Simple Syrup:Adding just a bit of simple syrup makes this drink perfect for me. If you use another, less sweet coffee liqueur like Tia Maria, you can increase the amount of syrup. Kahlua is the best for espresso martinis because it adds a creaminess without actually having to add extra cream. Plus the smooth coffee liqueur flavor really enhances the espresso taste.

Only three ingredients are needed to make the most delicious Espresso Martini. Here all you need is Kahlua, espresso, and vodka. Also, don’t be afraid to play around with measures to find the right recipe for you., An easy way to start is to use equal parts of each ingredient and then navigate from there, adjusting the ratios to your liking to find out if you prefer a more potent character, more or less sweetness or maybe a boosted espresso profile. To make this a truly special drink, you really need to shake the ingredients together. That is what is going to get you that gorgeous white foamy top. Yet, you absolutely can replace it with other coffee liqueur. You can use other renowned brands like (the less sweet) Tia Maria or any other favorite you might have. There are many possible substitutes for Kahlúa. All have different flavor profiles, and so will your Espresso Martini, depending on your choice.The origin behind Kahlúa’s name is a little less certain. Some believe it was inspired by an ancient Arabic word said to be slang for coffee. Another more likely theory is that the word Kahlúa is derived from the language of the early indigenous Aztecs from the Veracruz region in eastern Mexico. Kahlúa translates to “house of the Acolhua people” in the Nahuatl language.

In case you’re craving an espresso martini now and can’t wait until spring to sip on this boozy coffee beverage, you can also try making the drink from scratch. It’s not as convenient as pouring it straight from the can, but the tastiness will be well worth your efforts. It’s said that three coffee beans on an espresso martini represent health, wealth and happiness, and is similar to the traditional way of serving the Italian, anise-flavored liqueur Sambuca. Besides this, the beans are also an attractive garnish, floating on the surface and contrasting with the light foam underneath. Do you have to use fresh espresso?

Not only is this recipe deliciously and simple, it’s also super easy to make a single drink, or enough for a crowd. Because the ingredients are all equal parts, you can easily double or triple this recipe when needed. Ingredients The beverage also yields a nitro foam once it’s poured, so you get a bar-quality experience every time. The story of Kahlúa starts out in 1930s rural Mexico and involves several people. It began when the Alvarez brothers, arabica coffee farmers in Veracruz, approached Señor Blanco, a local entrepreneur and Mexican rum producer, about incorporating coffee into a spirit he was helping to produce. Kahlúa came to life once chemist Montalvo Lara was brought on board and created the approximate recipe we know today.

Vodka:This is the third main ingredient for an Espresso Martini. With its neutral taste, the clear spirit mixes well with the coffee without taking away from it. We like to use quality mid-shelf products like Absolut for this recipe. Conclusion; bigger and better ice slows down the dilution which means you can shake a bit longer to gain that rich crema and froth. Add three coffee beans to the drink; they’ll float in the layer of froth above the dark drink below. Serve the drink immediately. Espresso Martini FAQs A classic martini is a blend of gin or vodka with dry vermouth. An espresso martini keeps the vodka but then takes a dark turn, with bitter espresso and a shot of coffee liqueur like Kahlua. The ingredients are shaken with ice and when poured into a glass, develop a light brown layer of foam at the top. Three coffee beans garnish the attractive drink. It calls for vanilla vodka, Kahlúa midnight, Godiva chocolate liqueur and espresso. Drizzle chocolate into the glass before serving. Yum!Made with a short shot of freshly brewed espresso, it also requires vodka and Kahlúa, a coffee liqueur, and of course plenty of ice. Some people use sugar syrup, too.

To get an idea, 100ml (a little less than 3.5oz) of espresso have 212mg of caffeine, and one of Kahlúa (1.5oz) only has 5mg. That's the same as 1.5oz Coca-Cola. Apart from measurements, you can also experiment with the ingredients. As mentioned, you can try different coffee liqueurs and a variation without syrup. - And then you can substitute the vodka too: To enjoy the signature velvety Espresso Martini, simply pour immediately after popping open and wait for 20 seconds for the crema to set. We believe a great quality Vodka such as Absolut is best suited to accompany the rich Kahlúa and intense espresso to create a perfect balance between our complex vodka, the nectar sweetness of the liqueur and the astringency and pleasant bitterness from the coffee. Preferably yes! But in the end it all comes down to how long ago you brewed that espresso you’ll be using, as any fresh foods or freshly prepared beverages will change with time. Though if you would pre-batch let’s say 10 Espresso Martinis for an upcoming party that won’t be a problem. Just as for freshly squeezed juices it would last overnight in a fridge until it’s time to shake them up for your guests.If you've struggled to get your hands on Kahlúa, you could pretty much use any type of coffee/chocolate flavoured liqueur instead. Don't like the taste of Kahlúa full stop? Give Amaretto, or Creme de Cacao a go.