Easy Espresso Martini Cocktail Recipe

Is it just us or are you noticing espresso martinis pop up on restaurant menus everywhere? It seems these cocktails are gaining popularity, and the good news is you don't have to pay bar or restaurant prices if you want to try one for yourself. Recipe developer Michelle McGlinn brings us this recipe for a super simple espresso martini you can easily whip up at home.

Most often, espresso martinis are served as an after-dinner drink, but McGlinn notes that espresso martinis are also starting to appear on brunch menus, and says that if you have a lazy day in front of you, they accompany breakfast foods well. "They'd be delicious alongside French toast or pancakes," she says, adding. "Warning though — these are strong! You wouldn't want these to start a busy day."

So, when is the best time to serve espresso martinis? McGlinn states "Maybe it's old fashioned, but we are used to asking guests if they'd like dessert or coffee after dinner. [I've] always thought the espresso martini was a way to offer both!" Whenever you decide to serve them, these espresso martinis are truly delicious.

To make this easy espresso martini cocktail, you must start by gathering your ingredients. You'll need vodka, coffee liqueur, cold brew concentrate, and simple syrup, with optional toppings of cocoa powder and coffee beans. McGlinn recommends using freshly brewed espresso, if possible, but since many people don't have an espresso machine at home, cold brew concentrate is the next best thing. "You can make this martini with cold brew concentrate, regular cold brew, or coffee and get a delicious drink. [But] for the strongest, best flavor, you want to choose espresso or cold brew concentrate," she says.

Add 2-3 cubes of ice to a cocktail shaker before pouring in the vodka, coffee liqueur, cold brew concentrate, and simple syrup. Place the shaker lid on top of the shaker.

Shake the cocktail shaker for at least 20 seconds. This step is more important than you realize. McGlinn notes that "since this uses cold brew instead of espresso ... the shake method is important. Espresso has froth built in, while cold brew does not. To achieve a froth, you need to shake [the brew] with ice for a long time — 20-30 seconds. It doesn't sound long ... but shaking gets tiring quick!"

Strain the cocktail into a martini glass. If you want to feel extra fancy, garnish the drink with a bit of cocoa powder dusted on top with a few coffee beans. McGlinn recommends enjoying this beverage with "chocolatey desserts. If you prefer savory to sweet, it also pairs well with charcuterie filled with soft cheeses like brie and camembert."