Here is how to make a creamy espresso martini recipe is easy to make and a fun spin on a classic espresso martini. I've added heavy cream to really heighten the delicious espresso notes and make it super velvety. It's the perfect cocktail for any occasion!
If you’re a big coffee lover, I highly recommend getting on board the espresso martini train.
It’s a strong, subtly sweet, flavorful, and extremely memorable cocktail. Anyone I have made this martini for has always asked me for a second.
Imagine feeling like you were simultaneously satiated from a nightcap cocktail and dessert. Doesn’t that sound fantastic?
My first time trying an espresso martini, I was in Florence, Italy, 6 months pregnant with my first born, but I tried one sip from my husband’s beverage.
I fell in absolute love and knew I was going to try my hand at making one at home as soon as I had the chance.
The froth on top is one of my favorite parts about a classic espresso martini, but I wanted to make the entire drink itself a bit creamier.
I achieved this by utilizing heavy whipping cream.
If you are wanting to keep the drink dairy free, feel free to use full fat coconut milk instead.
What does an espresso martini have in it?
A traditional espresso martini recipe is made up of just a handful of components:
- Espresso
- Vodka
- Simple syrup
- Kahlua
- Ice
However, I utilized maple syrup instead of simple syrup and added heavy whipping cream for some extra creaminess.
If you'd like to make an espresso martini with cold brew concentrate, I recommend checking out this recipe here.
How do I make an espresso martini frothy?
There are two important factors to getting an espresso martini to be really frothy. Those two things are:
Using freshly brewed espresso and
Vigorously shaking with enough ice in a shaker cup.
If you do not add enough ice to the shaker cup and shake vigorously enough, there will not be enough oils released from the espresso combined with the air bubbles.
Keep in mind: If you add the heavy whipping cream, you will lose a bit of the frothiness / foaminess on top, and it will be more creamy instead.
Feel free to completely omit the heavy whipping cream for a more traditional espresso martini recipe.
Do you use Kahlua in an espresso martini?
Yes, some sort of coffee liquor must be used in an espresso martini.
Bailey’s and Tia Maria are both cream liqueurs, and will not have the same taste / effect as Kahlua.
How to make the best espresso martini
- Brew espresso and pour into a small glass cup or bowl. Transfer to the refrigerator or freezer to chill completely.
- Add all ingredients into a cocktail shaker with two very large handfuls of ice.
- Shake vigorously for 45 seconds, and very swiftly strain and pour into a coupe or martini glass.
- Top off with 3 espresso beans and serve right away.
Espresso martini substitutions and tips
- If you do not have access to espresso, you can use cold brew concentrate instead. However, it will not froth up.
- You can replace the heavy cream with canned coconut milk to keep the drink dairy free.
- Also, the cream component can be omitted completely for a less creamy but more frothy and foamy espresso martini.
Love this espresso martini cocktail? Here are more drinks you will love:
Frozen Palomas with Watermelon
Creamy Espresso Martini Recipe
Equipment
- Jigger
- Cocktail shaker
Ingredients
- 3 oz vodka
- 2 oz Kahlua see notes
- 2 oz freshly brewed espresso see notes
- ⅔ oz pure maple syrup see notes
- ½ oz heavy cream optional
Instructions
- Brew espresso and pour into a small glass cup or bowl. Transfer to the refrigerator or freezer to chill completely.
- Add all ingredients into a cocktail shaker with two very large handfuls of ice.
- Shake vigorously for 45 seconds, and very swiftly strain and pour into a coupe or martini glass.
- Top off with 3 espresso beans and serve right away.
Notes
- Kahlua: I do not recommend substituting this as it's a true coffee liquor.
- Espresso: If you do not have access to espresso, you can use a cold brew concentrate instead. However, you will not get the same foam or froth on top.
- Maple syrup: If you do not have maple syrup, you can use a bottle simple syrup. I just love the maple flavor in this drink.
- Heavy cream: This is optional, and canned coconut milk can be used instead, but it makes the drink very creamy. If omitted, there will be more froth and foam on top.
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