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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.

Looking for a non-alcoholic version? Try my Espresso Martini Mocktail.

What's in an Espresso Martini?

Cold brew coffee - I know! It's not freshly brewed espresso, but hear me out! I learned this trick from a local distillery that makes their espresso martinis in bulk. Use espresso roast coffee beans to make a batch of cold brew coffee for your espresso martinis. That way you still get all the strong, espresso flavor without needing to own an espresso machine.
Vodka - I like to use plain vodka in my espresso martinis. You can use vanilla vodka instead if you want a sweeter drink with some vanilla flavor in it.
Coffee liqueur - This adds sweetness to the cocktail as well as ups the coffee flavor.
Chocolate bitters - With a touch of chocolate to enhance the coffee, chocolate bitters also keep the drink from becoming too sweet.

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!

Will I like Espresso Martinis if I Don't Drink Black Coffee?

You definitely need to enjoy coffee to enjoy espresso martinis. But if you prefer cream in your coffee, add 1 ounce of half and half along with the rest of the ingredients in the cocktail shaker. Or try adding 1 ounce of Rumchata liqueur or Irish Cream liqueur to add cream and more sweetness to your espresso martini.