Kick off Fall with this guaranteed pick-me-up cocktail we can’t get enough of.
Whether you’re winding down dinner and searching for some energy before you head out on the town, or maybe a Spicy Margarita just isn’t the right choice at your next brunch, the Espresso Martini has become the perfect drink to turn to these days with just the right mix of booze and caffeine. The story has it, that the drink was created in a London bar back in the 1980s when a supermodel asked for a drink that would wake her up and get her feeling good. Needless to say, the Espresso Martini certainly hits both points exceptionally well. As always, there’s an easy way to make these, or the right way. We prefer the right way. Scroll on down for the full recipe, pour one strong, and make this Fall the best one yet.
What's an Espresso Martini Made Of?
The core ingredients of an espresso martini are fresh-brewed espresso, Kahlua, and vodka. From there, you can add garnishes like whole or crushed coffee beans, but the core ingredients should remain the same, otherwise you start to venture into the territories of other popular coffee cocktails. How Much Alcohol is in Espresso Martinis?
Most espresso martinis use a two-to-one ratio of vodka to Kahlua. Vodka is usually about 40% ABV, while Kahlua is only 20% ABV, resulting in an espresso martini with an alcohol content that equals about two regular drinks.
Are Espresso Martinis Strong?
Since they equal about two regular cocktails (with three total ounces of alcohol), espresso martinis are considered a stronger cocktail. With the caffeine from the espresso balancing out the effects of the alcohol, you’ll want to sip these slowly and enjoy the drink.
The Ingredients:
- Ice cubes
- 2 oz Titos Vodka
- 1 oz Kahlua
- 1 oz Espresso
- 3-4 whole coffee beans
The recipe:
First and foremost, that whole thing about the easy way or right way… Let’s start with the right way; get yourself an espresso machine. The trick is to make up a handful of espresso shots, put them into a jar, and let them chill in the fridge until you’re ready to mix up your Espresso Martini.
If the espresso machine isn’t an option, you can pick up some cold brew concentrate, which still works plenty well. Time to mix up this frothy goodness.
In a shaker cup, add ice cubes, vodka, Kahlua, and espresso. Shake thoroughly and strain into a martini glass. Top off with coffee beans, sip it down, and repeat as necessary. Be careful with these as they are known to sneak up on you quickly. Cheers to Fall, y’all.