A good espresso martini is one of life’s simple pleasures. Rich coffee, smooth vodka, a touch of sweetness and that famous creamy foam on top. While countless recipes exist, the secret to a truly memorable espresso martini is starting with great coffee.
At Acorns Coffee Roastery, we love using our Brazil Santos coffee beans. Their naturally smooth chocolate, nut and caramel notes create a balanced cocktail that tastes indulgent without becoming overly bitter.
Whether you’re hosting friends, celebrating a special occasion or simply fancy a sophisticated after-dinner drink, here’s our favourite espresso martini recipe.
Why Brazil Santos Works So Well
Not all coffee is suited to cocktails.
Brazil Santos is known for its smooth body, low acidity and natural notes of chocolate, toasted nuts and caramel. These flavours pair beautifully with vodka and coffee liqueur, creating a richer and more balanced espresso martini than brighter, fruitier coffees.
The result is a cocktail that tastes luxurious, smooth and incredibly drinkable.
Espresso Martini Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 shots freshly brewed Brazil Santos espresso
- 50ml vodka of your choice
- 50ml Kahlúa
- 10ml simple sugar syrup
- Ice
Method
- Brew two fresh shots of espresso using Brazil Santos coffee.
- Fill a cocktail shaker with plenty of ice.
- Add the espresso, vodka, Kahlúa and sugar syrup.
- Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
- Strain into a chilled martini glass.
- Garnish with three coffee beans if desired.
Serve immediately and enjoy.
The Secret to the Perfect Foam
One of the most recognisable features of an espresso martini is the creamy foam that sits on top.
To achieve that café-quality finish:
- Use freshly brewed espresso.
- Shake harder than you think you need to.
- Use plenty of ice.
- Strain immediately after shaking.
The oils and gases released during espresso extraction create the beautiful crema-like foam that makes an espresso martini look as impressive as it tastes.
Choosing the Right Vodka
The beauty of an espresso martini is that you don’t need the most expensive vodka available.
A clean, smooth vodka allows the coffee flavours to shine. Premium vodkas will create a slightly smoother finish, but the quality of your coffee often has a bigger impact on the final drink.
Can You Make It Sweeter?
Absolutely.
If you prefer a sweeter cocktail, increase the sugar syrup to 15ml or even 20ml. If you enjoy a stronger coffee flavour, reduce the syrup slightly and let the Brazil Santos notes take centre stage.
The recipe is easy to adjust to suit your own taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use instant coffee?
You can, but freshly brewed espresso creates a far superior flavour and produces the signature foam that espresso martinis are famous for.
Why does my espresso martini not have foam?
Usually it’s because the coffee wasn’t fresh enough, there wasn’t enough ice, or the cocktail wasn’t shaken vigorously enough.
Can I make an espresso martini without Kahlúa?
Yes. Other coffee liqueurs work well, although Kahlúa remains one of the most popular choices thanks to its smooth sweetness.
What’s the best coffee for an espresso martini?
We recommend a medium-bodied coffee with chocolate and nutty notes. Brazil Santos is an excellent choice because it provides sweetness and balance without excessive acidity.
Final Thoughts
A great espresso martini starts with great coffee.
While vodka and coffee liqueur provide the foundation, the espresso is what transforms the drink from ordinary to exceptional. Using freshly brewed Brazil Santos creates a cocktail with smooth chocolate notes, gentle sweetness and a wonderfully creamy finish.
So next time you’re entertaining guests or treating yourself after dinner, skip the instant coffee and start with freshly roasted beans. Your espresso martini will thank you for it.
Make It At Home
Brew this recipe using our award-winning Brazil Santos coffee, with notes of sweet chocolate, caramel and nut.
Shop our Brazil Santos where we can also grind it to order
