If you’re a fan of cocktails that pack a punch of flavor and a touch of indulgence, you’ll absolutely love this Creamy Espresso Martini Recipe. It’s one of those dreamy drinks that beautifully combines the rich, robust taste of espresso with the smooth, velvety creaminess you crave after a long day. I first tried it at a friend’s dinner party and was hooked instantly — this recipe has that perfect balance of kick and comfort.

What makes this Creamy Espresso Martini Recipe stand out is its simplicity paired with sophistication. Whether you’re winding down on a weekend or impressing friends at a cozy gathering, it fits right in. Plus, since it uses familiar ingredients like quality vodka and coffee liqueur, you can easily whip it up at home without any fuss. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this one in your cocktail arsenal!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Choosing the right ingredients is key to nailing this recipe’s signature flavor and creamy texture. Each component plays a role — from the bold espresso to the sweet coffee liqueur — and I always recommend using fresh espresso for that authentic taste punch.

Vodka Poliakov: I prefer Poliakov for its smooth, clean finish that won’t overpower the espresso. But pick a vodka you like sipping straight for best results.
Marie Brizard Coffee Liqueur: This adds a lovely depth of coffee flavor and sweetness; it’s richer than some others I’ve tried.
Canne Canadou Syrup: A great natural cane syrup that provides subtle sweetness without being cloying. Feel free to adjust to taste.
Fresh Espresso: Essential! I always brew a fresh shot right before making the cocktail to keep that vibrant coffee kick.

Variations

I like to play around with this Creamy Espresso Martini Recipe depending on my mood or what’s in the fridge. It’s surprisingly flexible, so don’t hesitate to tweak it to match your taste buds or dietary needs.

Vegan Version: Swap the syrup for agave nectar and use a plant-based creamer for a dairy-free twist — it still tastes fantastic!
Extra Creamy: Add a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk on top if you want that ultra-luxe mouthfeel.
Mocha Kick: Add a teaspoon of chocolate syrup for a subtle mocha flavor that’s like dessert in a glass.

How to Make Creamy Espresso Martini Recipe

Step 1: Brew the Perfect Espresso

Start by pulling a fresh shot of espresso — about 1 shot, or 30ml. Use your favorite espresso machine or a stovetop Moka pot. The secret is to get a strong, rich espresso with a good crema on top. This crema adds a beautiful texture and taste to your martini that pre-made espresso just can’t match.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in a Shaker

Next, pour the vodka, coffee liqueur, cane syrup, and your freshly brewed espresso into a cocktail shaker filled with ice. The ice chills the drink quickly and helps create that silky froth when shaken well. Use about 5 cl of vodka, 3 cl of coffee liqueur, and 1 cl of syrup, but feel free to adjust sweetness to your liking.

Step 3: Shake Vigorously

Seal the shaker and shake it hard for at least 15-20 seconds — this helps mix the ingredients perfectly and creates that signature creamy foam on top. Don’t be shy to really get your arm into it; that’s the secret to a creamy finish!

Step 4: Strain into a Glass

Strain your cocktail into a chilled martini or coupe glass using a fine mesh strainer to catch any ice shards or espresso grounds. The drink should be smooth and frothy, with a glossy top layer that signals a well-made espresso martini.

How to Serve Creamy Espresso Martini Recipe

Creamy Espresso Martini Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with three espresso beans on top — it’s classic and adds a lovely crunchy texture. Sometimes, I dust a tiny pinch of cocoa powder or cinnamon for extra flair. Both look pretty and complement the flavors nicely.

Side Dishes

This drink pairs beautifully with chocolate desserts, especially dark chocolate truffles or a slice of rich chocolate cake. I also like serving it with biscotti or coffee-flavored cookies, which enhance that coffee vibe.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve tried serving this Creamy Espresso Martini Recipe in smoked glassware or with a little edible gold leaf floating on top. Using themed straws or a decorative stirrer also adds a festive touch that always impresses guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This cocktail is best enjoyed fresh, but if you happen to have leftovers, store them in a sealed bottle in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Give it a gentle shake before pouring to remix the ingredients and bring back some of the creaminess.

Freezing

Freeze? I wouldn’t recommend freezing this creamy espresso martini because the texture can separate and turn grainy. It’s best to shake up a fresh batch when the mood strikes.

Reheating

Since this is a cold cocktail, reheating rarely applies. If you accidentally warm it up, it loses its frothy charm and can taste flat. So, best to enjoy it chilled right after making it!

FAQs

Can I use instant coffee instead of espresso in this recipe?

You can, but the flavor won’t be as rich or vibrant. Fresh espresso brings a depth and crema that’s hard to match with instant coffee. If you must use instant, dissolve it in a small amount of hot water and let it cool before mixing.
What if I don’t have Marie Brizard coffee liqueur? Any substitutes?

Definitely! Kahlúa, Tia Maria, or any quality coffee liqueur will work well. Just pick one with a flavor profile you enjoy, as it influences the final taste.
How can I make this recipe vegan-friendly?

Simply replace the cane syrup with agave or maple syrup if you’re concerned about processing, and skip any cream additions or swap for plant-based creamers. The core ingredients—vodka, coffee liqueur, and espresso—are naturally vegan.
Is it okay to prepare the espresso ahead of time?

For best results, brew the espresso fresh just before making the cocktail. Espresso cools fast and loses flavor, which can make your martini taste flat if prepared too far in advance.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Espresso Martini Recipe quickly became one of my favorite go-to drinks whenever I want something that’s both energizing and indulgent. It’s surprisingly easy to make but feels like a fancy treat, perfect for sharing or savoring solo. I urge you to give it a try — once you get the shake just right, you’ll be looking forward to this delightful pick-me-up as much as I do!

Creamy Espresso Martini Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 98 reviews

This Espresso Martini recipe is a sophisticated and energizing cocktail that blends the rich flavor of freshly brewed espresso with smooth vodka, sweet coffee liqueur, and a hint of cane syrup for balanced sweetness. Perfect for an after-dinner drink or a chic cocktail hour, it provides a delightful kick with a creamy coffee finish.

Author: Emma
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 1 cocktail 1x
Category: Cocktail
Method: Shaking
Cuisine: International

Ingredients

Scale

Liquids

5 cl Vodka Poliakov
3 cl Marie Brizard Coffee Liqueur
1 cl Canne Canadou Syrup (cane syrup)
1 shot freshly brewed espresso (about 30 ml)

Instructions

Prepare the espresso: Brew a fresh shot of espresso using your preferred method and allow it to cool slightly to prevent excessive dilution or melting of ice during shaking.
Combine ingredients: In a cocktail shaker filled with ice cubes, pour the vodka, Marie Brizard coffee liqueur, cane syrup, and the prepared espresso shot.
Shake well: Secure the shaker lid and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds until the mixture is well chilled and a frothy crema forms on top.
Strain and serve: Strain the cocktail into a chilled martini glass using a fine mesh strainer to ensure a smooth texture free of ice shards.
Garnish (optional): For an elegant touch, garnish with three coffee beans placed on the frothy surface representing health, wealth, and happiness.

Notes

Use freshly brewed espresso for the best flavor and to create the signature foam.
Adjust sweetness by varying the quantity of cane syrup according to taste preference.
If you do not have cane syrup, simple syrup can be used as a substitute.
Serving chilled martini glasses enhance the drinking experience.
Shake well to develop the crema and chill the drink thoroughly.

Keywords: Espresso Martini, Coffee Cocktail, Vodka Cocktail, Evening Drink, Coffee Liqueur