The Espresso Martini is a bold and sophisticated cocktail that masterfully blends rich coffee flavor with the smooth kick of vodka. Created in the 1980s, this modern classic is beloved for its creamy texture, balanced sweetness, and invigorating jolt of espresso. Ideal as an after-dinner drink or a late-night pick-me-up, the Espresso Martini delivers elegance in a glass with a beautiful crema-like foam and a trio of coffee beans as garnish for good luck.

Ingredients (per serving):

• 2 oz Vodka
• 1 oz Coffee liqueur (such as Kahlúa)
• 1 oz Freshly brewed espresso (cooled)
• 0.5 oz Simple syrup (adjust to taste)
• Garnish: 3 coffee beans (traditional), or a dusting of cocoa powder

Instructions:

Brew and cool espresso:

Prepare 1 oz of fresh espresso and allow it to cool slightly so it doesn’t melt the ice too quickly during shaking.

Add ingredients to shaker:

In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, pour:

• 2 oz vodka
• 1 oz coffee liqueur
• 1 oz cooled espresso
• 0.5 oz simple syrup (optional, adjust based on desired sweetness)

Shake vigorously:

Shake very hard for 15–20 seconds. This helps create the iconic foamy top.

Strain into a glass:

Fine strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass to achieve a smooth finish and thick foam layer.

Garnish and serve:

Float 3 coffee beans on top for the classic look, or dust with a pinch of cocoa powder or cinnamon for extra flair.