso Martini is your new go-to nightcap.
Why this recipe is unique
- Perfect Balance: Combines bitter espresso, sweet liqueur, and flavored vodka for a well-rounded, indulgent sip.
- Velvety Texture: When shaken properly, it forms a creamy, frothy top-signature to a great Espresso Martini.
- Dessert & Drink in One: Ideal as an after-dinner cocktail that satisfies both your caffeine craving and sweet tooth.
- Visually Stunning: Served in a sleek martini glass with a creamy foam and classic coffee bean garnish-it looks as good as it tastes.
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Ingredients
Ingredient notes
- Vodka- The use of vanilla vodka adds a warm, aromatic depth that sets it apart from the classic recipe.
- Creme de Cacao- Use dark or light, whatever you have on hand!
- Kahlúa-Kahlúa brings a smooth, sweet coffee liqueur base that perfectly complements the espresso.
- Espresso- You can use chilled espresso or brewed coffee to make this drink. The espresso will make the drink have a more concentrated coffee flavor, but brewed coffee tastes delicious too.
Top Tip
The secret to making an absolutely killer martini cocktail is simple but vital to your success: Use quality ingredients! Quality ingredients = the best martini!
Instructions
It only takes a few steps and a lot of shaking to make this nightcap cocktail.
Step 1
Fill shaker with a little bit of ice. Add coffee, Kahlua, and créme de cacao to shaker.
Step 2
Add the vanilla vodka and cover the shaker with a lid.
Step 3
Shake vigorously for 30-60 seconds to chill the drink and create the layer of foam.
FAQs
Espresso is a small, concentrated shot brewed under high pressure, giving it a bold flavor and rich crema.
Coffee (drip or brewed) uses a slower method with coarser grounds, producing a larger, smoother cup.
Espresso tastes stronger sip-for-sip, but a full cup of coffee usually has more caffeine overall.
Most people don't have an espresso machine but you will still get the foamy top with brewed coffee. You can even use cold brew from a can. Whatever you choose to use, it will still be delicious!
Worried that the caffeine will keep you awake? Don't stress, you can easily make this with decaf coffee as well. Just remember to use a quality brew that is your favorite. The flavor will shine through so you don't want to use something you wouldn't drink alone.
Tips for the best Espresso Martini
- The froth is created when you shake the ingredients over ice in a shaker. Here are some tips for the best froth:
- If you want to mix them ahead of time combine the ingredients together in a mason jar without ice and chill until ready to shake and serve.
- Use ice from the freezer, not an ice bucket and only fill the shaker half full of ice. The less water there is, the more foam there will be.
- Shake cocktail vigorously for a full 30-60 seconds to get maximum foam.
- Serve immediately. The longer the shaker sits, the more the froth will dissipate.
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Recipe
Kahlua Espresso Martini
Ingredients
- 1 ½ ounces Kahlua
- 1 ounce créme de cacao
- 1 ounce vanilla vodka
- 2 ounces brewed coffee or espresso cooled
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Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add all ingredients1 ½ ounces Kahlua, 1 ounce créme de cacao, 1 ounce vanilla vodka, 2 ounces brewed coffee or espresso
- Shake vigorously for 30-60 seconds to combine.
- Strain into stemmed glass and serve immediately.
Notes
- If you want to mix them ahead of time combine the ingredients together in a mason jar without ice and chill until ready to shake and serve.
- Use ice from the freezer, not an ice bucket, and only fill the shaker half full of ice. The less water there is, the more foam there will be.
- Shake cocktail vigorously for a full 30-60 seconds to get maximum foam.
- Serve immediately. The longer the shaker sits, the more the froth will dissipate.
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Nutrition
Nutrition info not guaranteed to be accurate.
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