There’s a reason the espresso martini never really goes out of style. It’s equal parts coffee and cocktail, with a rich, velvety texture that feels right at home during dinner parties, date nights, or the end of a long week.
Adding vanilla takes everything people love about an espresso martini and softens the edges just enough. It rounds out the bitterness of the espresso, complements the coffee liqueur, and adds a subtle warmth that lingers with every sip. The result is smooth, balanced, and dangerously easy to enjoy.
Ingredients
- 2 oz vanilla vodka
- 1 oz freshly brewed espresso, hot or warm
- 1 oz coffee liqueur
- 1/4 to 1/2 oz vanilla simple syrup, adjusted to taste
- Ice
- 3 whole coffee beans, for garnish
Instructions
Place a martini or coupe glass in the freezer for a few minutes while you prepare the cocktail.
Add the vanilla vodka, freshly brewed espresso, coffee liqueur, and vanilla simple syrup to a cocktail shaker.
Fill the shaker completely with ice, secure the lid, and shake vigorously for 10 to 15 seconds. The combination of hot espresso and cold ice creates that signature frothy top, so don't be shy here.
Double strain the cocktail into your chilled glass using a Hawthorne strainer and a fine mesh strainer for the smoothest finish.
Float three coffee beans on top of the foam and serve immediately.
A Few Tips
- Fresh espresso makes all the difference. Use it while it's still warm to help create a thick, creamy foam.
- Start with 1/4 oz of vanilla simple syrup, adjust from there depending on how sweet your coffee liqueur is.
- Chill your glass ahead of time to keep the cocktail colder for longer.
Homemade Vanilla Simple Syrup
If you'd like to make your own, combine 1/2 cup water, 1/2 cup sugar, and 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely, then let it cool before using.
Finish with the traditional three coffee beans, said to symbolize health, wealth, and happiness.