ELITE ESPRESSO MARTINI: A STEP BY-STEP GUIDE

By Philip Coss

The espresso martini is a modern classic, combining the rich, bold flavor of coffee with the smoothness of vodka and the sweetness of coffee liqueur. It’s the ideal cocktail for those who love their caffeine with a kick. Whether you're hosting a party or winding down after a long day, here's how to make the perfect Espresso Martini that will impress your guests and satisfy your craving for a caffeinated cocktail.

Ingredients

To craft the perfect Espresso Martini, you'll need the following ingredients:

  • Vodka (2 oz): Choose a high-quality vodka for a smooth finish. Popular options include Grey Goose or Belvedere.

  • Freshly Brewed Espresso (1 oz): For the best results, use a rich, dark roast. If you don’t have an espresso machine, you can get one from Breville.

  • Coffee Liqueur (1/2 oz): The go-to option is Kahlúa, but there are other great options like Tia Maria.

  • Simple Syrup (1/2 oz): You can make this at home with equal parts sugar and water, or purchase a bottle of Monin Simple Syrup.

  • Ice: Enough to fill your cocktail shaker.

  • Coffee Beans (Optional): Use them as garnish to add a classy touch to your presentation.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Espresso

Brew your espresso fresh and let it cool slightly. Freshly brewed espresso is key to achieving that rich coffee flavor. You want the espresso to be strong and full-bodied, so opt for a high-quality dark roast.

Step 2: Gather Your Ingredients

Once your espresso is ready, gather your vodka, coffee liqueur, simple syrup, and ice. Make sure your ingredients are chilled for the best results.

Step 3: Shake, Shake, Shake!

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add 2 oz of vodka, 1 oz of freshly brewed espresso, 1/2 oz of coffee liqueur, and 1/2 oz of simple syrup. Seal the shaker and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds. This will chill the cocktail and create that signature frothy top layer.

Step 4: Strain and Serve

Once shaken, strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass. The goal is to achieve a smooth and frothy top, which is a key characteristic of the perfect Espresso Martini.

Step 5: Garnish

To complete the look, garnish your Espresso Martini with three coffee beans. These represent health, wealth, and happiness—a classic Italian tradition!

Where to Buy Your Materials

  • Vodka: Purchase premium vodka like Grey Goose or Belvedere from your local liquor store or online at Total Wine.

  • Espresso Machine: A quality espresso machine can be a worthwhile investment. Check out options like the Breville Barista Express.

  • Coffee Liqueur: Kahlúa is available at most liquor stores, or you can buy it online at Total Wine.

  • Simple Syrup: If you prefer not to make your own, you can buy Monin Simple Syrup online.

  • Coffee Beans: A fresh pack of premium coffee beans can be ordered from Lavazza or your favorite coffee brand.

Crafting the perfect espresso martini is an art form that combines quality ingredients, the right technique, and a little bit of flair. Whether you're a seasoned bartender or just starting, this guide will help you mix up a cocktail that's sure to impress. Enjoy responsibly and savor the perfect blend of coffee and spirits!

About the Author

As a dynamic and people-centric entrepreneur, Philip Coss has built a career on a foundation of creativity and hands-on experience in the restaurant and bar industry. His journey has been marked by a strong commitment to operational excellence, hospitality management, and continuous improvement.

Currently, as the owner and co-founder of District After Dark, a hospitality consulting company based in Washington, DC, he specializes in crafting bespoke cocktail menus, training staff on precise recipes and production techniques, and managing high-profile events and pop-ups. His role includes not only designing unique drink offerings but also ensuring that every element of the cocktail experience—from the menu to the final pour—is executed with exceptional quality. A highlight of his tenure at District After Dark was developing the cocktail menu for Crush Dance Bar, where he successfully trained the team to achieve record weekly sales.

In his current role as Benerage Director at Crush Dance Bar, one of Washington D.C.'s newest high-volume bars, he has excelled in managing bar operations, setting personal sales records, and training team members to uphold the highest standards. His focus is on optimizing bar prep and operations to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for every guest.

Phil’s career began at Pearl Dive Oyster Palace, where he worked from 2015 to 2024. Starting as a barback and server, he quickly transitioned to bartender where he began to perfect his expertise. He later took on supervisory responsibilities, managing guest relations and daily operations. Phil played a crucial role in reopening the restaurant during the pandemic and facilitated a successful to-go cocktail program. One of his proudest accomplishments here was orchestrating a reaccuring special event, "Taking Back Thursdays," raising significant funds for The Jedd Foundation.