Recipes

Espresso Martini

This is the only Espresso Martini recipe you’ll ever need. It’s tasty, edgy and sophisticated – three awesome reasons why it’s the most popular coffee cocktail in the world.

  • Award Winning
  • Beginner
  • 1 min
  • Serves 1
  • ★ 5.0 (45)
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This is the only Espresso Martini recipe you’ll ever need. It’s tasty, edgy and sophisticated – three awesome reasons why it’s the most popular coffee cocktail in the world.
This is the only Espresso Martini recipe you’ll ever need. It’s tasty, edgy and sophisticated – three awesome reasons why it’s the most popular coffee cocktail in the world.
This is the only Espresso Martini recipe you’ll ever need. It’s tasty, edgy and sophisticated – three awesome reasons why it’s the most popular coffee cocktail in the world.

Ingredients

  • 30 ml GRADA Specialty Coffee Liqueur
  • Shaker
  • 3 Whole Coffee Beans
  • Ice cubes

How to make

  1. Pour your GRADA Specialty Coffee Liqueur and ice into a shaker.
  2. Shake hard for 15-20 seconds until the shaker feels chilled. This is the secret to creating that velvety foamy head.
  3. Pour the mixture into a martini or cocktail glass.
  4. Garnish with 3 coffee beans, and viola ... enjoy!
GRADA 01 Single Origin 700ml bottle — specialty coffee liqueur, hot extracted in Melbourne. IWSC 2024 Gold Medal, 96/100.

Made with

GRADA 01 Single Origin — 700ml

Specialty coffee liqueur. Hot extracted in Melbourne. The single-ingredient espresso martini. GRADA 01 Single...

$52.99

Pro tips

1. Use Quality Espresso

We love to use freshly brewed espresso made from high-quality, dark roast coffee beans. But as always, use the espresso that tastes best to you. Hot tip: make sure it cools down before adding it, otherwise it will melt the ice and make the cocktail watery.

2. Shake Hard Until Cold and Frothy

To achieve that signature frothy top, shake your cocktail shaker half-filled with ice vigorously until the outside feels freezing cold. This not only chills the drink but also blends the ingredients perfectly to create a creamy texture.

3. Garnish Like a Pro

Our tip is to get creative. Try chocolate shavings or cocoa powder for a sweet and indulgent finish, chocolate covered coffee beans work too. A pinch of instant coffee adds a lovely aroma. Or our personal favourite, a dusting of cinnamon for a cozier feel.

4. Experiment with Variations

Our favourite variation is the Mexican Espresso Martini with tequila instead of vodka. We also love trying our other Kahlúa flavours like Salted Caramel or Mint Mocha. If you can’t get your hands on those, try adding a splash of flavoured syrups like hazelnut or vanilla, or try another favourite, the Pumpkin Spice Espresso Martini. Get some inspiration from our Espresso Martini Variations page.

5. Adjust the Sweetness

If you prefer a sweeter cocktail, we suggest adding a splash of simple syrup to your mix. It enhances the sweetness without overpowering the rich coffee flavours, giving you a balanced cocktail. For our favourite recipe with simple syrup, check out the Vodka Espresso.

Tools you'll need

Cocktail Shaker

We use a professional one, but you can also use a mason jar or blender bottle, or pretty much any container with a tight-fitting lid you can shake without spilling.

Fine Strainer

This removes the ice shards, any coffee grounds and helps create the froth on top of the drink. You can also use a fine-mesh sieve or something similar from your kitchen cupboards instead.

Coffee Machine or Espresso Maker

You can use a high-end machine, a pod system or a stovetop percolator, any sort works as long as it can produce a creamy espresso. Don’t have an espresso machine? You can also use instant coffee or cold brew or concentrate, but just remember it won’t give you that signature frothy finish.

Jigger or Measuring Instrument

You’ll need something to measure the right amounts of ingredients. If you don’t have a jigger, our pro tip is to use a 30 ml or 1 ounce shot glass to measure instead.

Martini Glass

We suggest using a martini glass to showcase the rich colour and creamy froth. If you don’t have one, any similar-shaped glass you have at home will do. Our favourite tip: place the glass in the freezer for 5 mins before serving for a frosty cocktail.

Espresso Martini FAQs

1. This is the only Espresso Martini recipe you’ll ever need. It’s tasty, edgy and sophisticated – three awesome reasons why it’s the most popular coffee cocktail in the world.

This is the only Espresso Martini recipe you’ll ever need. It’s tasty, edgy and sophisticated – three awesome reasons why it’s the most popular coffee cocktail in the world.

2. New Espresso Martini

Awarded as the best coffee liqueur in the world.

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The single-ingredient espresso martini. One pour, one shake, no machine.

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About the author

GRADA

GRADA is an award-winning specialty coffee liqueur, hot extracted at 93°C in Melbourne from single-origin beans. Our 01 Single Origin was awarded a Gold Medal at the IWSC 2024, scoring 96/100. Every recipe is developed and tested by the GRADA team. Our story · Shop the range

Published July 14, 2026