If you’re a coffee lover, you know that nothing beats a freshly brewed espresso. But have you ever tried combining espresso with a cocktail? The Espresso Martini is a classic cocktail that combines the rich flavor of espresso with the smooth taste of vodka. It’s a perfect drink for any occasion, whether sipping it at a party or enjoying it as an after-dinner treat. In this article, we’ll share the best recipe for espresso martini that you must try.
The Origin of the Espresso Martini Cocktail
The origin of the Espresso Martini cocktail can be traced back to the 1980s in London, England. The cocktail was created by a bartender named Dick Bradsell, who worked at the Brasserie Soho in London at the time.
As the story goes, a customer approached Bradsell and asked for a cocktail that would “wake me up, and then f*ck me up.” Bradsell took this as a challenge and set out to create a cocktail that combined coffee and alcohol.
Bradsell’s original recipe called for vodka, freshly brewed espresso, and Kahlua, a coffee-flavored liqueur. He combined the ingredients in a shaker with ice and then strained the mixture into a chilled martini glass. To finish, he garnished the drink with three coffee beans.
The Espresso Martini quickly became a hit, and its popularity spread across the globe. Today, the drink is a staple on cocktail menus in bars and restaurants around the world, and there are countless variations of the original recipe. Despite its many variations, the Espresso Martini remains a classic cocktail that combines the rich flavor of coffee with the smooth taste of vodka.
What Liquor is Best for an Espresso Martini?
The best liquor for an Espresso Martini is vodka. Vodka has a neutral taste that blends perfectly with the strong flavor of espresso, making it the ideal choice for this classic cocktail. When combined with the rich taste of coffee, the smoothness of vodka creates a perfect balance of flavors that’s hard to resist.
While some recipes may call for other types of liquor, such as whiskey or rum, vodka remains the most popular choice for an Espresso Martini. It’s important to choose a high-quality vodka, as the taste of the liquor will significantly impact the overall flavor of the cocktail.
Vodka is the perfect liquor for an Espresso Martini, providing a smooth and rich taste that complements the espresso perfectly.
Are Espresso Martinis High in Alcohol?
Yes, Espresso Martinis are considered a strong cocktail, as they typically contain coffee and vodka. The exact alcohol content of an Espresso Martini can vary depending on the recipe and the amount of alcohol used. However, a typical recipe for an Espresso Martini contains 1 1/2 ounces of vodka, which is about 40% alcohol by volume, and 1 ounce of Kahlua or Baileys, which is about 20% alcohol by volume. When combined with a shot of espresso, the alcohol content of an Espresso Martini can range from 20% to 40% ABV (alcohol by volume), depending on the recipe.
Drinking Espresso Martinis in moderation is important, as their high alcohol content can make them easy to overindulge in. Always drink responsibly, and never drink and drive.
The Best Espresso Martini Recipe
To make the best espresso martini recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- One shot of espresso (or 1/2 cup of strong brewed coffee)
- 1 1/2 oz of vodka
- 1 oz of Kahlua or Baileys (optional)
- Ice
- Three coffee beans for garnish
Instructions:
- Start by brewing a shot of espresso or strong coffee. You can use an espresso machine or a Moka pot to make a shot of espresso. You can use strong brewed coffee if you don’t have an espresso machine.
- Add ice to a cocktail shaker.
- Pour the shot of espresso or brewed coffee over the ice.
- Add vodka and Kahlua or Baileys (optional) to the cocktail shaker.
- Shake the cocktail shaker vigorously for about 30 seconds.
- Strain the cocktail into a chilled martini glass.
- Garnish with three coffee beans.
- Enjoy your delicious Espresso Martini!
Espresso Martini Recipe with Baileys
If you want to add a creamy twist to your Espresso Martini, you can use Baileys instead of Kahlua. The recipe is the same, but you’ll replace the Kahlua with Baileys.
Ingredients:
- One shot of espresso (or 1/2 cup of strong brewed coffee)
- 1 1/2 oz of vodka
- 1 oz of Baileys
- Ice
- Three coffee beans for garnish
Instructions:
- Brew a shot of espresso or strong coffee.
- Add ice to a cocktail shaker.
- Pour the shot of espresso or brewed coffee over the ice.
- Add vodka and Baileys to the cocktail shaker.
- Shake the cocktail shaker vigorously for about 30 seconds.
- Strain the cocktail into a chilled martini glass.
- Garnish with three coffee beans.
- Sip and enjoy your delicious Espresso Martini with Baileys.
Holiday Espresso Martini Recipe
If you’re looking for a festive version of the Espresso Martini, try this recipe that adds a holiday twist to the classic cocktail.
Ingredients:
- One shot of espresso (or 1/2 cup of strong brewed coffee)
- 1 1/2 oz of vodka
- 1 oz of peppermint schnapps
- Ice
- Whipped cream for garnish
- Crushed candy canes for garnish
Instructions:
- Brew a shot of espresso or strong coffee.
- Add ice to a cocktail shaker.
- Pour the shot of espresso or brewed coffee over the ice.
- Add vodka and peppermint schnapps to the cocktail shaker.
- Shake the cocktail shaker vigorously for about 30 seconds.
- Strain the cocktail into a chilled martini glass.
- Top with whipped cream.
- Garnish with crushed candy canes.
- Serve and enjoy your festive Holiday Espresso Martini.
Final Words
The Espresso Martini is a delicious cocktail that combines the rich taste of espresso with the smooth flavor of vodka. It’s a perfect drink for any occasion, whether sipping it as an after-dinner treat or enjoying it at a party. With its simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can make a perfect Espresso Martini in just a few minutes.
In this article, we’ve shared the best Espresso Martini recipe you must try. You can also try the Espresso Martini recipe with Baileys for a creamy twist or the Holiday Espresso Martini recipe for a festive version of the classic cocktail. No matter which recipe you choose, we guarantee you’ll love this classic cocktail’s delicious taste.
In conclusion, the Espresso Martini is a perfect cocktail for coffee lovers who want to add a little kick to their drinks. Its smooth and rich taste makes it a great drink to enjoy on any occasion. So, grab your cocktail shaker and try one of these delicious recipes today!
