Fresh Espresso Martini with Kahlua
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I have tasted hundreds of espresso martinis and not one of them comes close to my husband’s. This espresso martini with Kahlua is sweet and bold with that silky layer of foam everyone wants. One sip and you’ll understand why our friends always ask for a second round.
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Espresso martinis are my favorite cocktail, and I’ve tried hundreds in the name of research. (Somebody had to do it.) Lou’s still wins every time. His one rule is fresh espresso made right before shaking. Use the cold coffee sitting in the pot since breakfast and he’ll look at you like you just put ketchup on pasta. He’s right, though, because fresh espresso is what gives you that thick, frothy foam on top.
Kahlua is the coffee liqueur that brings the sweetness, along with the help of a little simple syrup, while the espresso adds a deep, rich coffee flavor. It’s a little tug of war in the glass, and somehow nobody loses. If you’re the type who wants coffee in every cocktail (hi, it’s me), try our Authentic Irish Coffee next. And for the friend who doesn’t do coffee (there’s always one), our Winter Sunshine Coconut Rum Cocktail is a fun one to have on hand.
A Quick Peek At The Ingredients
Get the full list of ingredients and amounts needed for this recipe in the recipe card below.
step-By-Step Made Simple
- To make the fresh espresso, first add water to the bottom of the espresso or mocha pot. not all the way to the top. Leave a little room under the rim so that when you add the funnel filter, the water doesn’t spill over.
- Place the funnel filter in the bottom of the pot and then fill the filter with the ground espresso. Don’t tamp the coffee or it will be too strong. Just level it off nicely and wipe off any excess grounds from the rim. This way, the pot will seal well when you add the top part of the pot.
- Screw the top of the espresso pot onto the bottom espresso-filled part. Then place it on top of the stove burner on high to bring the coffee to a boil. When the espresso boils, it will rise out of the spout inside the top of the pot and fill the top container.
- Remove the pot from the heat when the coffee has stopped flowing from the top of the spout inside the top of the pot. Open the lid and let the espresso cool completely or close to. You might want to do this ahead of time if you plan to have guests over, but not too early because fresh espresso is best!
- Fill a coupe or martini glass with ice and let it sit for 2-3 minutes to chill the glass. This helps lock in the thick foam so it floats on top. Don’t skip this step!
- Add the cooled espresso, Kahlua, simple syrup and vodka to a cocktail shaker along with a good handful of ice. Give it a good shake like you are trying to win the Olympics in cocktail shaking. A good solid minute. The more you shake, the frothier the foam you will get on the top. The ice helps agitate the coffee and whip up a nice thick foam.
- Toss out the ice and pour the contents of the shaker into the chilled glass. Top with 3 (no more, no less) espresso beans.
Why are there 3 Coffee Beans on an Espresso Martini?
Italians are very superstitious, and so am I, so I never skip this step. It is not necessary but if you don’t and your luck changes, don’t blame me.
In all seriousness, this tradition is nothing more than folklore and has nothing to do with the flavor of the cocktail. The number 3 is considered significant and very lucky in Italian culture, who are primarily Catholic. Some think it is rooted in the religious belief of the Holy Trinity. Now this recipe calls for 3 beans to top off a perfect espresso martini, representing health, wealth and happiness.
Out of Kahlua?
You can still make this fabulous cocktail with Baileys Irish Cream or any cream whiskey, but you will weaken the coffee flavour in this variation. Or, you can also try Amarula for a bit of a nuttier twist.
Fresh Espresso Martini with Kahlua
Equipment
- 1 cocktail shaker
Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka
- 2 oz espresso, cooled
- 1 oz Kahlua
- ½ oz simple syrup
- 3 coffee beans (optional if you dare – see post for more)
Instructions
- Make the espresso and let it cool.
- Add ice cubes to a coupe or martini glass and set aside for 2-3 minutes.
- Add all of the ingredients except for the beans to a cocktail shaker, along with a large handful of ice cubes. Shake vigorously for 1 minute.
- Toss the ice out of the glass and pour the shaken espresso martini into the chilled glass. Top with the 3 coffee beans and serve.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
