This Gin Espresso Martini is a twist on a classic. With simple ingredients like espresso, gin, coffee liqueur, and a bit of homemade simple syrup, you will have the most delicious and frothy espresso martini!
Whether you make this cocktail for a quiet weekend or you have a holiday gathering, you will enjoy this coffee martini.
With plenty of tips and equipment substitutes, you will make this martini in no time.
If you’re looking to spice up your holiday cocktail game, why not try a delicious white russian with kahlua or a scrumptious raspberry chocolate martini? They’re both sure to impress your guests and add some extra festive cheer to your celebrations!
Some other festive martinis to try are our Salted Caramel Martini, Baileys Mint Martini, Baileys Espresso Martini, Chai Espresso Martini, Pumpkin Spice Espresso Martini, or S’mores Martini.
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Ingredients
- Gin: I used one of my favorite gins – Bombay Sapphire. This gin has juniper, white pepper, and citrus notes. It works well with all other ingredients. You can use your favorite gin, or please refer to the section Recipe Variations and Ingredients Substitutions for some other gin options.
- Espresso: Make fresh espresso, but cool it completely before adding it to a cocktail shaker.
- Kahlua: I used the original Kahlua liqueur without any additional flavors. I often use it for many of the cocktails I make. It has a rich coffee flavor, and it’s so smooth.
- Simple syrup: I used brown sugar simple syrup. You can either make your own – refer to the section How to Make Simple Syrup or buy a simple syrup in the store. Make sure there is no other additional flavor in the syrup.
- Garnish: Keep it simple with three coffee beans, or add cinnamon powder or chocolate shavings.
See recipe card for quantities.
Why You’ll Love this Recipe
- Easy to make: With simple bartender tools, and easy steps, you will have this frothy martini in 5 minutes.
- Flavor: This espresso martini with gin has rich and deep coffee notes. Depending on your gin, you will have different flavor notes, like citrus, botanicals, or other spices.
- Dairy-free: This dairy-free espresso martini is perfect for everyone who can’t have dairy or want to cut down on calories.
- Perfect for holidays: This espresso gin martini is such a holiday vibe. It’s the perfect after-dinner cocktail.
Equipment and Tools Needed
- Cocktail shaker
- Jigger
- Cocktail strainer
Best Martini Glasses
When it comes to martini glasses, the options are endless. For this gin espresso martini recipe, I would stick to the basics – the classic martini glass or coupe glass.
Note that you can use smaller glasses since this cocktail has only three and a half ounces of liquid plus foam.
This article will help you pick the best glasses based on your preferences.
How to Make Simple Syrup
To make your own brown sugar simple syrup, follow these easy steps:
- Add equal amounts of brown sugar and water (I usually put 1 cup of brown sugar and 1 cup of water) into a medium-sized pot.
- Heat on medium-high heat until the sugar dissolves, stirring frequently.
- Set aside and allow to cool before transferring to a jar with a lid.
- Store in a fridge for up to a month.
Instructions
- Prepare the glass: Put the martini (or coupe) glasses in the freezer for 10-15 minutes.
- Prepare and cool the espresso: Make the espresso and leave it in the freezer for 5 minutes.
- Make the martini: To make the martini, fill the cocktail shaker halfway with crushed ice, add all ingredients, including the espresso foam and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds. Then, strain it into a chilled glass using a mesh strainer.
- Garnish: Add garnish and serve immediately!
If you don’t have a cocktail shaker, use a medium-sized mason jar with a lid. When you pour the martini into a glass, use a mesh strainer to keep the ice in a jar.
Expert Tips and Tricks for Success
- Chill the glasses: I recommend putting your glasses in a freezer for 10-15 minutes to keep the drink cold longer.
- Use crushed ice: To make the martini foamier, I recommend using crushed ice.
- Cool the espresso: You want to make sure you cool the espresso before adding it to a cocktail shaker.
- Use the espresso foam: To add extra foaminess, scoop the espresso foam and add it to a cocktail shaker after you add all other ingredients.
- Shake vigorously: This is crucial to making your espresso gin martini foamy.
- Pour quickly: Pour the martini quickly as soon as you make it. This way, you will extract all the foam.
Substitutions and Variations
- Use different gin: This article will give you some excellent recommendations for other gin options.
- Substitute Kahlua: If you don’t have Kahlua, feel free to use Mr. Black Coffee Liqueur. One thing to note is that Kahlua is sweeter and is rum-based, while Mr. Black contains vodka and is bittersweet. You might need to add more simple syrup.
- Substitute gin: Not a fan of gin? Or don’t have it on hand, feel free to substitute it for vodka. This will give you a traditional espresso martini.
- Make it decaf: Want to cut down on caffeine? Use decaf beans to make the espresso.
- Use your favorite espresso beans: When it comes to the perfect ones, options are endless. Use your favorite espresso beans, or even use the pre-made cups. I used the Vertuo cups – Double espresso Scuro flavor. Please note that if you use any cups with other flavor notes, it will affect the overall cocktail flavor as well.
- Optional garnish: I usually stick to the classic – three coffee beans. Some other options would be chocolate shavings, cacao nibs or powder, or even cinnamon powder.
- Add a splash of half-and-half: If you would like to make an extra creamy espresso martini, add a splash of half-and-half.
How to Serve
Serve with any dessert. My favorite options are coffee-flavored cake, chocolate, or even ice cream.
FAQ
Make sure to shake the cocktail shaker vigorously and use crushed ice. Another tip would be to add the espresso foam after adding all other ingredients to a shaker. And last, pour the martini quickly when straining it into a chilled glass.
There are plenty of options. I like to stick to traditional martini glasses or coupe glasses. For this martini, you can use a smaller coupe glass since there are few ingredients.
Other Martini Recipes You’ll Love
- Peppermint Espresso Martini
- Baileys Mint Martini
- Chai Espresso Martini
- S’mores Martini
- Raspberry Chocolate Martini
- Baileys Espresso Martini
- Godiva Chocolate Martini
- Pumpkin Spice Espresso Martini
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Recipe
Gin Espresso Martini
Equipment
- cocktail shaker
- jigger
- Cocktail strainer
Ingredients
For martini
- 1 oz espresso, plus foam
- 1 oz Kahlua (original)
- 1 oz gin (Bombay Sapphire)
- ½ oz brown sugar simple syrup
For garnish
- coffee beans
- chocolate shavings
- cinnamon
- cacao powder
Instructions
- Prepare the glasses: Put glasses in a freezer for 10-15 minutes.
- Make the espresso and leave it in the freezer for 5 minutes.
- Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with crushed ice.
- Add the liqueur, brown sugar simple syrup, and the espresso with the foam.
- Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds.
- Strain into a chilled glass using a cocktail strainer.
- Add garnish if preferred and serve immediately. Enjoy!
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