Easy, Four Ingredient Espresso Martini

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Sweet and strong, this easy espresso martini cocktail is the perfect replacement for the traditional after-dinner coffee.

No instant espresso powder or espresso machine needed for these cocktails! You can skip the fresh espresso and instead brew up a strong pot of coffee in the morning. Put a cup's worth in the fridge to chill, and you'll be all set for espresso vodka martinis at happy hour.

This coffee cocktail uses coffee liqueur instead of simple syrup to add sweetness and boost the coffee flavor. This also helps reduce the amount of coffee needed in the martini, making it a lower caffeine option for this classic, coffee lovers after dinner drink.

What You Need

Strong brewed coffee
Vodka
Coffee liqueur
Chocolate bitters

How to Make an Espresso Martini

Put all ingredients in a cocktail shaker full of ice.

Shake well.

Strain into a martini glass.

Garnish by floating 2 or 3 coffee beans on the top of the cocktail's foam.

Enjoy!

Tips on Espresso Martinis

What kind of coffee should I use?

Use a traditional drip coffee pot and any blend of your choice to brew the coffee for this recipe. Just use double the amount of coffee grounds as normal when you brew.

Does the coffee have to be cold?

Yes! Make sure the coffee is COLD before you make this cocktail. Even slightly warm coffee will melt and break down the ice when you shake up your cocktail, resulting in a watered-down drink.

Will I like this martini if I don't drink black coffee?

If you prefer cream in your coffee, add 1 oz of half and half along with the rest of the ingredients in the cocktail shaker. Adding 1 oz of Rumchata liqueur is another delicious way to add cream - and cinnamon - to your espresso martini.

What can I substitute for the chocolate bitters?

While the chocolate bitters enhance the cocktail, you can leave it out if you don't have any on hand.