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Delicious Espresso Martini Recipe with Easy Homemade Coffee Liqueur Guide

espresso martini recipe - featured image

A rich and smooth espresso martini made with a homemade coffee liqueur that combines fresh brewed coffee, brown sugar, vanilla, and vodka for a sophisticated and crowd-pleasing cocktail.

Ingredients

Scale
  • For the Homemade Coffee Liqueur:
  • 1 cup (240 ml) freshly brewed strong coffee (French press or espresso recommended)
  • ยฝ cup (100 g) dark brown sugar
  • 1 vanilla bean (split and seeds scraped) or 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • ยฝ cup (120 ml) vodka (neutral, good-quality like Titoโ€™s or Smirnoff)
  • For the Espresso Martini:
  • 3 oz (90 ml) homemade coffee liqueur
  • 2 oz (60 ml) vodka
  • 1 oz (30 ml) freshly brewed espresso, cooled slightly
  • 1 tsp (5 ml) simple syrup (optional)
  • Ice cubes
  • 3 coffee beans (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Make the Homemade Coffee Liqueur:
  2. Brew 1 cup (240 ml) of strong coffee using a French press or espresso machine.
  3. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine ยฝ cup (100 g) dark brown sugar and ยฝ cup (120 ml) vodka.
  4. Slice a vanilla bean lengthwise and scrape the seeds into the saucepan, or add 1 tsp vanilla extract.
  5. Stir gently until the sugar fully dissolves, creating a smooth syrup. Avoid boiling.
  6. Remove from heat and mix in the freshly brewed coffee.
  7. Let the mixture cool to room temperature, then pour into a mason jar or airtight container.
  8. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to let flavors meld.
  9. Prepare the Espresso Martini:
  10. Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice cubes.
  11. Add 3 oz (90 ml) homemade coffee liqueur, 2 oz (60 ml) vodka, and 1 oz (30 ml) cooled espresso.
  12. Add 1 tsp (5 ml) simple syrup if desired for sweetness.
  13. Seal the shaker tightly and shake vigorously for about 20 seconds to create a creamy froth.
  14. Strain into a chilled martini glass, keeping the frothy layer intact.
  15. Garnish with 3 coffee beans arranged on top.
  16. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Notes

Use freshly brewed coffee for best flavor. Keep heat low when dissolving sugar to avoid evaporating alcohol. Shake vigorously to create a frothy top. Chill glassware before serving. Homemade coffee liqueur keeps up to two weeks refrigerated. Adjust sweetness with simple syrup to taste.

Nutrition

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