Celebrate
Espresso Martini Day!
WRITTEN BY: SCOTT VAN DORT
Join us in celebrating Espresso Martini Day on March 15!
To kick off the celebrations, we’ve put together this list of Espresso Martini recipes with everything from a classic Espresso Martini to alcohol-free Espresso Martini, as well as a few incredible Espresso Martini variations you’re gonna love.
As to why we celebrate Espresso Martini Day on March 15, we’ve got no idea. But hey, every day gives you a reason to celebrate, so why not!
Below, you’ll find videos and recipes from Ricardo ‘Rico’ Dynan, Bartender and Absolut Global Brand Ambassador, and Hedda Bruce, award-winning Bar Manager in Stockholm, Sweden. In other words, if you want to make THE BEST Espresso Martini(s), you’ve come to the right place.
Before we start, if you want to learn more about the Espresso Martini, including its history, go check out our Espresso Martini recipe page to find out everything you need to know about the Espresso Martini.
Now let’s look at a few of our favorite recipes, shall we?
Classic Espresso Martini
Let’s start with the original. The classic Espresso Martini is two parts Absolut Vodka, one part Kahlúa, and one part Freshly Brewed Espresso. And it’s that combination that has won the hearts of cocktail lovers all across the world.
Traditionally, an Espresso Martini is then garnished with three coffee beans placed on top of the drink’s foamy head.
Why three coffee beans? Well, they’re said to symbolize health, wealth and happiness. Cheers to that! Learn how to make the best Espresso Martini.
WATCH HEDDA BRUCE MAKE A CLASSIC ESPRESSO MARTINI
Vanilla Espresso Martini
The first Espresso Martini variation we’re going to show you is the luxurious Vanilla Espresso Martini. It follows the same recipe for a classic Espresso Martini but uses Absolut Vanilia (Vanilla-Flavored Vodka) instead of Absolut Vodka.
It’s then garnished with a Vanilla Pod together with or instead of the traditional garnish of three Coffee Beans to really accentuate those delicious and warm Vanilla flavors and aromas.
“Vanilla, Coffee. What more is there to say? This drink is insanely good,” says Rico. We agree. Check out our Vanilla Espresso Martini recipe.
RICO SHOWS YOU HOW TO MAKE A VANILIA ESPRESSO MARTINI
Long Espresso
This second Espresso Martini variation contains less alcohol than the traditional Espresso Martini and is built in the glass instead of shaken in a Cocktail Shaker. So, first things first, grab a Highball Glass.
A Long Espresso calls for ¾ of part Vanilla-Flavored Vodka (yes, just like the Vanilia Espresso Martini recipe above), 2 ½ parts Cold Brew Coffee, and just ⅕ part Kahlúa, and is then iced all the way to the top.
Tip! As Rico and Hedda explain in the video below, the more Ice you have in your drink the less dilution. Yes, that’s right – more Ice, less dilution.
Be sure to use Cold Brew Coffee instead of Freshly Brewed Coffee. Why? You’ll get more fruity and floral notes and a much lighter coffee flavor. Want to know how to make your Cold Brew Coffee for your Long Espresso? Watch the video below! Here’s how to make an Absolut Long Espresso.
WATCH RICO MAKE A LONG ESPRESSO
Virgin Espresso
When it comes to Mocktails, there’s perhaps none more decadent than the Virgin Espresso.
An Espresso Martini without alcohol is made with 2 Parts Cold Espresso, 1 Part Vanilla Syrup and 1 Part Water.
Put simply, it’s the perfect after-dinner mocktail. Discover our recipe for a Virgin Espresso.
WATCH HOW TO MAKE AN ESPRESSO MARTINI WITHOUT ALCOHOL
Crema Martini
Last but not least, Hedda Bruce’s own Crema Martini. This third Espresso Martini variation is a little reminiscent of an Irish Coffee.
Smooth and luxurious, the Crema Martini is a stirred drink made with Rock Candy, which is a caramelized Simple Syrup (2-parts sugar to 1-part Water), Kahlúa, Absolut Vodka, Chocolate Bitters infused with Coffee Beans, topped with Cream and garnished with a crushed Coffee Bean. Oh my! Yet more after-dinner decadence.
If you want to learn how to make the Crema Martini, the Rock Candy syrup and how to infuse your Chocolate Bitters with Coffee Beans, watch the video below!
WATCH HEDDA BRUCE MAKE A CREMA MARTINI
So, however you choose to drink your Espresso Martini – with or without alcohol, classic or with a twist – raise your Martini Glass and say cheers to Espresso Martini Day!
The classic Espresso Martini is made using Vodka, Kahlúa and a fresh pulled Espresso. Regular brewed coffee can work in a pinch as long as it’s strong, just know that the foamy head won’t turn out as well as with a real Espresso.
The white stuff is a foam, or crema that comes from shaking. To get the perfect crema, you’ll need to shake the ever living heck out of your drink. Using real Espresso Coffee also helps.
Wanna learn how to shake like a pro? Check out this crash course on shakers and strainers!
The late, great Dick Bradsell invented the now iconic Espresso Martini recipe.
EXPLORE THESE ESPRESSO MARTINI VARIATIONS:
Espresso Martini Jelly Shot
Absolut Vodka, Kahlúa, Cream, Coffee, Instant Gelatin
Absolut Mandrin Espresso Martini
Absolut Mandrin, Espresso, Kahlúa, Simple Syrup, Mandarin
Absolut Peppar Espresso Martini
Absolut Peppar, Kahlúa, Espresso, Coffee Bean
Absolut Grapefruit Espresso Martini
Absolut Grapefruit, Kahlúa, Espresso, Coffee Bean
Absolut Citron Espresso Martini
Absolut Citron, Kahlúa, Espresso, Simple Syrup, Coffee Bean
