RECIPES & SERVES

Espresso Martini Recipe: How to Get a Creamy Foam

A classic coffee cocktail with vodka, coffee liqueur and espresso, finished with the smooth layer of foam that makes an espresso martini instantly recognisable.

AT A GLANCE

PREPARATION

5 minutes

GLASS

Coupe or martini

MAKES

1 cocktail

What Makes a Great Espresso Martini?

A good espresso martini balances the flavour of coffee with vodka and coffee liqueur. The goal is a rich coffee aroma, a smooth finish and a fine layer of foam on top.

The secret to that foam isn't cream. It's the combination of concentrated coffee, ice and vigorous shaking. Follow the recipe below for a reliable starting point.

Espresso Martini Ingredients

You'll need these ingredients to make one cocktail.

Your ingredient checklist

• 50 mL vodka — Explore vodka at GoBooze
• 30 mL coffee liqueur — Explore coffee liqueurs at GoBooze
• 30 mL espresso — freshly brewed and cooled briefly
• 10 mL sugar syrup — adjust to taste
• Ice — enough to fill your shaker generously
• 3 coffee beans — optional garnish

Product links lead to GoBooze collections. Check the available brands and current stock before ordering.

How to Make an Espresso Martini

1

Prepare the coffee

Brew 30 mL of espresso. Let it cool briefly so it isn't piping hot when added to the shaker.

2

Measure the ingredients

Add the vodka, coffee liqueur, espresso and sugar syrup to a cocktail shaker.

3

Shake vigorously

Add plenty of ice, secure the shaker and shake hard for 15–20 seconds. This is the most important step for creating foam.

4

Strain into a chilled glass

Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or martini glass. Pour steadily to help the foam settle on top.

5

Garnish and serve

Place three coffee beans on the foam if desired, and serve immediately.

THE KEY TECHNIQUE

How to Get a Creamy Espresso Martini Foam

That velvety top layer comes from aeration during shaking. Use these simple techniques to improve your result.

• Use concentrated coffee: Fresh espresso is a great choice. Avoid adding too much watery coffee.
• Use plenty of ice: Ice chills the ingredients and helps the shake work effectively.
• Shake hard: Aim for 15–20 seconds of vigorous shaking.
• Strain promptly: Pour into a chilled glass and serve while the foam is fresh.
• Skip the cream: You don't need cream or egg white for this classic-style recipe.

Common Espresso Martini Mistakes

The foam disappears quickly

Try using concentrated espresso, shaking more vigorously and serving immediately in a chilled glass.

The cocktail tastes too bitter

Check your coffee strength and adjust the sugar syrup slightly. Coffee liqueur already contributes sweetness, so make small changes.

The drink tastes watery

Use fresh ice and shake for the recommended time rather than leaving the ingredients sitting in the shaker.

The coffee flavour is too weak

Use a more concentrated coffee. Keep the measurements balanced before increasing the amount of espresso.

Can You Make an Espresso Martini Without an Espresso Machine?

Yes. If you don't have an espresso machine, use a concentrated coffee alternative. Strong coffee brewed with a suitable method or a small amount of instant coffee dissolved in hot water can work. Cool it before shaking.

The final flavour and foam may differ from a cocktail made with fresh espresso, so aim for a concentrated coffee base rather than a large volume of weak coffee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need fresh espresso for an espresso martini?

Fresh espresso is ideal for its concentrated coffee flavour, but a strong coffee alternative can work if you don't have an espresso machine.

Why do espresso martinis have three coffee beans?

Three coffee beans are a traditional garnish. They're optional and mainly add a recognisable finishing touch.

Can I make an espresso martini less sweet?

Yes. Reduce or omit the sugar syrup and taste the balance. Coffee liqueur adds sweetness on its own.

Can I make an alcohol-free version?

Yes. Combine cooled espresso, a little sugar syrup and cold water or a suitable non-alcoholic coffee alternative. Shake with ice and strain. The flavour and foam will differ from the original cocktail.

MAKE IT AT HOME

Get Your Cocktail Ingredients

Explore the spirits and liqueurs available at GoBooze to get started with your espresso martini.

Explore Vodka

Explore Liqueurs

Enjoy responsibly. Alcohol is for adults aged 18 and over. DrinkWise recommends making informed choices about alcohol consumption.