Twisted Citrus Espresso Martini

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A bold espresso martini with a bright twist of citrus, delivering deep coffee notes balanced by fresh orange zest. This cocktails & drinks ready in about 6 minutes brings together vodka, fresh 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 210 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.

Prep: 6 min Serves 1 Cocktails & Drinks cuisine 210 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes to the brim. Pour in 1.5 oz vodka, 1 oz fresh espresso, 1 oz coffee liqueur, 1/2 oz orange liqueur, and 1/4 oz simple syrup.
  2. Step 2: Shake vigorously for 15 seconds until the tin is frosty and the mixture is well chilled.
  3. Step 3: Double strain through a fine mesh strainer into a chilled coupe glass to create a smooth texture.
  4. Step 4: Express the wide strip of orange peel over the surface, twisting to release essential oils, then rest it elegantly on the rim as garnish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Twisted Citrus 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 Twisted Citrus Espresso Martini?

Refrigerate any leftover twisted citrus 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 Twisted Citrus 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 Twisted Citrus 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 Twisted Citrus 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.