How to make a perfect Espresso Martini

We dive into a delicious coffee cocktail that combines the best of two worlds: coffee and alcohol. We're talking about the iconic Espresso Martini, of course.

This elegant cocktail has become a favourite with coffee and cocktail lovers around the world. With its rich flavour of freshly brewed espresso, a soft sweetness and a slight alcoholic edge, this drink is perfect as a sophisticated end to dinner or as a festive start to the evening.

Here we guide you through how to make the perfect Espresso Martini at home in your own kitchen.

Ingredients for Espresso Martini

To make a classic Espresso Martini, you need the following ingredients:

40 ml vodka
20 ml Kahlúa or another coffee liqueur
30 ml of freshly brewed espresso (preferably from your own roasted beans if you are a true home roaster!)
10 ml sugar syrup (can be customised to taste)
Ice cubes
Coffee beans for decoration

Equipment you need

Shaker (preferably a cocktail shaker, but a regular thermos cup with a lid can also be used in a pinch)
Strainer (fine mesh to ensure a creamy consistency)
Espresso machine (or Aeropress if you prefer)

Step-by-step guide to making Espresso Martini

1. Brew your espresso

Start by brewing a double espresso from your favourite beans. It should be fresh and intense to bring out the great coffee flavour in the cocktail. If you roast your own beans, a medium to dark roast will produce a strong and aromatic espresso that works perfectly in an Espresso Martini.

2. Make sugar syrup

Sugar syrup can easily be made by mixing equal parts sugar and water and heating it until the sugar is dissolved. Let it cool before you use it. The sugar syrup balances the bitterness of the coffee and alcohol, so adjust the amount according to how sweet you want your drink to be.

3. Shaker-tid

Fill your shaker with ice cubes, vodka, coffee liqueur, espresso and sugar syrup. It's important to shake well and vigorously for about 15-20 seconds to ensure the drink gets cold and has a nice, frothy top. It is this foam that gives the Espresso Martini its characteristic texture.

4. Sift and serve

Once you've shaken your cocktail thoroughly, strain it directly into a chilled martini glass to remove any ice chunks. Pour carefully to preserve the frothy top.

5. Decorate with coffee beans

Finish your Espresso Martini by placing three coffee beans on top as a garnish. Traditionally, the three beans symbolise health, wealth and happiness - so why not?

Tips to refine your Espresso Martini

Experiment with flavours: Try adding a little vanilla extract or cocoa powder to give your drink a twist. You can also experiment with different coffee liqueurs or even make your own homemade version.
Coffee selection: Use high quality beans for the best flavour. Here at Homeroast.dk we recommend using a heavy roast, as the intense flavour is best suited to the alcohol notes.
Make it decaffeinated: If you want to enjoy an Espresso Martini in the evening without getting too much caffeine, you can easily use decaffeinated espresso. The flavour is still great!