If you love making espresso cocktails, you have to try this bourbon espresso martini. I love the combination of the sweet bourbon with fresh espresso. It's one of my favorite espresso martini variations.
You'll love this bourbon espresso martini
It's easy to make. Espresso martinis are SO easy to make at home! If you want more tips and pointers, keep reading.
It's delicious. The bourbon flavor with the fresh shot of espresso are SO complementary with one another. Even if you don't like "brown liquor," try this espresso martini variation.
Ingredients
Bourbon. I recommend using bourbon since bourbon is the sweetest variety of whiskey. Some of my favorite bourbon brands are Bulleit, Wyoming Whiskey or Four Roses.
Coffee Liqueur. Even when you use fresh espresso, you still need a coffee liqueur for any espresso martini recipe. Kahlua or Mr. Black are probably the two most common.
Espresso. Whether you're making a classic espresso martini or this bourbon martini, you need fresh espresso, or regular drip coffee at least!
Simple Syrup. I like adding just a touch of sweetness to any coffee cocktail, so I add a bit of simple syrup. You can also have some fun with the simple syrup, I've included my favorite variations below!
Bitters. I used chocolate bitters for this recipe because of the combination of a well-balanced bourbon with fresh espresso and chocolate. It's SO good and gives your martini the best flavor.
How to make a bourbon espresso martini
- In a cocktail shaker, add 2 oz bourbon, 1 oz coffee liqueur, 1.5 oz espresso, .5 oz simple syrup, and 2-3 dashes of bitters.
- Add ice and shake vigorously for a minute.
- Strain into a chilled martini glass.
- Garnish with 3 espresso beans and enjoy!
Tip: if you really want to get that creamy foam head on your espresso martini I recommend doing a double strain. When pouring your cocktail into the glass, pass it through a fine mesh strainer.
Making espresso for espresso martinis
Nespresso. I have a Nespresso machine and use the mild roast espresso pods.
Moka Pot. You can also get a Moka Pot, which is a very inexpensive way to make homemade espresso.
Cold Brew Concentrate. You could also use cold brew concentrate if you don't have an espresso machine.
Substitutions and variations
Brown Sugar Syrup. Brown sugar syrup is such a great variation to use in this recipe or even a traditional espresso martini! Instead of equal parts water and granulated sugar, combine equal parts water and brown sugar in a small sauce pot over medium heat. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved and then transfer to an airtight jar! Store in the fridge for about 3-4 weeks.
Apple Crisp Syrup. If you love the Starbucks Apple Crisp Macchiato, you have GOT to make this apple crisp syrup for your coffee cocktails and jut regular at-home coffee recipes!
Creamy Espresso Martini. I also love adding a shot of Bailey's to my espresso martini to make it creamy!
Decaf Espresso Martini. I get that you might not want to drink caffeine at night, you can make decaf espresso!
FAQs
Can you use bourbon for an espresso martini?
Yes! A bourbon espresso martini is so good.
Can you use something other than vodka for espresso martini?
Yes! I love using bourbon or tequila.
Is Kahlua or Baileys better for espresso martini?
Kahlua and Bailey's are actually not interchangeable! Kahlua, or any coffee liqueur, is a must for an espresso martini. If you want a creamy espresso martini, I recommend adding a splash of Bailey's to the recipe (which already includes Kahlua).
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Want more bourbon cocktails?
Bourbon Espresso Martini
If you love making espresso cocktails, you have to try this bourbon espresso martini. I love the combination of the sweet bourbon with fresh espresso. It's one of my favorite espresso martini variations.
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1 oz coffee liqueur
- 1.5 oz espresso
- .5 oz simple syrup
- 2-3 dashes bitters, optional
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, add 2 oz bourbon, 1 oz coffee liqueur, 1.5 oz espresso, .5 oz simple syrup, and 2-3 dashes of bitters.
- Add ice and shake vigorously for a minute.
- Strain into a chilled martini glass.
- Garnish with 3 espresso beans and enjoy!
Notes
Making espresso for espresso martinis
Nespresso. I have a Nespresso machine and use the mild roast espresso pods.
Moka Pot. You can also get a Moka Pot, which is a very inexpensive way to make homemade espresso.
Cold Brew Concentrate. You could also use cold brew concentrate if you don't have an espresso machine.
Substitutions and variations
Brown Sugar Syrup. Brown sugar syrup is such a great variation to use in this recipe or even a traditional espresso martini! Instead of equal parts water and granulated sugar, combine equal parts water and brown sugar in a small sauce pot over medium heat. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved and then transfer to an airtight jar! Store in the fridge for about 3-4 weeks.
Apple Crisp Syrup. If you love the Starbucks Apple Crisp Macchiato, you have GOT to make this apple crisp syrup for your coffee cocktails and jut regular at-home coffee recipes!
Creamy Espresso Martini. I also love adding a shot of Bailey's to my espresso martini to make it creamy!
Decaf Espresso Martini. I get that you might not want to drink caffeine at night, you can make decaf espresso!
FAQs
Can you use bourbon for an espresso martini?
Yes! A bourbon espresso martini is so good.
Can you use something other than vodka for espresso martini?
Yes! I love using bourbon or tequila.
Is Kahlua or Baileys better for espresso martini?
Kahlua and Bailey's are actually not interchangeable! Kahlua, or any coffee liqueur, is a must for an espresso martini. If you want a creamy espresso martini, I recommend adding a splash of Bailey's to the recipe (which already includes Kahlua).
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