Vanilla Espresso Martini

A Vanilla Espresso Martini is a twist on an Espresso Martini where the delicious subtle notes of vanilla are introduced to the drink. A Vanilla Espresso Martini follows the same drink recipe for an Espresso Martini but substitutes original vodka for vanilla-flavored vodka and is garnished with a vanilla pod to further accentuate the notes of vanilla.

“Vanilla, Coffee. What more is there to say? This drink is insanely good,” shares Rico. And yes, it’s every bit as smooth and decadent as you imagine. It’s got the rich coffee taste of a classic Espresso Martini but with just a touch of warm vanilla.

There isn’t any documented history about the Vanilla Espresso Martini per se, but we can trace its roots back to the legendary Espresso Martini. Crafted in the 1980s by iconic bartender Dick Bradsell in London, this classic set the stage. With Absolut Vanilla hitting the market in 2003, it’s a safe bet that the Vanilla Espresso Martini emerged in the early 2000s.

• Double strain your drink
  When pouring the mixture from your Boston Shaker into your Glass, we recommend double straining using a Hawthorne Strainer together with a Fine-Mesh Strainer to make sure your drink is as smooth as possible and you don’t get any ice in your drink.

  Learn how to double strain a cocktail.

• Choose your favorite Espresso

  Like any ingredients in any cocktail, the better quality the ingredient, the better your drink will be. And this applies to your choice of Espresso in your Vanilla Espresso Martini.

  “Using any type of Espresso Machine, be it a manual Espresso Maker or a stovetop Moka pot, you can produce great quality Espresso and to your liking. The right grind and extraction are key for a rich, flavorful cocktail. Pods also work exceptionally well,” shares Michael Bergström, Drink Expert from Bartenders’ Choice Awards.

Being that this cocktail is, of course, a twist on a classic Espresso Martini, here are a couple of other variations of a Espresso Martini.

• Virgin Espresso

  Can you make an Espresso Martini without alcohol? Yes, and it works beautifully. The Virgin Espresso is a bold blend of cold Espresso Coffee, Vanilla Syrup, and Water. Trust us, it’s the ultimate non-alcoholic indulgence. Discover how to make a Virgin Espresso.

• Absolut Peppar Espresso Martini
  Where Absolut Vanilla adds a wonderfully smoothness and Vanilla flavor to an Espresso Martini, Absolut Peppar adds a spicy pepperiness that takes the drink experience to a new level. Discover our Absolut Peppar Espresso Martini recipe.

• We recommend serving your Vanilla Espresso Martini in either a Martini Glass or a Cocktail Glass. Be sure to read our article on the different types of cocktail glasses.
• To accentuate the Vanilla flavors of Absolut Vanilla, Rico recommends garnishing the drink with a whole Vanilla Pod.

• Alternatively, you can garnish your drink the way a classic Espresso Martini is garnished and that is with three Coffee Beans gently placed on top of the drink’s creamy head. The three Coffee Beans are said to symbolize health, wealth, and happiness.

• Why not garnish with both a whole Vanilla Pod and three Coffee Beans? After all, it’s your drink!

Yes, you can. However, we prefer using vanilla-flavored vodka instead of adding vanilla syrup since the coffee liqueur provides enough sweetness to the drink.

That’s up to you! Every person’s preferences are unique. Some people prefer the vanilla tones in their Espresso Martini, while others prefer more coffee flavor and for the vodka to play a more neutral role. Mix it up and see which you like best!

Vanilla vodka, fresh espresso, and coffee liqueur. Check out the recipe on this page!