VANILIA ESPRESSO MARTINI COCKTAIL RECIPE
WRITTEN BY: SCOTT VAN DORT
Just when you thought an Espresso Martini couldn’t get any more luxurious.
The Vanilia 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.
Ingredients
How To Make a Vanilia 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
- Use your preferred Coffee Maker to produce freshly brewed Espresso.
- Using a Jigger to measure and pour Kahlúa into the smaller tin of a Boston Shaker.
- Measure and pour the freshly brewed Espresso.
- Measure and pour Absolut Vanilia into the Shaker.
- Add Ice Cubes all the way to the top of the Shaker.
- Shake vigorously until the Shaker is frosty on the outside.
- 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.
- Garnish by placing a Vanilla Pod over the top of the Glass.
- Sip and enjoy!
Prefer the classic? Try our Espresso Martini recipe for the ultimate Coffee-infused cocktail experience.
WATCH RICO MAKE AN ESPRESSO MARTINI WITH VANILLA-FLAVORED VODKA!
What is a Vanilia Espresso Martini?
The Vanilla Espresso Martini (more commonly known as a Vanilla Espresso Martini) is a twist on an Espresso Martini by substituting vodka for vanilla-flavored vodka and is then garnished with coffee beans and a vanilla pod.
What Does a Vanilia Espresso Martini Taste Like?
“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.
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, 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 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!
OTHER DRINKS YOU MIGHT MADE WITH ABSOLUT VANILIA:
Strawberry Night
Absolut Vanilia, Passion fruit Juice, Lemon Juice, Passion fruit Liqueur, Simple Syrup, Strawberry, Pineapple, Vanilla Pod
Apple Pie Shot
Absolut Vanilia, Apple Juice, Lemon Juice, Simple Syrup, Apple, Cinnamon
Cocktail recipes by ingredient
Top ten drinks for any occasion
Lemon Drop Shot
Absolut Citron, Lemon Juice, Simple Syrup, Lemon, Sugar, Superfine, Ice Cubes
Cosmopolitan
Absolut Citron, Triple Sec, Lime Juice, Cranberry Juice (sweetened), Orange Zest, Ice Cubes
Bloody Mary
Absolut Vodka, Tomato Juice, Lemon Juice, Hot Sauce, Worcestershire Sauce, Ground Black Pepper, Garlic Salt, Lemon, Celery
Appletini
Absolut Vodka, Lemon Juice, Simple Syrup, Apple Liqueur, Apple Juice, Ice Cubes
Long Island Iced Tea
Absolut Vodka, Light Rum, Gin, Tequila Blanco, Lemon Juice, Triple Sec, Cola, Lemon, Ice Cubes
Amaretto Sour
Amaretto, Lemon Juice, Simple Syrup, Egg White, Maraschino, Orange, Ice Cubes
