Vanilla Espresso Martini

WRITTEN BY: SCOTT VAN DORT

Just when you thought an Espresso Martini couldn’t get any more luxurious.

The Vanilla Espresso Martini is an Espresso Martini variation that uses Absolut Vanilia (Vanilla-Flavored Vodka) instead of the original Absolut Vodka. 

Not only is it one of Ricardo ‘Rico’ Dynan’s (Bartender and Absolut Global Brand Ambassador) favorite Espresso Martini variations but one of his personal favorite drinks to make with Absolut Vanilia, period.

“Vanilla, Coffee. What more is there to say? This drink is insanely good,” says Rico. And yes, it’s every bit as smooth and decadent as you imagine.

How to Make a Vanilla Espresso Martini

What You’ll Need

• Boston Shaker
• Coffee Maker (any sort that can produce Espresso)
• Cocktail Glass or Martini Glass
• Jigger or Measuring Instrument
• Fine Mesh Strainer
• Hawthorne Strainer

How to Mix

1. Use your preferred Coffee Maker to produce freshly brewed Espresso.
2. Using a Jigger to measure and pour Kahlúa into the smaller tin of a Boston Shaker.
3. Measure and pour the freshly brewed Espresso.
4. Measure and pour Absolut Vanilia.
5. Add Ice Cubes all the way to the top of the Shaker.
6. Shake vigorously until the Shaker is frosty on the outside.
7. Double strain the mixture by placing a Hawthorne Strainer on the top of the larger tin of your Boston Shaker, then pour the mixture through a Fine Mesh Strainer directly into a Martini Glass.
8. Garnish by placing a Vanilla Pod over the top of the Glass.
9. Sip and enjoy!

Prefer the classic? Try our Espresso Martini recipe for the ultimate Coffee-infused cocktail experience.

Tips for Making the Perfect Vanilla Espresso Martini

• 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 Vanilia 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, Drinks Expert from Bartenders’ Choice Awards.

Variations of a Vanilla Espresso Martini

Being that this cocktail is a variation of a classic Espresso Martini, below we highlight a couple of our other favorites.

• 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 Vanilia 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.

Serving and Garnish Ideas for a Vanilla Espresso Martini

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 Vanilia, 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. 

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