Easy Kahlua Espresso Martini Cocktail

Perfect flavor balance: The cocktail combines the bold flavors of coffee vodka and espresso with the sweetness of Kahlua, resulting in a deliciously indulgent cocktail that hits all the right notes.

Easy to make: With only three ingredients, this cocktail recipe is incredibly easy to make, making it a great option for those who want to impress their guests without spending too much time mixing up drinks.

Perfect for coffee lovers: If you’re a fan of espresso coffee, this is the perfect cocktail for you. It’s a great way to enjoy your love of coffee in a fun and exciting way.

Coffee vodka: This is the base alcohol for the Kahlua Espresso Martini and gives the drink an extra bold coffee flavor over regular vodka. My favorite coffee vodka is local to Charleston from Cannon Distillery. Van Gogh Double Espresso Vodka is also a great choice, but if you only have regular vodka on hand, it will still work.

Espresso: Even if you don’t have an espresso machine, you can still make a shot of espresso with a Moka pot or Aeropress. You can also use a French press to make a concentrated coffee that can be used in place of espresso.

Kahlua coffee liqueur: Kahlua helps to balance out the bitterness of the espresso, creating a smooth and slightly sweet cocktail. Some people like to also add simple syrup, but I find the Kahlua sweetens it perfectly.

Whole coffee beans for garnish: Whole beans are often used as a garnish for an Espresso Martini. They aren’t just for show – they provide an extra layer of coffee aroma which is important to overall taste.

Step 1: Add the coffee vodka and Kahlua to a cocktail shaker. 

Step 2: Add the espresso to the shaker.

Step 3: Add ice cubes to the shaker and shake until well chilled.

Step 4: Strain into a martini glass (or coupe glass).

Step 5: Drop 3 whole coffee beans on the foamy top, if desired. 

• Shake it well: It’s important to shake the ingredients vigorously before straining into the glass. This will create that velvety smooth foam top that is a key characteristic of an espresso martini.

• Use it for brunch: This Kahlua Espresso Martini is a versatile coffee cocktail that works just as well for a brunch cocktail as it is does for a cocktail hour drink. 

• Adjust to your taste: If you prefer a sweeter cocktail, add just a touch of simple syrup to the shaker. However, many find that Kahlua sweetens it enough. If you want a creamy flavor, try adding a ½ ounce of heavy cream or a creamy liqueur, like Bailey’s Irish Cream.

Where did the espresso martini come from?

The origins of the espresso martini are a bit murky, but the most widely accepted story is that it was invented by a London bartender named Dick Bradsell in the 1980s. He created the cocktail for a model who asked for a drink that would “wake me up and then f**k me up”.

Can I make this for a crowd? Can I make it ahead of time?

To serve a crowd, you can pre-chill the ingredients in a container and then shake them up in a cocktail shaker with ice as you need it. If you don’t have a shaker, a mason jar works great too! But remember, it’s best to serve the drinks immediately after making for the freshest flavor.

Can you make an espresso martini with coffee?

Yes, you can make an espresso martini with coffee instead of espresso, but the flavor will likely be weaker. You can use a French Press to make a concentrated cup of coffee, which can be used in place of espresso. A strong cold brew coffee would work as well.

Do you have to use Kahlua for an espresso martini?

No, you don’t have to have Kahlua specifically for an espresso martini – it’s just the traditional choice for a classic espresso martini. You can also use Frangelico Hazelnut liqueur to make an espresso martini. Amaretto works well too for a nice nutty, almond flavor. 

How should I store Kahlua?

Kahlua should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Once opened, the flavor and quality may start to degrade after 1-2 years, depending on how it was stored. Unopened, it can be stored for up to 4 years per Kahlua’s recommendation. 

How can I make espresso if I don’t have an espresso machine?

There are plenty of ways to make espresso without a machine by using a Moka pot espresso maker (as many Italians do at home) or an Aeropress. You can also make a strong, concentrated brew in a French Press.