The perfect Espresso Martini recipe

Garnished with a few coffee beans, the espresso martini is a sophisticated little devil – it’s dressed to kill and has landed me in trouble a number of times.

The perfect Espresso Martini recipe is a sumptuous mix of vodka, coffee liquor and espresso that gets people giggling with excitement at its mere mention. It’s rich, indulgent and creamy, and the shot of espresso will make sure you keep up with the pack if you find yourself flagging at your office Christmas party. I’ve got the CRU Kafe, Food Tube, Drinks Tube and Food Busker parties coming up in the next few weeks, so these will keep me going nicely.

As a drink it’s deliciously confusing – coffee and vodka simply shouldn’t be allowed to taste this good together, but they do. The liqueur has a wicked sweetness while the coffee gives it a rich depth, whilst the vodka delivers that necessary kick that lets you know you’re doing something naughty. It’s all finished off with the thick, luxurious, creamy froth that sits at the top of the glass. It’s vital that you use a good quality espresso shot – obviously I make mine fresh from the Nespresso® machine.

This drink works well on its own as a party cocktail, but can also be employed effectively at dinner parties as an excessively luxurious digestif after your main meal – both the coffee and the coffee liquor aid digestion.  If you’re feeling particularly decadent, you can do away with the coffee course entirely and head straight for this to make sure that you escape that fatal after-dinner lull that so often plagues these events.

Put simply, it’s the best way to perk up your evening (no matter what type of party your throwing) and keep it going into those wee, wee hours. I love making them at home but remember, they will lead you astray. Happy festive season!

How to make an espresso martini

Image of an espresso martini and a small bowl of coffee beans

Makes one

Ingredients

  • 50ml Grey Goose vodka
  • 35ml coffee liqueur
  • 1 shot (25ml) of espresso
  • Ice

Method

  1. Pour the vodka, coffee liqueur and espresso into a cocktail shaker.  Fill the martini glass with ice to chill and then fill the cocktail shaker with ice as well.Image of ice being poured into a glass of espresso
  2. Put the other half of the shaker on top and give it a good tap to lock it in, then shake the living daylights out of it. You want the ice to smash up while chilling the liquid down; its what creates the frothy top. Try to use fresh-from-the-freezer ice, as melting ice is too watery and will dilute the martini.
  3. Once shaken, tap the side of the shaker to break the vacuum seal. Empty the ice out of the Martini glass, then place the strainer on top of the shaker and pour the contents through a sieve directly into the glass. Using the strainer and the sieve helps create a rich, smooth, froth.Image of shaken espresso martini being drained from a cocktail shaker into a glass
  4. Garnish with 3 coffee beans and attempt to contain your delight.

If you want more tips check out this lovely video about how to make a Classic Espresso Martini with Jamie’s Food Team:

All images by Izy Hozzack


About the author

John Quilter

John Quilter is an entrepreneur and broadcaster with over 20 years experience as a restaurateur and chef.

John Quilter

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Drinks