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Espresso Martini Recipe: How to Make One at Home (Plus a Baileys Twist)
The classic espresso martini recipe with exact measures, three tips for thick foam, a Baileys twist and how to mix a round for a party.
An espresso martini is 40ml vodka, 20ml coffee liqueur and 30ml fresh espresso, shaken hard with ice and strained into a chilled glass. The hard shake is what builds the foam.
Below are the steps, three tips, a Baileys twist and a way to mix a round ahead for a party.
How do you make an espresso martini?
One serve. Three ingredients, one shaker, a few minutes.
- Put a martini glass in the freezer, or fill it with ice while you make the drink.
- Make the espresso and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Add the vodka, coffee liqueur and espresso to a shaker, then fill it with ice.
- Shake hard for about 15 seconds, until the outside of the shaker is very cold.
- Tip the ice out of the glass, then strain the drink in so the foam sits on top.
- Place the three coffee beans on the foam and serve.
How do you get thick foam?
Three habits that decide the foam and the taste.
- Cool the espressoHot espresso melts the ice and waters the drink down, so give it a few minutes first.
- Shake hardA long, firm shake mixes air into the espresso, and that builds the foam.
- Chill the glassA glass from the freezer keeps the drink cold and the foam in place for longer.
Kahlua
The coffee liqueur.
Made from Arabica coffee and rum, with roasted coffee, caramel and vanilla, and a smooth, slightly sweet finish.
- Style
- Coffee liqueur
- Try it with
- Vodka and fresh espresso
- Per nip
- About $1.42
Absolut Vodka
Clean, so the coffee leads.
Smooth and well balanced with a clean, crisp taste. A neutral vodka lets the coffee stand out.
- Style
- Vodka
- Try it with
- Coffee liqueur and espresso
- Per nip
- About $1.83
How do you make a Baileys espresso martini?
One serve. Creamier and a little sweeter.
- Chill a martini glass.
- Add the vodka, Baileys and cooled espresso to a shaker and fill it with ice.
- Shake hard for about 15 seconds and strain into the glass.
Baileys 700ml
Irish cream for the creamy version.
Irish whiskey, cream and cocoa, with creamy caramel and vanilla.
- Style
- Irish cream liqueur
- Try it with
- Espresso and vodka
- Per nip
- About $1.96
How do you make a round for a party?
Mix the base ahead, shake each drink fresh.
Mix the vodka and coffee liqueur in a jug ahead of time and keep it in the fridge. At serving time, pour the base into the shaker, add the cooled espresso and ice, and shake one or two drinks at a time. Serve water and food alongside, and remember that coffee does not make a drink weaker.
- For 4 drinks: 160ml vodka and 80ml coffee liqueur.
- Add 30ml of cooled espresso to the shaker for each drink.
Quick answers
What is in an espresso martini?
Vodka, coffee liqueur, fresh espresso and ice, with three coffee beans to finish.
Why does an espresso martini have foam on top?
Shaking hard with fresh espresso and ice mixes air into the drink, and that makes the foam.
Which coffee liqueur should I use?
Kahlua works well, and so does any coffee liqueur with a real espresso flavour.
Can I make espresso martinis ahead of time?
Mix the vodka and coffee liqueur ahead and keep it in the fridge. Add the cooled espresso and ice and shake each drink when you serve it.
Does caffeine make the drink safer?
No. Coffee does not offset the alcohol, so serve one drink at a time and keep food and water on the table.
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