Tequila Espresso Martini

If you love the classic espresso martini, and you're a fellow tequila lover, you have to try this tequila espresso martini. It's such a flavorful and unique twist on a classic cocktail! 

You'll love this tequila espresso martini

It's easy to make. This drink couldn't be easier to make! It's 3 ingredients and barely any prep time. Plus, if you don't have an espresso machine, don't worry! I'm sharing ways to make a delicious tequila espresso martini recipe without an espresso machine. 

It's delicious. I love the combination of tequila and espresso! I use reposado tequila in this, so it's a different flavor than blanco tequila. You get notes of vanilla with an aged tequila that make for such a rich flavor when combined with the fresh espresso. 

It can be made as a batched cocktail. ​Because there are no carbonated ingredients, this can so easily be made into a batched cocktail! This would be so fun as a welcome drink or after-dinner drink if you're hosting a party. 

Ingredients

Reposado Tequila. When dealing with that bold espresso flavor, I much prefer to use an aged tequila, like a reposado or anejo, as opposed to an unaged, silver tequila. Reposado and Anejo tequilas are aged in oak barrels, so they have those warm flavor profiles, similar to whiskey. You get more notes of vanilla, cinnamon, and other warmer flavors. Of course, it depends on what specific aged tequila you pick to truly accurately describe the flavor profile, but just to give you a bit more context. 

Espresso. I use my Nespresso machine and brew a single shot of espresso. I do like to brew the espresso a few minutes before I'm ready to make my cocktail, because if you try shaking your hot espresso with ice while the espresso is too hot, you may have a mini explosion on your hands.

Coffee liqueur. I personally use Kahlua coffee liquor. However, Mr. Black is also a super popular one! Mr. Black is a bit less sweet, so if you like your cocktails on the sweeter side, I recommend adding a splash of simple syrup along with Mr Black to give you that touch of sweetness. Homemade simple syrup is so easy to make, just mix together equal parts hot water and white sugar. 

Coffee Beans. ​Typically, I don't include garnishes in the ingredients list, but you need three beans to garnish your tequila espresso martini! 

How to make a tequila espresso martini

1. In a cocktail shaker, add 2 oz of tequila, 2 oz of fresh espresso, and 1 oz of coffee liqueur. 
2. Add ice cubes, and shake well for 30 - 60 seconds. 
3. Strain into a chilled coupe glass or martini glass, and garnish with 3 espresso beans. 
4. Cheers!

Tip:​ You really want to give this espresso martini a hard shake. You'll know you're shaking enough when your cocktail turns a light brown color. That's the frothiness coming to life.

Substitutions and variations

Espresso. There are so many other way you can still make a delicious espresso martini, without a shot of espresso. You just need that strong coffee flavor and you can get that with cold brew concentrate or taking regular coffee grounds and brewing a very strong, concentrated shot. 

Tequila. If you really want that robust flavor of coffee, you can always use coffee tequila. This is a variation for my real coffee lovers out there. Patrón XO Cafe is a great option for this recipe. 

Tips for making the best tequila espresso martini

• Let your espresso cool a little bit! I brew my espresso and then let it chill out for a few minutes. I've made an espresso martini with piping hot espresso and I've had my cocktail shaker explode on me before. 
• Chill your martini glass! A simple, yet super easy way to elevate any martini you make.
• Double-strain your martini if you're using coffee grounds. If you make your coffee using something like a french press or even a regular coffee machine, you can always strain your cocktail through a fine mesh strainer to ensure you have 0 coffee grounds in your drink.

How to brew espresso without a machine

1. Cold Brew Coffee. I know this isn't "brewing espresso" but it's a great option to use if you don't have an espresso machine.
2. French Press.
3. Coffee Machine
4. Moki Pot

Why is my espresso martini not frothy?

You might not be shaking vigorously enough! That's my easiest tip for getting a frothy espresso martini. Using fresh espresso and making sure you really shake it up.

FAQs

Can I use tequila instead of vodka in an espresso martini?

You absolutely can! I love making an espresso martini with tequila.

What is a tequila espresso martini called?

Another name for a tequila espresso martini is El Jefe.

Is espresso and tequila good?

​It is! Tequila and espresso are a great combination.

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Want more coffee recipes?

• Creamy Espresso Martini
• Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso
• Maple Latte