Perhaps initially dismissed as a resurging fad a few years ago, the Espresso Martini has solidified itself as one of the most in-demand cocktails, full stop.
Driven by the growth of specialty coffee culture and social media’s fascination with visually appealing drinks, it’s now a favorite for brunches, after-dinner drinks and stylish nights out.
“The rise of specialty coffee culture has elevated the public's appreciation for quality and craftsmanship, and that mindset naturally extends to cocktails,” Ed Carias, vice president of marketing, Disaronno International USA, said in an email interview. “The Espresso Martini combines rich, bold coffee flavors with the sophistication of a well-made cocktail. This new coffee culture didn't invent the Espresso Martini, but it did help bring back curiosity and demand for it.”
Bartenders have even coined the term “Espresso Martini Effect,” where one order at a table often leads to a wave of requests from others.
“The allure of suggestion combined with a well-crafted and visually enticing cocktail is powerful,” said Farrah Aviles, director of sales and marketing for Koloa Rum Company. “Many people tend to stick to their usual orders but catch a glimpse of a frothy Espresso Martini passing by, and you'll probably order it.”
Instagram and TikTok, especially, have turned the Espresso Martini into a must-try experience.
“This cocktail is easy to make and has a great ritual with the placing of the coffee beans for health, wealth and happiness,” said Carias. “It makes for a highly sharable photo online, driving demand at bars, but also inspiring people to recreate it at home.”
The standard recipe for an Espresso Martini combines a few key ingredients to create a smooth, rich cocktail. Start by shaking together one ounce of vodka, one ounce of freshly brewed espresso and one ounce of coffee liqueur with ice. Once thoroughly chilled, strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass. For an added touch, garnish with a few coffee beans. The result is a perfectly balanced drink that offers a bold hit of coffee flavor, complemented by the sweetness of the liqueur and the clean kick of vodka.
“A cocktail is all about the glassware and garnishes,” said Eric Ribeiro, Lucas Bols North America cocktail academy manager. “We all eat and drink with our eyes first. As a result, the garnish, glassware, creativity and presentation, such as a trio of coffee beans on top, generate mass appeal.”
But even with that simple recipe, you can run into a wide variation of results—better or worse. While everyone has a right to their preferences, generally the heavier, milkier coffee liqueurs aren’t ideal for an Espresso Martini. (If included, they usually tip the scales of the drink into an Irish coffee.)
Instead, consider the following five coffee liqueurs as your choice mixer for an at-home Espresso Martini.
Kōloa Kaua`i Coffee Rum
A collaboration between the Kauaʻi Coffee Company and Kōloa Rum, Kōloa Kaua`i Coffee Rum is made with local ingredients, distilled from pure cane sugar using a vintage 1,210-gallon steam-powered copper pot still and cut with filtered water from Mount Waiʻaleʻale. The spirit opens with the rich taste of an espresso cocktail, followed by a dry finish with subtle notes of vanilla, chocolate and coffee.
Galliano Espresso
Galliano Espresso offers a concentrated espresso flavor. Made with a blend of two types of dark roasted coffee beans—55% Arabica from Colombia and Brazil, and 45% Robusta from India and Kenya—it is well-suited for creating rich, intense coffee cocktails with a balanced aroma. The Arabica beans provide a creamy, delicate top note with hints of chocolate, while the Robusta adds depth and a bitter coffee undertone.
Tia Maria Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur
Tia Maria Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur is a versatile choice for cocktails. Made from a blend of 100% Arabica coffee, its distinctive roasted flavors and intense coffee aroma come from the cold brew extraction process. Along with its coffee notes, Tia Maria features hints of chocolate and pipe tobacco, followed by a smoother palate with caramelized cane sugar and vanilla.
Fever-Tree Espresso Martini Mixer
Fever-Tree Espresso Martini Mixer is a pre-made blend designed to simplify the preparation of an Espresso Martini. It features a blend of Arabica and Robusta coffee extracts sourced from mountainous regions along the coast of Bali in Indonesia. Arabica beans offer delicate fruity and floral notes, while Robusta beans contribute a richer, more bitter flavor profile to the blend. The mixer is crafted to pair with vodka, encouraging users to make an Espresso Martini at home without the need for freshly brewed espresso.
Mr. Black
Perhaps the gold standard among bartenders (and at-home mixologists) when it comes to a premium Espresso Martini. Founded in 2013 in Australia, Mr. Black is known for its bold, rich coffee flavor with a smooth, bittersweet finish. Made with a blend of top-grade Arabica coffee beans and Australian wheat vodka, it contains half the sugar of traditional coffee liqueurs, resulting in a more intense and complex profile. The liqueur has a strong espresso-like taste with notes of dark chocolate, caramel and a hint of citrus.