If you love an espresso martini, you have to try this bourbon espresso martini. It swaps out vodka for bourbon, and the result is richer, smoother, and way more interesting. Bourbon's natural notes of caramel and vanilla pair beautifully with fresh espresso. This is the upgrade your cocktail rotation needs.
This post is a complete guide to making a bourbon espresso martini at home. It covers the exact recipe, the best bourbon to use, how to get that signature foam, and easy variations like a maple or brown sugar version. Whether you are new to espresso martinis or just looking to switch things up, this recipe is approachable, quick, and worth making again and again. It is designed for home bartenders who want a cocktail that feels special without a lot of fuss.
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 is SO complementary with one another. Even if you don't like "brown liquor," try this espresso martini variation.
Ingredients
Here is what you need to make a bourbon espresso martini:
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1 oz coffee liqueur (Kahlua or Mr. Black)
- 1.5 oz fresh espresso
- 0.5 oz simple syrup
- 2 to 3 dashes of chocolate bitters (optional but highly recommended)
Bourbon. Use bourbon specifically. It is the sweetest variety of whiskey, and that sweetness is what makes this cocktail work. My go-to picks are Bulleit, Four Roses Small Batch, or Wyoming Whiskey. If you want to lean into the chocolatey, nutty notes in the drink, Elijah Craig Small Batch is a great choice, too.
Coffee Liqueur. You need this even though you are also using fresh espresso. The liqueur adds sweetness and a syrupy coffee flavor that fresh espresso alone cannot provide. Kahlua is the classic choice; Mr. Black is a bit less sweet and more coffee-forward if that is your preference.
Espresso. Fresh is best. I have a Ninja Cafe Luxe machine that I use to pull an espresso shot whenever I make an espresso martini at home! But, there are plenty of other ways to get espresso at home; more options are below.
Simple Syrup. Just a small amount to balance the bitterness of the espresso. You can swap this out for brown sugar syrup or maple syrup for a fun twist.
Bitters. This is the secret weapon. Chocolate, bourbon, and espresso are a natural trio. Two to three dashes round out the whole drink. I use Fee Brothers Aztec Chocolate Bitters.
How to make a bourbon espresso martini
- Brew your espresso and let it cool for a minute or two.
- Add the bourbon, coffee liqueur, espresso, simple syrup, and bitters to a cocktail shaker.
- Fill the shaker with ice.
- Shake vigorously for a full 30 to 45 seconds. This is what creates the foam.
- Double strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass.
- Pour it through a fine-mesh strainer to get that thick, creamy foam on top.
- Garnish with three espresso beans.
The key to getting foam on any homemade espresso martini
The foam is the signature of a great espresso martini. Two things make it happen: fresh espresso and vigorous shaking. If your foam is thin or missing, shake harder and longer. The double-strain method (pouring through both a shaker strainer and a fine-mesh strainer) also helps separate the foam from the liquid, so it sits on top beautifully.
How to make espresso at home
Nespresso. I used to have a Nespresso machine and would 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
Maple bourbon espresso martini. Swap the simple syrup for maple syrup. The maple adds a warm, slightly smoky sweetness that works really well with bourbon. Start with the same 0.5 oz and adjust to taste.
Brown Sugar Syrup. One of my favorites. Make it by combining equal parts water and brown sugar over medium heat, stirring until dissolved. Store in the fridge for up to four weeks. It gives the cocktail a deeper, molasses-y sweetness.
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 just 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 version. Use decaf espresso pods or decaf cold brew concentrate. You get all the flavor without the late-night caffeine.
FAQs
Can you use bourbon for an espresso martini?
Yes. Bourbon is an excellent substitute for vodka in an espresso martini. It adds caramel and vanilla notes that complement the coffee flavor. The result is a richer, warmer cocktail that many people prefer to the classic vodka version.
What is the best bourbon for an espresso martini?
A medium-bodied bourbon with caramel and vanilla notes works best. Good options include Bulleit, Four Roses Small Batch, Elijah Craig Small Batch, and Wyoming Whiskey. Avoid very smoky or heavily peated whiskeys, as they can overpower the espresso.
Does bourbon go with espresso?
Yes, they are a natural pairing. Bourbon's sweetness and oak-forward flavor balance the bitterness of espresso. The two flavors complement rather than compete with each other.
What can I use instead of vodka in an espresso martini?
Bourbon and tequila are the two most popular swaps. Bourbon makes a warmer, sweeter drink. Tequila (especially reposado) adds an earthy, slightly smoky note. Both work well with coffee liqueur and fresh espresso.
Is Kahlua or Bailey's better for an espresso martini?
They serve different purposes. Kahlua (or any coffee liqueur) is essential to the recipe. It provides the coffee sweetness that gives the cocktail its signature flavor. Bailey's is optional and adds creaminess. You can use both. Do not use Bailey's as a replacement for coffee liqueur.
Can you make a bourbon espresso martini without an espresso machine?
Yes. Cold brew concentrate is the easiest substitute. Use 1.5 oz in place of the espresso shot. A Moka pot also works well and is inexpensive. Avoid using regular drip coffee if you can, as it is too watery and will dilute the cocktail.
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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
The key to getting foam on any homemade espresso martini
The foam is the signature of a great espresso martini. Two things make it happen: fresh espresso and vigorous shaking. If your foam is thin or missing, shake harder and longer. The double-strain method (pouring through both a shaker strainer and a fine-mesh strainer) also helps separate the foam from the liquid, so it sits on top beautifully.
How to make espresso at home
Nespresso. I used to have a Nespresso machine and would 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
Maple bourbon espresso martini. Swap the simple syrup for maple syrup. The maple adds a warm, slightly smoky sweetness that works really well with bourbon. Start with the same 0.5 oz and adjust to taste.
Brown Sugar Syrup. One of my favorites. Make it by combining equal parts water and brown sugar over medium heat, stirring until dissolved. Store in the fridge for up to four weeks. It gives the cocktail a deeper, molasses-y sweetness.
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 just 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 version. Use decaf espresso pods or decaf cold brew concentrate. You get all the flavor without the late-night caffeine.
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