If you want to serve espresso martinis at your next party, then learning how to make this popular co*cktail for a crowd is a must!
Whether sipping on them at a garden wedding or as a cheeky pre-theatre drink, espresso martinis are one of Australia’s favourite co*cktails.
If you’re a big enough fan of this coffee-based co*cktail, then you’ve probably already perfected the art of making one for yourself. They’re a great way to kick-off or conclude a dinner party, but many people struggle with how to make them when faced with a crowd of people.
You don’t want to be shackled to your martini shaker all night or spend your entire party churning out drinks from behind the bar, so making a batch of co*cktails in advance is the perfect solution to give your party-goers the drink they really want.
Signs of a great espresso martini
The hallmark of a great espresso martini is the frothy top, thick enough to gently balance a couple of espresso beans for garnish. This is achieved by shaking the concoction vigorously until the foam forms. When you’re making this co*cktail for a crowd it can seem impossible to get the same result without shaking them one by one, but rest assured we have a solution…
How to make a batch of espresso martinis
Our espresso martini recipe uses an equal amount of coffee, coffee liqueur and vodka (30ml of each for a single co*cktail), with the option of adding a splash of simple syrup to smooth out the flavour. These equal ratios make multiplying your ingredients even easier because as long as you’re adding equal parts of the three components you’ll always find the flavour to your liking.
For the coffee it is best to use freshly brewed espresso. If you don’t have a coffee machine and will be using a percolator or French press, be sure to remove all the coffee grounds before adding to your alcohol.
The alcohol will be the next ingredients you’ll need: coffee liqueur and vodka. The most popular options for coffee liqueur are generally Kahlua or Tia Maria, but any type will work. When selecting your vodka there is no hard and fast rule, it really comes down to your own personal taste and budget. But with co*cktails as simple as this you need quality ingredients to make them sing, so don’t just reach for whatever is cheapest.
How to make espresso martinis for 20 people:
600ml coffee
600ml coffee liqueur
600ml vodka
Optional: 30ml simple syrup
Add equal parts of coffee, liqueur and vodka to your serving jug. Use quick pulses with a stick blender to combine the ingredients and create the froth. This is best done right before serving to preserving the froth for as long as possible. Alternatively, you can combine all the ingredients in a blender, do a few quick pulses and then pour into serving glasses straight away with the classic espresso martini foam on top.
FAQs
Kahlua is a coffee liqueur with a strong coffee flavor and a hint of caramel. It is a good choice for espresso martinis that you want to have a strong coffee flavor. Baileys is an Irish cream liqueur with a creamy texture and a flavor of chocolate, vanilla, and cream.
Why doesn't my espresso martini not frothy? ›
The key to achieving maximum fluffiness is to shake your ingredients vigorously. When you look into the shaker and see it's all frothy and beautiful, pour it into a chilled martini glass and enjoy!
What liquor is best for an espresso martini? ›
Vodka: I add 1 ½ oz. of vodka for the perfect ratio of booze to coffee. Vodka is the signature alcohol for a classic espresso martini—use another, and it just won't be the same. While you don't have to reach for top shelf, I suggest using a brand you enjoy drinking.
What is the best coffee for an espresso martini? ›
The best way to get the best taste and mouthfeel from an espresso martini is to use a freshly brewed espresso, using freshly roasted arabica beans. As is the case throughout Recent Beans, we believe your espresso should be made from 100% freshly roasted arabica, to a medium level for those awesome sweet flavour notes.
What kind of person drinks espresso martini? ›
Espresso Martini
Coffee, alcohol and sugar - the ultimate combination made for those who live to “work hard, play harder”. If that's you, you're a type A personality who is enviably outgoing, extremely ambitious and rigidly organised. You give 100% to everything you do, both professionally and socially.
What is a dirty espresso martini? ›
Celebrate the holiday season with the coziest and most delicious Dirty Chai Espresso Martini. Homemade chai tea simple syrup mixed with your favorite vodka, Kahlúa and a strong shot of espresso. This is the perfect co*cktail to end the night!
What is the best thing about espresso martini? ›
This coffee co*cktail is strong, sweet, and delicious with a creamy, foamy top and topped with coffee beans. It makes the perfect after-dinner drink after a big meal but is just as good to get the party started!
Why do bartenders hate making espresso martinis? ›
But if you're a mixologist at work, it's a nightmare. In fact, bartenders notably dislike making these co*cktails because of the prep time, complications, and cleanup of the espresso step alone.
How do I get more crema on my espresso martini? ›
The most satisfying part of an Espresso Martini is the foam. To create this, firstly you need to tap and swirl the shaker after adding the ingredients. Once you've done this make sure you shake the shaker hard for 20-30 seconds, this allows the natural oils in the coffee to combine with the air bubbles.
How do you judge an espresso martini? ›
Ideally, there are strong notes of coffee that are complimented by hints of sugar and cream. Bad espresso martinis typically taste too strongly of stale coffee, or are too sweet like crème liquor. As with all good things in life, a 10/10 'tini has balance.
An Espresso Martini is a classic co*cktail made with freshly brewed espresso, Baileys, and a splash of vodka, delicious. Learn how to make an Espresso Martini at home and shake up your next co*cktail party. So, grab a few friends and try taking your martinis to the next level. It all starts with Baileys and espresso!
Does Kahlua go in an espresso martini? ›
Kahlúa adds sweetness to your Espresso Martini, balancing out the other ingredients. It also helps create that velvety mouthfeel.
What is the difference between Baileys and Kahlua? ›
Baileys and Kahlua both complement a freshly brewed cup of coffee, but there are distinct differences between the two liqueurs. Baileys is creamy and derives its taste from cream, cocoa, and Irish Whiskey. Kahlua is dark without the creaminess of Baileys and is made with 100 percent arabica coffee, rum, and sugar.
