Stirred Vodka Espresso Martini
A smooth and robust espresso martini combining chilled vodka with fresh coffee and a hint of sweetness for a late-night pick-me-up. This cocktails & drinks ready in about 6 minutes brings together vodka, (cooled) freshly brewed espresso, coffee liqueur for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 190 calories and feeds 1, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz vodka
- 1 oz (cooled) freshly brewed espresso
- 1 oz coffee liqueur
- 0.25 oz simple syrup (1:1)
- 3 (for garnish) coffee beans
Instructions
- Step 1: Fill a mixing glass with large ice cubes. Pour in 1.5 oz vodka, 1 oz cooled freshly brewed espresso, 1 oz coffee liqueur, and 0.25 oz simple syrup.
- Step 2: Stir gently for 30 seconds until the cocktail is well chilled and slightly diluted.
- Step 3: Strain through a fine mesh strainer into a chilled coupe glass.
- Step 4: Garnish by floating 3 coffee beans evenly spaced on the surface.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stirred Vodka Espresso Martini take to make?
Total time is about 6 minutes (6 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.
How do I store leftover Stirred Vodka Espresso Martini?
Refrigerate any leftover stirred vodka espresso martini in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.
Can I substitute ingredients in Stirred Vodka Espresso Martini?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Stirred Vodka Espresso Martini for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Stirred Vodka Espresso Martini?
Cocktails & Drinks cocktails & drinks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
