Description
A sophisticated, fast, and reliable cocktail that balances strong espresso, vodka, and coffee liqueur for a frothy, mood-lifting drink perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 ounces strong espresso (hot, cooled slightly to 160°F)
- 2 ounces mid-range vodka (e.g., Tito’s or Absolut)
- 0.5 ounces coffee liqueur (e.g., Kahlúa or Mr. Black)
- 0.5 ounces sugar syrup or simple syrup
- Lots of ice (large or regular cubes)
- 3 coffee beans for garnish
Instructions
- Pull a fresh shot of espresso (about 2 ounces) and let it sit for a minute to cool slightly so it doesn’t melt the ice instantly.
- Add the vodka, coffee liqueur, and sugar syrup to a cocktail shaker tin.
- Pour in the warm espresso and fill the shaker nearly full with ice.
- Secure the lid and shake hard for 15-20 seconds until the tin feels frosty cold to create the signature foam.
- Strain the drink into a chilled martini or coupe glass using a Hawthorne strainer to hold back the ice.
- Garnish with three coffee beans placed in a row or triangle.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
Use warm espresso to create thermal shock for better foam emulsion. Shake vigorously for 20 seconds to ensure proper aeration. Chill glasses in the freezer for at least 15 minutes before serving. If you don’t have a shaker, a mason jar with a tight lid works well. Pre-mix vodka, liqueur, and syrup in a bottle for quick party prep, but add fresh espresso and shake just before serving.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Category: Cocktail
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cocktail
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 10
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Protein: 1
Keywords: espresso martini, cocktail recipe, coffee cocktail, vodka drink, party drinks, 3-step cocktail, classic martini, homemade cocktails