A guide to the Espresso Martini & Coffee Cocktails

As with any cocktail, an Espresso Martini is only as good as the quality of the ingredients you have to hand. You’ll need a decent vodka and good quality, fresh coffee to ensure a delicious result. The creamy foam on top of the Espresso Martini is also essential for achieving a distinguishable finish; if you allow the coffee to cool before shaking it up then you won’t get the same foamy results.

Since its creation there have been numerous adaptations to the Espresso Martini recipe (keep reading for some ideas) however the true recipe, according to the mixologist mastermind Bradsell, uses “the ratio behind the Brandy Alexander as a template (espresso to vodka with 3 flavours in between).”

Bradsell later shared that the original Espresso Martini/Pharmaceutical Stimulant recipe requires an empty shaker glass, 50ml good vodka, 5ml cane sugar syrup, 5ml Tia Maria, 10ml Kahlua, 25ml double strength espresso, ice, and 3 coffee beans for a garnish. He elaborated that it's wrong if people can see through it or if it's brown instead of black – so take note if your Espresso Martinis are coming out a murky brown colour.

If you’re not confident about how to create the perfect espresso, check out our articles ‘Master the Basics of Making Coffee for Cocktails' and ‘How to make Great Filter Coffee in a Busy Bar'.

An Espresso Martini recipe for beginners:

• Ice cubes
• 25ml vodka
• 35ml Tia Maria/other coffee liqueur
• 35ml espresso
• Coffee beans as a garnish

   1. Place your martini glasses in the freezer for at least 20 minutes before serving.

   2. Pour the ice in a cocktail shaker.

   3. Add the vodka, then the liqueur, and finally the coffee.

   4. Taste, and if additional sweetness is desired, add more liqueur.

   5. Give it a good 20 second shake.

   6. Pour through a strainer into the cold glasses, and then top with coffee beans.

   7. Serve straight away.

If you’re looking to mix things up and offer an alternative to the classic recipe, then the Espresso Martini really leads itself to adaptation with alternative spirit bases, coffee liqueurs and syrups.

Diffords Guide suggests a few great alternatives including ‘Chocolate Orange Espresso Martini’ using orange flavoured vodka; ‘Black Espresso’ with a spiced rum base, PX sherry and Japanese Kuromitsu sugar syrup; or even a ‘Hot Cross Bun Martini’ which incorporates vanilla vodka, calvados and cinnamon syrup.

• Black seal rum & monin chocolate syrup
• Orange gin to replace the vodka, we recommend Tanqueray Sevilla
• Jack Daniels no. 7 or white rum to replace the vodka
• Bacardi coconut rum, cold brew coffee & vanilla spirit
• Irish cream liqueur instead of Tia Maria
• Gingerbread syrup instead of vanilla

1.       Use fresh espresso – Quality is key, always ensure your espresso is fresh.

2.       Shake hard – Create a foamy layer on top of the cocktail by shaking the mixture vigorously.

3.       Cater to different taste preferences – Not all people have a sweet tooth so feel free to adjust the amount of sugar you add.

4.       Use a good brand of vodka – Vodka is the biggest part of this drink. We recommend opting for something a slightly more luxury for a clean taste that will bring out the other flavours.

5.       Presentation is key –  Whether you opt for the classic coffee beans or an alternative garnish, take the time to get creative and add appeal, see our expert tips.