Classic Espresso Martini

This Classic Espresso Martini is what I serve when guests want something a little different after dinner. It’s creamy, bold, and always gets compliments. You only need a few ingredients to impress.

Jump to Recipe

Two espresso martinis in coupe glasses on a round wooden board, surrounded by coffee beans and a wooden scoop, with a jigger nearby.

Why This Recipe Works

This Classic Espresso Martini recipe is my favorite way to end the night with something bold, creamy, and just a little indulgent. Here’s why I love it so much:

Foamy and Smooth: Shaking fresh espresso with vodka and Irish cream gives that signature velvety foam on top. It looks fancy and tastes even better.
Creamy Kick: I love adding half and half for that perfect creamy texture. It softens the bold espresso without dulling the flavor.
Just the Right Buzz: Between the caffeine and the vodka, this cocktail keeps the energy going – ideal for dinner parties or date nights at home.
Customizable: You can sweeten it, flavor it, or keep it classic. Sometimes I add vanilla syrup or rim the glass in ground espresso for a fun twist.
Easy but Impressive: It only takes a few minutes to shake up, but it always feels like a treat. This one never fails to impress guests—or me, a lot like my Strawberry Martini.

A glass of creamy coffee topped with three coffee beans, placed on a round wooden board next to a wooden scoop filled with coffee beans.

If you enjoyed this recipe, please come back and give it a rating. I ❤️ hearing from you!

Ingredients

Vodka: I use a smooth, clean vodka that blends easily with the espresso and cream. It adds a subtle warmth without overpowering the coffee flavor.
Espresso: Freshly brewed espresso gives the cocktail its bold, rich coffee base. I always let it cool completely before shaking to keep the foam thick and creamy.
Half and half: This adds a silky, luscious texture that softens the sharpness of the espresso. It makes the martini taste like a decadent iced latte.
Irish cream liqueur: A touch of Baileys, Five Farms, or Kahlua adds sweetness and depth with notes of coffee and chocolate.

For full list of ingredients and instructions, see recipe card below.

Instructions

A metal cocktail shaker filled with ice is being poured with clear liquid. Baileys and vodka bottles are visible in the background.

A hand pours a creamy liquid from a jigger into a metal shaker filled with ice, with bottles and a shaker lid on a tiled counter.

Brew the espresso: Make a shot of espresso and let it cool completely. For faster cooling, pour it into a bowl and place it in the freezer for a few minutes.
Add to shaker: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, then pour in the cooled espresso, vodka, Irish cream liqueur, and half and half.

Creamy liqueur being poured from a cocktail shaker into a coupe glass, with bottles and a jigger in the background on a white tiled surface.

Two coupe glasses filled with a classic espresso martini on a white tiled surface, with coffee beans and a metal jigger nearby.

Shake and strain: Shake vigorously for at least 30 seconds to create a foamy top, then strain into a chilled martini glass.
Garnish and serve: Top with 3 coffee beans and serve immediately while frothy and cold.

For full list of ingredients and instructions, see recipe card below.

A close-up of a creamy espresso martini garnished with three coffee beans, with a wooden scoop of coffee beans in the background on a white tiled surface.

Substitutions & Variations

Here are some of my favorite substitutions and variations:

Vodka Options: I like using smooth, clean vodka since it lets the espresso shine. You don’t need a pricey brand, just one you enjoy drinking on its own.
Liqueur Choices: Irish cream adds creaminess, but you can also use Kahlua, Tia Maria, or even a splash of coffee liqueur with a hint of vanilla for extra depth.
Dairy Swap: Half and half makes it rich and silky, but you can replace it with heavy cream for a dessert-like version or oat milk for a dairy-free one.

A coupe glass filled with a creamy brown cocktail, garnished with three coffee beans, sits on a white tiled surface next to bottles and a metal jigger.

What to Serve with Classic Espresso Martini

Desserts

The rich, velvety flavor of a Classic Espresso Martini pairs perfectly with desserts that have a light, creamy texture. Try it with Strawberry Tiramisu or Easy Crepes for an elegant finish to dinner.
It also pairs beautifully with Cream Cheese Berry Danish or a slice of Fresh Strawberry Cake, as the espresso flavor balances the sweetness in every bite.

After Dinner Treats

This martini shines when served with small indulgences. Enjoy it with Classic Shortbread Cookies or Dark Chocolate Covered Stuffed Dates for a sophisticated pairing.
For a truly decadent treat, serve it alongside Dark Chocolate Almond Butter Cups, where the nutty richness complements the smooth coffee flavor of the martini.

A close-up of a creamy espresso martini in a glass, topped with three coffee beans, with coffee beans scattered in the background.

FAQs

What’s the best vodka to use for an espresso martini?

Choose a smooth, clean vodka you already enjoy drinking. It doesn’t need to be top shelf since the espresso and Irish cream balance out the flavors beautifully.

What type of coffee works best?

Freshly brewed espresso is ideal – it gives the drink that rich, concentrated coffee flavor and the perfect foam when shaken. In a pinch, you can use strong brewed coffee, but espresso produces the best crema on top.

How can I make it sweeter or creamier?

Add ½ ounce of simple syrup or flavored syrup (like vanilla or caramel) for sweetness. For extra creaminess, add more half and half or swap it for heavy cream.

How far in advance can I make espresso martinis?

You can brew the espresso and chill it in the fridge up to a day ahead. Mix the martinis just before serving for the best foam and texture. Leftover espresso martinis can be stored in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 24 hours—just shake with ice again before serving.

A creamy espresso martini in a coupe glass, garnished with three coffee beans. Bottles of vodka and Baileys, coffee beans, and a jigger are visible in the background.

More Cocktails Recipes You’ll Enjoy

Blackberry Mint Cocktail – This light and refreshing recipe for Grapefruit Vodka Tonic Cocktails has arrived just in time for the warm weather.
Grapefruit Vodka Tonic – This light and refreshing recipe for Grapefruit Vodka Tonic Cocktails has arrived just in time for the warm weather.
Aperol Spritz: Two Ways – These Italian aperitifs have a delightful balance between sweet and bitter to make them the ultimate fizzy, fun, and refreshing summer cocktails.
Sunset Citrus Champagne Cocktail – A perfect cocktail to serve at your next brunch or a special occasion. Make it a fun way for your guests to customize their champagne cocktail by providing an array of freshly squeezed juices to mix with their champagne.

If you try this Classic Espresso Martini recipe, let me know what you think! Rate and review this recipe in the comments below. Don’t forget to take a picture and tag me on Instagram @lenaskitchenblog!