Espresso Martini Recipes to Kick Start Your Evening

If you're a die-hard coffee fan, your go-to drink to order at a bar or club is probably something like a black or white Russian. What you might not realize is that there's actually a whole host of other caffeine filled, coffee-flavored cocktails out there for you try that'll abate your late-night coffee cravings. Interested in expanding your cocktail horizons and scratching your coffee itch? Check out these delicious espresso martini recipes.

Espresso Martini

A classic espresso martini isn't your average coffee martini. It does, indeed, have some espresso in it, as well as the popular coffee-flavored liqueur Kahlúa, and vodka as well to create an evening drink that'll taste like your morning cup of joe.

Ingredients

• ½ ounce espresso
• 1 ounce Kahlúa
• 1½ ounces vodka
• Ice
• Espresso beans for garnish

Instructions

1. In a cocktail shaker, combine the espresso, Kahlua, and vodka.
2. Add ice and shake until chilled.
3. Strain the mixture into a martini glass.
4. Garnish with few espresso beans.

Caramel Espresso Martini

A mix between a caramel macchiato and an espresso, this caramel espresso martini brings caramel, Kahlúa, and vodka together for a simple and smooth drink.

Ingredients

• ½ ounce caramel syrup
• 1½ ounces Kahlua
• 1½ ounces vodka
• Ice

Instructions

1. In a cocktail shaker, combine the caramel syrup, Kahlua, and vodka.
2. Add ice and shake until chilled.
3. Strain the mixture into a coupe glass.

Cinnamon Espresso Martini

Perfect for people who like to have a little spice in their life, this cinnamon espresso martini gets its heat from the ever beloved liquor, Fireball whiskey.

Ingredients

• 2 ounces Kahlua
• 1 ounce Fireball whiskey
• Ice
• Cinnamon stick for garnish
• Ground cinnamon for garnish

Instructions

1. In a cocktail shaker, combine the Kahlua and Fireball whiskey.
2. Add ice and shake until chilled.
3. Strain the mixture into a coupe glass.
4. Garnish with some ground cinnamon and a cinnamon stick.

Wake Up Call Martini

This cocktail recipe will absolutely give you the wake up call that you're looking for after long nights spent at the office or toiling away on your latest project. To make one, just combine some freshly brewed espresso, simple syrup, and gin.

Ingredients

• 2 ounces espresso
• ½ ounce simple syrup
• 1 ounce gin
• Ice
• Espresso beans for garnish

Instructions

1. In a cocktail shaker, combine the espresso, simple syrup, and gin.
2. Add ice and shake until chilled.
3. Strain the mixture into a martini glass.
4. Garnish with a few espresso beans

Morning Breakfast Martini

There's nothing wrong with starting your day off with a sweet breakfast, and this martini can give you that pep in your step that chocolate waffles and powdered sugar French toast normally do.

Ingredients

• ½ ounce chocolate syrup
• 2 ounces espresso
• 1 ounce vanilla vodka
• Ice
• Bacon slice for garnish

Instructions

1. In a cocktail shaker, combine the chocolate syrup, espresso, and vanilla vodka.
2. Add ice and shake until chilled.
3. Strain the mixture into a coupe glass.
4. Garnish with a slice of bacon.

Citrus Espresso Martini

Mix your morning glass of orange juice with your cup of joe by whipping up a glass of this citrus espresso martini. The citrus perfectly cuts at the espresso's bitterness while leaving a hint of orange flavor.

Ingredients

• ½ ounce espresso
• 1 ounce Kahlúa
• 1½ ounces orange vodka
• Ice
• Orange twist for garnish

Instructions

1. In a cocktail shaker, combine the espresso, Kahlua, and orange vodka.
2. Add ice and shake until chilled.
3. Strain the mixture into a coupe glass.
4. Garnish with an orange twist.

Ways to Garnish an Espresso Martini

From minute to massive, there're a bunch of cool ways that you can garnish an espresso martini. Take a look at some of the different ways to craft a custom garnish for your favorite bitter beverage:

• The quintessential way to garnish an espresso martini is to place a few espresso beans on the top of your finished drink to create a sort of petal pattern that's both delicate and elegant.
• Incorporate morning ingredients like bacon or syrup into your garnishes for a true breakfast of champions.
• Shaving some dark, milk, or white chocolate onto the top of your finished drink will add a hint of sweetness to an otherwise strong, slightly bitter cocktail.
• An unusual way to garnish an espresso martini is to add a citrus peel or twist, given that these drinks aren't usually centered on citrus flavors; however, the bright colors contrast beautifully with the drink's earth tones.

Express Your Delight

Espresso martinis are quite sophisticated drinks given their usually unsweetened flavor profile and generally refined presentation. If you've got an important brunch or celebration, espresso martinis are great drinks to serve up to your guests, and any one of these six espresso martini recipes will work in a pinch.