Can I Make an Espresso Cocktails Without an Espresso Machine?

It’s not necessary to use an espresso machine for espresso cocktails, although it is the preferred method. You can make an espresso martini without an espresso machine using cold brew or drip coffee. Cold brew coffee yields a strong coffee concentrate that can be a substitute for espresso. If you’re looking for a milder flavor and a drink that is not as strong, try using brewed coffee.

How Can I Create Variations on an Espresso Martini?

Put your own twist on the classic espresso cocktail with different liquors and ingredients. One method is the “Flat White Martini,” which uses an Irish cream liqueur instead of coffee liqueur. Another variation is to use vodka and hazelnut liqueur, garnished with a lemon zest.

What Goes Well With an Espresso Martini?

Espresso martinis can be the perfect complement to brunch or as an after dinner digestif. You can also pair your espresso martini with a savory food, like this recipe for sweet cheese tarts, to balance the flavors. Espresso martinis can also be an excellent pick me up after a busy day.

How Else Can I Use Espresso in a Recipes?

Espresso can be used in a variety of drink recipes, like a cold brew old fashioned or an extra strong irish coffee. Explore indulgent dessert recipes, grounded with robust flavors of espresso, such as mocha mousse with espresso caviar & chantilly cream.

A KitchenAid Espresso Maker on a wooden counter. Next to it is a tamper, milk frothing pitcher, martini glasses and cup of tea spoons.

HOW TO MAKE AN ESPRESSO MARTINI

Elevate a night in with friends or a fancy dinner party with the espresso martini, a truly unique and indulgent drink. This creamy and decadent mix of vodka, coffee liqueur and the secret ingredient, espresso, is sure to provide a jolt of energy! Created and popularized in the 1980s, it didn’t take long for the espresso martini to become a fixture in many people’s social lives.

Best of all, you can shake and make espresso martinis in the comfort of your home as long as you have the right tools and ingredients.

On a blue tray are two frothy espresso martinis. Behind them is another glass of espresso.

HOW TO MAKE ESPRESSO COCKTAILS WITHOUT AN ESPRESSO MACHINE

You don’t have to use an espresso machine to make espresso cocktails, but it is easier.

To make an espresso martini without an espresso machine, use one of the following options.

Drip coffee if you prefer a milder flavour.
Cold brew for a stronger flavour that can be a seamless substitution for espresso.

RECIPE FOR ESPRESSO MARTINI

You can make homemade espresso martinis with only a few ingredients, such as espresso, coffee liqueur and vodka. Simply mix these ingredients, pour them into a martini glass and then enjoy.

YIELDS

2 servings

ESPRESSO MARTINI INGREDIENTS

6 parts vodka
4 parts freshly brewed espresso, chilled (regular or cold brew coffee will also work)
4 parts coffee liqueur
2 parts creme de cacao white
Coffee beans (optional)

TOOLS

Espresso machine
Cocktail shaker
- Alternatively, anything with a tight-fitting lid will work.
Coupe or martini glass
Strainer

PREP TIME

5 minutes

TOTAL TIME

5 minutes

Four empty martini glasses and a small blue container of brown sugar cubes.

STEP 1: CHILL A GLASS

The first step is to chill a glass of your choice, usually a coupe or martini glass. This will keep the beverage cool without having to use ice cubes, which will melt and water it down.

There are two ways to chill glasses:

Fill the glass with ice water
Place the glass in the freezer

Someone tamps espresso in a portafilter. There's a KitchenAid Espresso Machine on the counter.

STEP 2: BREW THE ESPRESSO

Put your espresso machine to work by brewing fresh espresso. Let the espresso cool slightly before adding it to the cocktail shaker.

A martini shaker filled with ice and espresso.

STEP 3: MIX THE INGREDIENTS

Pour vodka, espresso, coffee liqueur and creme de cacao into a cocktail shaker and add ice. Now for the fun part. Shake the cocktail shaker until the liquid is chilled and frothy. This usually takes around 20 seconds.

: Bird's eye view of a espresso martini on a brown coaster. Next to it is a dish of coffee grounds.

STEP 4: STRAIN THE BEVERAGE INTO GLASSES

Pour the espresso martini through a strainer into the glasses without the ice.

On a marble counter is a dish of coffee beans.

STEP 5: GARNISH WITH COFFEE BEANS (OPTIONAL)

Finish the look by garnishing your espresso martini with coffee beans.

SHOP KITCHENAID® COFFEE & ESPRESSO APPLIANCES FOR MAKING ESPRESSO DRINKS

An espresso drink with a dollop of whipped cream.

ARE THERE VARIATIONS OF AN ESPRESSO MARTINI?

You can get creative with the classic espresso cocktail by using different ingredients and liquors.

Try the Flat White Martini where you replace coffee liqueur with Irish cream liqueur. Another fun variation is to combine vodka and hazelnut liqueur and top with a lemon zest garnish.

Add a unique, flavourful twist to popular coffee drinks by drizzling chocolate syrup on the inside of the glass, sprinkling toasted coconut or topping with a dusting of cinnamon.

WHAT PAIRS WITH AN ESPRESSO MARTINI?

Espresso martinis are ideal for brunch, after a delicious dinner or to complement many savoury dishes. On their own, espresso martinis are a great way to unwind after work.

WHAT OTHER WAYS CAN ESPRESSO BE USED IN RECIPES?

Espresso is a versatile coffee drink that can be included in a range of food and drink recipes.

Two glasses with ice cubes and espresso on a gold tray. Next to it is a small container with some espresso.

SHOP KITCHENAID® COFFEE AND ESPRESSO APPLIANCES

KitchenAid^® Coffee and Espresso Appliances help you craft drinks full of your favourite flavours in the comfort and convenience of your home.Make smooth-tasting and indulgent coffee and espresso drinks with tools that grind beans just the way you want them.