How to make espresso martini

When the night starts with an espresso martini, you know it’s going to be a big one. The drink that’s dressed to kill, this coffee-vodka concoction is a classy way to get your daily caffeine fix.

Like socks and sandals, they sound like two things that should never be combined. But the espresso martini has stayed the course with coffee lovers everywhere.

So, if you don’t want to be the first to leave the office night out this year, learn how to make an espresso martini with Salt Dog Slims. (Then, when you’re ready to party, come down and let our mixologists show you how it’s done).

Where did espresso martinis originate?

Legend has it that the espresso martini was actually inspired by a request from one of the world’s most iconic supermodels: Kate Moss.

In the early 1980s, after walking into London’s Soho Brasserie, she reportedly asked bartender Dick Bradsell for a cocktail that would wake her up and get her drunk. He went on to create what was originally called the ‘Vodka Espresso’ (now the Espresso Martini).

Whether Kate Moss said this, we don’t know. All we do know is that the bitter-sweet stylings of the espresso Martini had the world firmly in its grip.

 

 

What is an espresso martini made of?

Most espresso martinis contain the following:

Ingredients and tools

  • cocktail shaker
  • 50ml high-quality vodka
  • 25ml espresso
  • 35ml coffee liqueur
  • ice (optional)
  • coffee beans (optional garnish)

How to make espresso martini

1. Keep things cool

Place the martini glass in the freezer for about 15 minutes before preparation to make sure the cocktail remains cold when served.

2. Brew the espresso

Prepare a fresh shot of espresso using your coffee machine. Allow it to cool slightly to prevent melting the ice during shaking (this will dilute the taste of your brew!)

3. Combine ingredients in the shaker

Fill the cocktail shaker with ice cubes. Pour in the 50ml of vodka, 35ml of coffee liqueur, and 25ml of freshly brewed espresso.

4. Shake vigorously

Secure the lid on the shaker and shake the mixture vigorously for about 15–20 seconds. Doing this chills the mixture and creates a frothy layer on top, characteristic of a well-made Espresso Martini!

5. Strain into the Chilled Glass

Remove the martini glass from the freezer. Using a strainer, pour the shaken mixture into the glass, making sure the frothy layer forms on top.

6. Garnish and Serve

For a classic touch, garnish the drink by placing three coffee beans on the frothy surface.

Helpful swaps for an espresso martini

In the event you run out of fresh coffee grounds (or just don’t like vodka), here are some helpful swaps so you can still enjoy the ultimate party cocktail:

  • Don’t worry if you’re not the biggest vodka drinker: espresso martinis can also be made using tequila, mezcal, and even bourbon!
  • Run out of home-brew? Store-bought coffee will do the job just as well. You may not get that signature ‘foamy’ layer, but it’ll taste luxurious.
  • If you’re making your own liqueur or simple syrup, experiment with flavours like cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, and turmeric. These will complement your coffee; we guarantee it!

Try a cocktail at Salt Dog Slims Liverpool and Manchester locations!

If you’ve enjoyed learning how to make an espresso martini, you could have even more fun drinking one in Salt Dog Slims. With locations in Liverpool and Manchester, our dive bars are the North West’s worst-kept secrets.

We’ve got rocking tunes and first-rate food 7-days a week. So, if you like strong martinis, chilli dogs and ice-cold pints, make your way down!

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