No espresso maker? No problem! You can easily make an “espresso” martini using your favorite cold brew. This cold brew espresso martini is SO easy to pull together, and honestly, you might never go back to making it the traditional way. The cold brew adds such a smooth, rich coffee flavor that is absolutely perfect in this cocktail.
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You’ll love this Cold Brew Espresso Martini
It makes a great espresso martini, without the machine! If you've been holding off on making espresso martinis at home because you don't have an espresso machine, this recipe is for you. Cold brew concentrate is a total game-changer and is just as delicious. It's smooth, bold, and packed with coffee flavor.
It’s easy to make. Espresso martinis are one of the easiest cocktails to make at home, and this version is no exception. Just shake, strain, and enjoy. That's really it!
It can be made as a batched cocktail. Hosting brunch or a dinner party? This cold brew espresso martini is so easy to scale up and make as a big batch cocktail. I've included all the details below!
Ingredients
Cold Brew Concentrate. This is the star of the show! I love using store-bought cold brew concentrate. Trader Joe’s has a great one! You want to make sure you're using concentrate, not regular cold brew, so that you get that bold, rich coffee flavor. You can also grab some cold-brew concentrate on Amazon!
Vodka. Plain vodka is your best bet here. I use whatever I have on hand! Tito's, Grey Goose, or even a store-brand vodka all work great.
Coffee Liqueur. You need coffee liqueur in any espresso martini recipe! Kahlua is the most popular and widely available option, but Mr. Black is another great one if you prefer something a little less sweet.
Simple Syrup. Just a splash to balance out the bitterness of the cold brew. You can absolutely adjust this to your taste!
How to make Cold Brew Espresso Martini
- Add your ingredients to a cocktail shaker. Pour in 2 oz of vodka, 1 oz of coffee liqueur, 1.5 oz of cold brew concentrate, and ½ oz of simple syrup.
- Add ice and shake vigorously. Cover the shaker and shake hard for at least 60 seconds, or until your hands can't take the cold anymore! This is what gives your espresso martini that gorgeous, frothy top.
- Strain into a chilled martini glass. For the best foam, do a double strain — pour through both the cocktail shaker strainer and a fine mesh strainer. Garnish and enjoy!
TIP: Since you're using cold brew instead of hot espresso, you don't have to worry about the drink "exploding" when you start shaking. No waiting around for anything to cool — just shake and go
Substitutions and variations
Brewed Coffee. If you don't have cold brew concentrate on hand, you can use a very strong brewed coffee instead. I'd recommend something like a double-strength drip coffee or a dark roast. Just make sure it's cooled completely before you add it to the shaker!
Irish Cream. Want to make this a creamy cold brew espresso martini? Add ½ oz to 1 oz of Bailey's Irish Cream to the shaker. You could even reduce the simple syrup if you go this route, since Bailey's already adds sweetness.
Simple Syrup Flavors. Feel free to swap the plain simple syrup for something more fun! Brown sugar syrup adds a warm, caramel-like flavor that is SO good with the cold brew. Vanilla simple syrup is another great option that pairs beautifully with the coffee flavors.
Garnish ideas
The classic espresso martini garnish is always the move, but here are a few options to make your drink look (and taste!) extra special:
- 3 Coffee Beans. This is the traditional garnish and an absolute must, even when you're making it at home! In bartending tradition, the three beans are said to represent health, wealth, and happiness.
- Sprinkle of Cinnamon or Cocoa Powder. Use a small fine mesh strainer to dust a little cinnamon or cocoa powder on top of the foam. It looks so pretty and adds a little something extra to each sip.
How to make a big batch of this Cold Brew Espresso Martini
This cold brew espresso martini is such a great batched cocktail for brunch, a bachelorette party, or any get-together! Here's how to make 8 servings:
- 2 cups (16 oz) vodka
- ½ cup (4 oz) coffee liqueur
- ¾ cup (6 oz) cold brew concentrate
- ¼ cup (2 oz) simple syrup
Combine all the ingredients in a large pitcher and stir well. Store in the fridge until you're ready to serve. When you're ready, add about 4 oz of the mixture to a cocktail shaker filled with ice, shake vigorously, and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish and serve!
FAQs
What's the best coffee liqueur for espresso martini?
The two most popular options are Kahlua and Mr. Black. Kahlua is rum-based and on the sweeter side, which makes it really approachable. Mr. Black is a bit more intense and less sweet, with a stronger coffee flavor. I tend to reach for Kahlua in most of my espresso martini recipes, but either one works great here!
Can you use cold brew instead of espresso?
Yes, absolutely! That's exactly what this recipe is all about. Cold brew concentrate makes a delicious substitute for espresso in any espresso martini recipe. It has the same bold, concentrated coffee flavor without the need for an espresso machine. Just make sure you're using cold brew concentrate and not regular cold brew, which is too diluted for cocktails.
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Want more espresso martini variations?
Cold Brew "Espresso" Martini
No espresso maker? No problem! You can easily make an “espresso” martini using your favorite cold brew. This cold brew espresso martini is SO easy to pull together.
Ingredients
- 2 oz of vodka
- 1 oz of coffee liqueur
- 1 ½ oz of cold brew concentrate
- ½ oz of simple syrup.
Instructions
- Add your ingredients to a cocktail shaker. Pour in 2 oz of vodka, 1 oz of coffee liqueur, 1.5 oz of cold brew concentrate, and ½ oz of simple syrup.
- Add ice and shake vigorously. Cover the shaker and shake hard for at least 60 seconds, or until your hands can't take the cold anymore! This is what gives your espresso martini that gorgeous, frothy top.
- Strain into a chilled martini glass. For the best foam, do a double strain and pour through both the cocktail shaker strainer and a fine mesh strainer. Garnish and enjoy!
Notes
TIP: Since you're using cold brew instead of hot espresso, you don't have to worry about the drink "exploding" when you start shaking. No waiting around for anything to cool — just shake and go
Substitutions and variations
Brewed Coffee. If you don't have cold brew concentrate on hand, you can use a very strong brewed coffee instead. I'd recommend something like a double-strength drip coffee or a dark roast. Just make sure it's cooled completely before you add it to the shaker!
Irish Cream. Want to make this a creamy cold brew espresso martini? Add ½ oz to 1 oz of Bailey's Irish Cream to the shaker. You could even reduce the simple syrup if you go this route, since Bailey's already adds sweetness.
Simple Syrup Flavors. Feel free to swap the plain simple syrup for something more fun! Brown sugar syrup adds a warm, caramel-like flavor that is SO good with the cold brew. Vanilla simple syrup is another great option that pairs beautifully with the coffee flavors.
Garnish ideas
The classic espresso martini garnish is always the move, but here are a few options to make your drink look (and taste!) extra special:
- 3 Coffee Beans. This is the traditional garnish and an absolute must, even when you're making it at home! In bartending tradition, the three beans are said to represent health, wealth, and happiness.
- Sprinkle of Cinnamon or Cocoa Powder. Use a small fine mesh strainer to dust a little cinnamon or cocoa powder on top of the foam. It looks so pretty and adds a little something extra to each sip.
How to make a big batch of this Cold Brew Espresso Martini
This cold brew espresso martini is such a great batched cocktail for brunch, a bachelorette party, or any get-together! Here's how to make 8 servings:
- 2 cups (16 oz) vodka
- ½ cup (4 oz) coffee liqueur
- ¾ cup (6 oz) cold brew concentrate
- ¼ cup (2 oz) simple syrup
Combine all the ingredients in a large pitcher and stir well. Store in the fridge until you're ready to serve. When you're ready, add about 4 oz of the mixture to a cocktail shaker filled with ice, shake vigorously, and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish and serve!
FAQs
What's the best coffee liqueur for espresso martini?
The two most popular options are Kahlua and Mr. Black. Kahlua is rum-based and on the sweeter side, which makes it really approachable. Mr. Black is a bit more intense and less sweet, with a stronger coffee flavor. I tend to reach for Kahlua in most of my espresso martini recipes, but either one works great here!
Can you use cold brew instead of espresso?
Yes, absolutely! That's exactly what this recipe is all about. Cold brew concentrate makes a delicious substitute for espresso in any espresso martini recipe. It has the same bold, concentrated coffee flavor without the need for an espresso machine. Just make sure you're using cold brew concentrate and not regular cold brew, which is too diluted for cocktails.
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