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This creamy espresso martini is a robust, sophisticated cocktail made with simple ingredients. If it weren’t for the cocktail glass, looking at it, you might think it’s a cold brew or strong coffee drink.

Looking for another dessert cocktail recipe? Try this dairy-free eggnog spiked with brandy or a pumpkin spice white Russian next time.

coffee beans in a bowl next to an espresso martini
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It feels like this elegant cocktail has been having its moment of late — and I can see why!

It’s the perfect pick-me-up drink at the start of the night, and the perfect after-dinner drink to enjoy with dessert like these gluten-free biscottipaleo chocolate cake, or hazelnut shortbread cookies with Nutella ganache.

Why You’ll Love this Creamy Espresso Martini

The taste of this coffee cocktail is smooth and velvety, blending rich coffee flavor with the bold kick of vodka that doesn’t overpower. The coffee base is bold and slightly bitter but is well-balanced by the creamy texture of the coffee liqueur and the sweetness of the simple syrup. The velvety froth on top is a nice contrast to the silky cocktail. 

Served in a chilled martini glass and garnished with espresso beans and cocoa powder, the result is a fancy coffee cocktail that appeals to both coffee lovers and cocktail enthusiasts.

It’s just like the classic espresso martini, but with the addition of heavy cream to make it light and creamy.

If you’re looking for a non-alcoholic drink with fresh espresso, try this iced cinnamon dolce latte or a iced pumpkin spice latte.

the frothy top of a creamy espresso martini

How to Make This Creamy Espresso Martini Recipe

The full printable recipe is below, but let’s walk through the steps with some photos and a video so you have a clear idea of what to expect. This traditional espresso martini is really easy and these step-by-step instructions will make sure they turn out every time.

Make simple syrup. Heat equal parts water and granulated sugar over medium heat, stirring until the sugar completely dissolves then allow it to cool.

Brew and cool espresso. Brew a shot of espresso and allow it to cool to room temperature.

Espresso alternative: see the recipe card for instant coffee or cold brew options.

a double shot of espresso in a small glass

Combine ingredients. Fill a cocktail shaker or mason jar with ice cubes. Add vodka, coffee liqueur, cooled espresso, simple syrup, and heavy cream to the shaker.

two images of pouring espresso into a shaker and then pouring heavy cream into an espresso martini in a cocktail shaker

Shake and serve. Shake the ingredients vigorously for about 15-20 seconds. This will chill and mix the ingredients thoroughly. Strain the drink into a chilled glass and top with coffee beans and sifted cocoa powder.

two images of shaking an espresso martini in a cocktail shaker and then pouring an espresso martini into a martini glass

Espresso Martini Variation

  • This recipe calls for Kahlua coffee liqueur, but you can substitute with Bailey’s Irish cream liqueur to still make a delicious espresso martini.
  • Not a fan of vodka? Try a gin espresso martini instead.
  • Use a flavored vodka like marshmallow or vanilla vodka. 
  • Make it a virgin cocktail by using heavy cream in place of the Kahlua and omitting the vodka.
  • Want less caffeine? Make it with decaf espresso.
  • Don’t have an espresso maker? Try cold brew coffee, cold brew concentrate, or instant espresso powder instead.
  • If you really want to take this drink to the next level, you could garnish the rim of your martini glass with chocolate syrup and crushed chocolate shavings.

Expert Recipe Tips

  • For best results, make sure you allow time for the espresso to cool completely before you pour it over the ice.
  • Be sure to use freshly brewed espresso and to shake the cocktail for a full 15 seconds to get the frothiest foam on top.
two creamy espresso martinis on a serving tray

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5 from 3 votes

Creamy Espresso Martini Recipe

Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 5 minutes
Total: 15 minutes
This creamy espresso martini is a robust, sophisticated cocktail made with simple ingredients. If it weren’t for the cocktail glass, looking at it, you might think it’s a cold brew or strong coffee drink.

Save this Recipe!

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Servings: 1 martini

Ingredients

Simple Syrup (4 Servings)

  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar or honey

Creamy Espresso Martini

  • 1 1/2 ounces (3 tablespoons) vodka (I used Titos)
  • 1 1/2 ounces (3 tablespoons) Kahlua
  • 1 ounce (1 shot; 2 Tablespoons) espresso (Note 1)
  • 1 ounce (2 Tablespoons) cold heavy cream
  • .5 ounce (1 Tablespoon) simple syrup more or less to taste
  • Ice cubes
  • Coffee beans for garnish

Instructions 

  • In a small saucepan, combine equal parts water and granulated sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar completely dissolves. Let it cool, and then transfer to a clean container. You can store any extra simple syrup in the refrigerator for future use.
  • Brew a shot of espresso and allow it to cool to room temperature. Alternately, use cold brew coffee, instant espresso, or cold brew concentrate.
  • Fill a shaker with ice cubes. Add vodka, coffee liqueur, cooled espresso, simple syrup, and heavy cream to the shaker. Shake the ingredients vigorously for about 15-20 seconds. This will chill and mix the ingredients thoroughly.
  • Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass and serve with coffee beans. Sift cocoa powder on top for an added garnish if desired.
Last step! If you make this, please leave a review letting us know how it was!

Notes

Note 1. Espresso alternatives. You can use instant espresso if you don’t have an espresso machine. You can also use cold brew instead. Cold brew is stronger than regular coffee so it’s a better option! You may need to taste and add a bit more as needed.
Batch of Martinis (4 servings): Use all o fthe simple syrup because it makes 4 servings (unless you want it sweeter). Add 6 ounces (3/4 cup) each of vodka and kahlua and 4 ounces (1/2 cup) each of espresso and heavy cream. Use all of the simple syrup in the original recipe.  Follow instructions to shake and divide into 4 chilled martini glasses.
Special Tools (affiliate links): Cocktail shaker, Martini Glasses (coupe glasses), Espresso Machine.

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 1martini | Calories: 422kcal | Carbohydrates: 37.7g | Protein: 0.9g | Fat: 10.9g | Cholesterol: 33.7mg | Sodium: 13.3mg | Fiber: 0g | Sugar: 33.3g | Vitamin A: 122.5IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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