Coffee meets vodka — the cocktail that took over 2023-2026.
The Espresso Martini is the fastest-growing cocktail of the decade. Every restaurant serves it now.
Classic recipe:
- 2 oz vodka (Grey Goose, Ketel One, or Absolut)
- 1 oz fresh espresso (cooled slightly — hot espresso melts ice too fast)
- ½ oz coffee liqueur (Kahlúa or Mr Black)
- ½ oz simple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 3 coffee beans garnish
Steps:
1. Pull a fresh espresso shot and let it cool 1-2 minutes
2. Add vodka, espresso, coffee liqueur, and simple syrup to a shaker
3. Shake HARD with ice for 15-20 seconds (this creates the signature foam)
4. Double-strain into a chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass
5. Drop 3 coffee beans on the foam (the tradition: health, wealth, happiness)
Glassware: coupe or Nick & Nora
Why the hard shake matters: espresso has natural oils that create a crema when agitated. A lazy shake = flat drink. A vigorous shake = thick, velvety foam top.
Variations:
- Salted Caramel Espresso Martini — add ¼ oz salted caramel syrup
- Baileys Espresso Martini — ½ oz Baileys instead of simple syrup
- Rum Espresso Martini — aged rum instead of vodka (think coffee + caramel)
- Non-alcoholic — Mr Black decaf or Lyre's Coffee Originale + espresso + syrup
Mr Black vs. Kahlúa: Mr Black is drier, more bitter, more "coffee-forward" — preferred by craft bartenders. Kahlúa is sweeter, more vanilla — preferred by customers who want dessert-in-a-glass. Stock both.
Sell notes: Customers making these at home need: vodka, coffee liqueur (upsell Mr Black), an espresso machine or Moka pot, and simple syrup. Gift basket opportunity.