Published: · Modified: by Lisa · This post may contain affiliate links, which means we make a small commission off items you purchase at no additional cost to you.
Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe
Rich, velvety and filled with coffee and Kahlúa, this Espresso Martini recipe is a smooth sipper that needs to be added to your after-dinner drink repertoire.
this recipe
It’s party season and that means we are shaking up co*cktails!
If you are a long-time Garnish with Lemon reader, you know that we love to drink our dessert, so it should come as no surprise that this Espresso Martini is one of our new favorite ways to enjoy our sweets. One sip and you will understand what separates this co*cktail recipe from the rest of the coffee martinis you may see.
Jump to:
- Ingredients
- Instructions
- FAQs
- How to Make the Best Coffee Martinis
- More Dessert Drinks
- Recipe
Ingredients
![Kahlua Espresso Martini (2) Kahlua Espresso Martini (2)](https://i0.wp.com/www.garnishwithlemon.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/KAHLUA-ESPRESSO-MARTINI-INGREDIENTS.jpg)
Pro Tip: The secret to making an absolutely killer martini co*cktail is simple but vital to your success: Use quality ingredients! Quality ingredients = the best martini!
![Kahlua Espresso Martini (3) Kahlua Espresso Martini (3)](https://i0.wp.com/www.garnishwithlemon.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Espresso-Martini-2-of-5.jpg)
Instructions
It only takes a few steps and a lot of shaking to make this dessert drink.
![Kahlua Espresso Martini (4) Kahlua Espresso Martini (4)](https://i0.wp.com/www.garnishwithlemon.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Kahlua-Espress-Martini-Steps-1-3.jpg)
Fill shaker with a little bit of ice. Add coffee, Kahlua, and créme de cacao to shaker.
![Kahlua Espresso Martini (5) Kahlua Espresso Martini (5)](https://i0.wp.com/www.garnishwithlemon.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Kahlua-Espresso-Martini-Steps-4-5.jpg)
Add vanilla vodka and shake vigorously for 30-60 seconds to chill drink and create froth.
Pour contents of shaker into a glass and serve immediately. The longer the drink sits, the more the foam will dissipate.
![Kahlua Espresso Martini (6) Kahlua Espresso Martini (6)](https://i0.wp.com/www.garnishwithlemon.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Espresso-Martini-3-of-5.jpg)
FAQs
What is the difference between espresso and coffee?
The difference between espresso and coffee basically comes down to how they are brewed.
An espresso has to be made in an espresso machine and is made by forcing water through fine, compact coffee grounds thus creating a layer of espresso and a layer of froth. Espresso is stronger and can have a slightly bitter flavor.
Coffee is made by pouring water over coffee grounds. Since the water spends more time with the coffee grounds, the grind of the beans is coarser but the end result is a smoother drink.
I don’t have espresso. Can I use regular brewed coffee in this co*cktail?
Absolutely! Most people don't have an espresso machine but you will still get the foamy top with brewed coffee. You can even use cold brew from a can. Whatever you choose to use, it will still be delicious!
Can I make this co*cktail recipe with decaf coffee?
You sure can!
Worried that the caffeine will keep you awake? Don’t stress, you can easily make this with decaf coffee as well. Just remember to use a quality brew that is your favorite. The flavor will shine through so you don’t want to use something you wouldn’t drink alone.
And - AGAIN - don’t try and use instant coffee. It just doesn’t work.
![Kahlua Espresso Martini (7) Kahlua Espresso Martini (7)](https://i0.wp.com/www.garnishwithlemon.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Espresso-Martini-5-of-5.jpg)
How to Make the Best Coffee Martinis
The froth is created when you shake the ingredients over ice in a shaker. Here are some tips for the best froth:
- If you want to mix them ahead of time combine the ingredients together in a mason jar without ice and chill until ready to shake and serve.
- Use ice from the freezer, not an ice bucket and only fill the shaker half full of ice. The less water there is, the more foam there will be.
- Shake co*cktail vigorouslyfor a full 30-60 seconds to get maximum foam.
- Serve immediately. The longer the shaker sits, the more the froth will dissipate.
![Kahlua Espresso Martini (8) Kahlua Espresso Martini (8)](https://i0.wp.com/www.garnishwithlemon.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Espresso-Martini-4-of-5.jpg)
More Dessert Drinks
Why buy eggnog when you can make the best Homemade Egg Nog yourself?
- Kir Royale
- Kahlúa Chocolate Martini
- Chocolate Martini
- Kahlúa White Russian
Check out all of our Liqueur Drinks!
Did you make this recipe? We'd love to hear your thoughts! Please rate the recipe and leave a comment below. Your feedback helps us and your fellow readers!
Recipe
Kahlua Espresso Martini
Garnish With Lemon
Rich and velvety, this Kahlua Espresso Martini recipe filled with coffee and chocolate flavors makes a fabulous after-dinner drink.
5 from 6 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Total Time 5 minutes mins
Course Liqueurs
Cuisine American
Servings 1 co*cktail
Calories 299 kcal
Ingredients
- 1 ½ ounces Kahlua
- 1 ounce créme de cacao
- 1 ounce vanilla vodka
- 2 ounces brewed coffee or espresso cooled
Instructions
Fill a co*cktail shaker with ice.
Add all ingredients
1 ½ ounces Kahlua, 1 ounce créme de cacao, 1 ounce vanilla vodka, 2 ounces brewed coffee or espresso
Shake vigorously for 30-60 seconds to combine.
Strain into stemmed glass and serve immediately.
Notes
The froth is created when you shake the ingredients in a shaker. Here are some tips for the best froth:
- If you want to mix them ahead of time combine the ingredients together in a mason jar without ice and chill until ready to shake and serve.
- Use ice from the freezer, not an ice bucket, and only fill the shaker half full of ice. The less water there is, the more foam there will be.
- Shake co*cktail vigorouslyfor a full 30-60 seconds to get maximum foam.
- Serve immediately. The longer the shaker sits, the more the froth will dissipate.
VIDEO
Nutrition
Serving: 5.5ouncesCalories: 299kcalCarbohydrates: 28gSodium: 10mgSugar: 28g
Nutrition info not guaranteed to be accurate.
Did you make this recipe?Tag us on Instagram or leave a comment!
« Biscoff Cheesecake
Spiked Hot Chocolate »
![Kahlua Espresso Martini (14) Kahlua Espresso Martini (14)](https://i0.wp.com/www.garnishwithlemon.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Lisa-96x96.jpg)
About Lisa
Hi, I’m Lisa! Looking for the party? It’s probably at my house. Nothing brings me more joy than sharing good food with friends and family. That and a seriously good co*cktail.