Espresso Martini is what you make for after dinner drinks, or when you need a pick-me-up but don’t want to fall behind the pack on a night out with your mates! Dangerously drinkable with a good slog of liquor, this coffee cocktail is made with espresso, vodka and Kahlua.
As a shameless coffee addict, this is hands down one of my favourite cocktails. I order it when I need a pick-me-up at social gatherings. I order it at nice restaurants to have alongside dessert – or in lieu of dessert.
I’d happily order it all night long except that I try (operative word here being try!) to be sensible about my caffein intake so I usually limit myself to two at most!
Kahlua is a coffee flavoured liquor from Mexico. It’s sweet and has a thin syrup consistency.
The best substitute for Kahlua is an alternative brand of coffee liquor. I’ve seen some at my local liquor store, and I’d be surprised if Aldi didn’t have a knock-off bargain version!
People quite often get confused of the difference between Kahlua and Baileys. The difference is that Baileys Irish Cream is made with Irish Whiskey and cream, and is a pale brown cream colour. On the other hand, Kahlua is a dark brown colour, the colour of coffee.
But more importantly, Kahlua has a coffee flavour which is necessary for a great Espresso Martini, whereas Baileys tastes like sweet rum flavoured cream. Both are delicious straight, over ice!
How do you make an espresso martini frothy?
To get the lovely signature frothy layer on the surface of your Espresso Martini, you need to use real espresso coffee from a proper coffee machine that gives you a nice crema (ie the velvety layer of foam on the espresso). Using instant coffee granules, a French Press or similar won’t give you the same result, no matter how vigorously you shake the cocktail shaker.
HOT TIP! If you don’t have a proper coffee machine, just add egg white. It won’t alter the taste or texture of the cocktail but once you shake it up, you’ll end up with an awesome froth on the surface. You need the foam for the coffee beans to float on the surface.
How to make it
And here’s how to make it an espresso martini. Just shake vigorously in a cocktail shaker with ice, and voila!
KEY TIP! Cool coffee prior to use otherwise it will melt the ice and dilute the flavour.
The BEST Espresso Martini Recipe
How much alcohol is in an Espresso Martini?
On average, a standard espresso martini can contain anywhere from 1 ½ to 2 ounces of alcohol, with the majority of it coming from the vodka and coffee liqueur. It’s important to keep in mind that the alcohol content in an espresso martini can be quite potent due to the combination of ingredients, so it’s best enjoyed in moderation. 1.
Does espresso have more caffeine than coffee?
Yes, espresso has higher caffeine content compared to regular coffee. 1 fluid ounce of espresso has around 60 milligrams of caffeine whereas the same quantity of coffee has only 10 milligrams of caffeine in it. Generally, 400 milligrams of caffeine per day is considered as the safe limits for consumption. However, people with adrenal fatigue, spondylitis, calcium insufficiency and insomnia should avoid caffeine to the maximum.
Does Espresso Martini have simple syrup?
Many Espresso Martini recipes have simple syrup, but the extra sweetener actually isn’t necessary. The cocktail is sweet enough with the Kahlua alone. Here are a few notes about the sweetness in this drink: Simple syrup rounds out the flavors and makes for a balanced, sweet drink.
What is Espresso Martini?
Though modern variations come in many forms, the original Espresso Martini is a simple combination of vodka, espresso, and coffee liqueur.