Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Chill the Glass: Place your martini or coupe glass in the freezer for at least 10 minutes before you begin, or fill it with ice water while you prepare the cocktail to ensure the glass is frosty cold.
- Brew the Espresso: Brew one ounce of strong espresso using an espresso machine or a stovetop Moka pot. It is perfectly fine to use the espresso while it is still hot, as the ice in the shaker will chill it instantly.
- Combine Ingredients: Fill your cocktail shaker about two-thirds full with fresh ice cubes. Pour in the vodka, coffee liqueur, freshly brewed espresso, and the simple syrup if you prefer a slightly sweeter drink.
- Shake Vigorously: Secure the lid tightly on the cocktail shaker. This is the most important step for a good espresso martini: shake it incredibly hard for at least 15 to 20 seconds. The vigorous shaking aerates the natural oils in the coffee, which is what creates that beautiful, thick layer of foam.
- Strain and Pour: Empty the ice water from your chilled glass if you used that method. Immediately strain the cocktail into the cold glass. You should see a creamy, tan foam settle perfectly at the top.
- Garnish and Serve: Gently place three whole roasted coffee beans onto the center of the foam. In traditional Italian culture, the three beans represent health, wealth, and happiness. Serve immediately.
Notes
The Secret to the Foam: You absolutely must use real, freshly brewed espresso from a machine or a Moka pot to get the signature crema. Regular drip coffee or instant coffee powder lacks the natural oils required to produce a thick, lasting foam when shaken.
Choosing the Vodka: Because this cocktail has so few ingredients, the quality of the liquor matters. Choose a smooth, high-quality, unflavored vodka so it does not overpower the delicate roasted notes of the coffee.
Make the Simple Syrup: If you do not have store-bought simple syrup, you can easily make it by dissolving equal parts granulated sugar and hot water, then letting it cool completely before adding it to your drinks.
Choosing the Vodka: Because this cocktail has so few ingredients, the quality of the liquor matters. Choose a smooth, high-quality, unflavored vodka so it does not overpower the delicate roasted notes of the coffee.
Make the Simple Syrup: If you do not have store-bought simple syrup, you can easily make it by dissolving equal parts granulated sugar and hot water, then letting it cool completely before adding it to your drinks.