Updated on: 6/3/2025
What Is a Classic Espresso Martini?
The classic espresso martini is an iconic cocktail combining fresh coffee, vodka, and coffee liqueur for a rich, bittersweet profile with a signature creamy foam. Its bold flavor and eye-catching look place it high on modern bar menus, especially appealing to coffee lovers seeking an after-dinner drink or a sophisticated pick-me-up.
Origin and Evolution of the Espresso Martini
Invented in the early 1980s by London bartender Dick Bradsell, the espresso martini traces its roots to the heightened cocktail creativity of the decade. Bradsell famously crafted the drink for a model who requested something to “wake me up and then f*** me up.” His creation—combining vodka, coffee liqueur, and fresh espresso—quickly spread across the UK and beyond, evolving from a niche curiosity to a global staple. Today’s espresso martini has shed its ‘martini’ glass roots, sometimes even appearing in coupes or rocks glasses, yet its balance of bitter coffee, sweetness, and spirit remains true to the original vision.
Classic Espresso Martini Recipe (in ml)
- 45 ml vodka
- 30 ml espresso (freshly brewed, cooled)
- 22.5 ml coffee liqueur (such as Kahlúa)
- 15 ml simple syrup (optional, adjust to taste)
- Fill a shaker with ice.
- Add 45 ml vodka, 30 ml espresso, 22.5 ml coffee liqueur, and 15 ml simple syrup.
- Shake hard for 15–20 seconds to chill and create a thick foam.
- Fine strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass.
- Garnish with three coffee beans, arranged on the foam.
For best results, use fresh espresso and plenty of ice while shaking. The vigorous shake emulsifies air with the mixture, producing the signature creamy head.
Why the Espresso Martini Remains a Modern Classic
Few cocktails bridge the gap between indulgence and stimulation as well as the espresso martini. Its rich coffee notes layered over vodka bring a smooth kick and satisfy both cocktail fans and coffee aficionados. The low-alcohol coffee liqueur tempers the vodka, while fresh espresso and a touch of sweetener ensure balance. Its signature foam makes it a showstopper—one reason it continues to appear on craft bar menus decades after its invention.
Espresso Martini Variations Worth Trying
- Salted Caramel Espresso Martini: Add 15 ml salted caramel syrup for a buttery, salty-sweet twist.
- Rum or Tequila Espresso Martini: Swap vodka with dark rum or aged tequila for a warmer, spicier base.
- Mocha Martini: Add 15 ml chocolate liqueur to boost the dessert-like appeal.
- Amaro Espresso Martini: Replace 15 ml coffee liqueur with a bitter Italian amaro for complexity.
Creativity with spirits, liqueurs, or flavored syrups lets bartenders and home enthusiasts riff on the espresso martini without losing its essential character. Whether classic or experimental, what matters is the bracing, layered depth only espresso and spirits can deliver.