Espresso Martini
The modern classic that launched a thousand coffee cocktail menus. Vodka, Kahlua, and fresh espresso shaken into a frothy, caffeinated masterpiece crowned with three coffee beans.
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz Vodka
- 1 oz Kahlua
- 1 oz Fresh espresso (cooled slightly)
- 0.5 oz Simple syrup
- 3 coffee beans (garnish) garnish
Pairs With
Serve alongside dark chocolate truffles, tiramisu, or espresso-dusted cheesecake to complement the coffee's intensity and natural dessert-like richness.
Instructions
Brew a shot of espresso and let it cool for about two minutes so it will not melt the ice too quickly
Add vodka, Kahlua, espresso, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker
Fill shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15 seconds to build a thick crema
Double strain through a fine mesh strainer into a chilled martini glass
Garnish with three coffee beans placed in the center of the foam
Tips
Fresh espresso is essential for the crema on top; instant coffee dissolved in hot water is a passable substitute but will not foam as well Shake harder and longer than you think — the espresso needs aggressive agitation to produce that signature frothy layer The three coffee beans traditionally represent health, wealth, and happiness