How to Make the Perfect Espresso Martini at Home
A Step-by-Step Guide to Mastering NYC’s Trendiest Cocktail
Few cocktails have had a cultural resurgence quite like the Espresso Martini. Once a sleek ‘90s club staple, this rich, caffeinated, and impossibly smooth drink has become a modern favorite, gracing the menus of NYC’s most iconic cocktail bars and fueling late nights across the city.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, prepping for a night out, or just craving a perfectly balanced pick-me-up, mastering the Espresso Martini at home is an essential skill for any cocktail lover.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to crafting the ultimate Espresso Martini—smooth, foamy, and better than any overpriced version you’ll find in a bar.
The History of the Espresso Martini: A Drink Designed to Keep You Going
The Espresso Martini was created in the 1980s by London bartender Dick Bradsell, who was asked by a model for a drink that would “wake me up and then f* me up.”** He combined vodka, fresh espresso, coffee liqueur, and a touch of sweetness, unknowingly crafting what would become a global classic.
Fast forward to today, and the Espresso Martini has become a staple of NYC cocktail culture, perfect for late-night energy, post-dinner indulgence, or a sophisticated start to an evening out.
What Makes the Perfect Espresso Martini?
A great Espresso Martini is all about balance and technique. Here’s what sets the best apart from the rest:
✔ Freshly Brewed Espresso – Instant coffee won’t cut it. The secret to a velvety crema (foam) on top is hot, fresh espresso.
✔ High-Quality Vodka – Smooth, clean vodka ensures a refined, crisp finish.
✔ A Good Coffee Liqueur – Kahlúa is the classic, but try Mr Black for a less sweet, more robust coffee kick.
✔ The Right Shake – Vigorously shaking the cocktail with ice creates that signature creamy, frothy layer on top.
The Perfect Espresso Martini Recipe
Ingredients:
2 oz vodka (a high-quality brand like Grey Goose or Belvedere)
1 oz freshly brewed espresso (hot, straight from the machine)
¾ oz coffee liqueur (Kahlúa for a sweeter version, Mr Black for a bolder one)
¼ oz simple syrup (adjust based on how sweet you like it)
Ice
Garnish: 3 coffee beans (symbolizing health, wealth, and happiness)
Step-by-Step Guide to the Perfect Espresso Martini
Step 1: Brew the Espresso & Let It Cool Slightly
The key to a great Espresso Martini is using fresh espresso, but shaking hot liquid with ice can lead to excess dilution. To prevent this:
✔ Brew the espresso right before you start mixing.
✔ Let it cool for about 30 seconds while preparing the other ingredients.
Step 2: Add Ingredients to a Cocktail Shaker
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, then add:
✔ 2 oz vodka
✔ 1 oz coffee liqueur
✔ ¾ oz espresso
✔ ¼ oz simple syrup (or adjust to taste)
Step 3: Shake Hard—Really Hard
✔ Seal the shaker tightly.
✔ Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds—this aerates the espresso, helping create that velvety foam on top.
✔ The colder, the better—so don’t be afraid to shake until the shaker feels ice-cold in your hands.
Step 4: Strain & Serve in a Chilled Glass
✔ Double strain (using a fine mesh strainer) into a chilled coupe or Martini glass.
✔ The fine mesh helps remove ice shards, leaving a silky-smooth finish.
Step 5: Garnish with Three Coffee Beans
✔ Gently place three coffee beans on top of the foam.
✔ These beans traditionally symbolize health, wealth, and happiness—the perfect way to toast to a great night ahead.
Pro Tips for an Even Better Espresso Martini
✅ Use Cold Brew Concentrate Instead of Espresso – If you don’t have an espresso machine, cold brew concentrate (undiluted) works well and adds a smoother, less acidic taste.
✅ Try a Salted Caramel Espresso Martini – Add ¼ oz caramel syrup and a tiny pinch of sea salt for a decadent twist.
✅ Make It Dairy-Free & Extra Creamy – Add ½ oz oat milk or coconut cream for a luscious, velvety texture.
✅ Upgrade with a Flavored Vodka – Try vanilla vodka for a sweeter version or espresso-infused vodka for a double coffee kick.
Where to Find the Best Espresso Martinis in NYC
If you want to taste NYC’s top-tier Espresso Martinis before trying it at home, here are the best spots for a perfectly shaken version:
1. Dante (West Village) – The Award-Winning Espresso Martini
📍 79-81 MacDougal St, West Village
Famous for its world-class cocktail program, Dante’s Espresso Martini is perfectly balanced, foamy, and rich.
2. The NoMad Bar (Flatiron) – The Chic, High-End Take
📍 1170 Broadway, Flatiron
Served with house-made coffee liqueur, The NoMad Bar’s version is strong, bold, and refined.
3. Employees Only (West Village) – The Late-Night Espresso Martini
📍 510 Hudson St, West Village
A go-to industry favorite, their Espresso Martini is potent, smooth, and always consistent.
4. Death & Co. (East Village) – The Experimental Espresso Martini
📍 433 E 6th St, East Village
Expect unique twists, like cold brew infusions and smoky mezcal variations.
Final Thoughts: The Espresso Martini, Perfected
The Espresso Martini isn’t just a drink—it’s an experience. Whether you’re prepping for a night out, closing a dinner party with style, or simply indulging in an elevated caffeine kick, nailing this cocktail at home is a skill worth mastering.
For those who want to take their cocktail game even further, Art of the Cocktail offers:
✔ Private Espresso Martini Masterclasses – Hands-on lessons from expert mixologists.
✔ Custom Coffee & Cocktail Pairing Experiences – Explore the intersection of coffee culture and craft cocktails.
✔ Luxury Cocktail Tastings – Featuring Espresso Martinis, Negronis, and other iconic NYC drinks.
Because every great night starts with a little caffeine—and the perfect cocktail.
