Espresso Martini Magic: The 9th Day of Christmas Coffee
On this 9th Day of Christmas Coffee, we're giving coffee lovers a little boost with a festive twist: the Espresso Martini.
Espresso Martini Magic
If you're anything like me, the holidays can sometimes feel like a marathon. Between gift-wrapping marathons, last-minute baking, and the endless string of holiday parties, the days start blurring together. And let's be honest—while the season is full of cheer, it can be exhausting.
That's why on this 9th Day of Christmas Coffee, we're giving coffee lovers a little boost with a festive twist: the Espresso Martini.
Yes, it's coffee. Yes, it's a cocktail. And yes, it's the holiday pick-me-up you didn't know you needed.
Picture it: a cozy evening with friends, a twinkling Christmas tree in the corner, and a round of espresso martinis in hand. The drink gives you energy and makes you feel fancy—like you could sip it while mingling at a chic cocktail party or lounging in cozy PJs watching holiday movies.
Either way, this is your moment to savor the season's buzz. Let's discuss how to make this beauty shine and why it deserves a special place in your holiday lineup.
The Story of the Espresso Martini
Before we shake up an espresso martini, let's take a quick trip to its origins. The Espresso Martini is a modern classic that dates back to the 1980s (hello, big hair and neon). London bartender Dick Bradsell is credited with creating it when a customer reportedly asked for a drink that would "wake me up and mess me up" (you get the idea).
His creation combined the robust flavors of espresso with the smooth bite of vodka, a little coffee liqueur for sweetness, and a frothy shake to finish it off. Boom—the Espresso Martini was born.
Fast-forward to today, and this cocktail is elegant and everywhere, from high-end restaurants to your favorite local café/bar hybrid. Its appeal lies in its simplicity: It's bold, caffeinated, and surprisingly easy to make at home.
So, on this 9th day of Christmas coffee, let's toast to Dick Bradsell for giving us the ultimate holiday party drink.
Why an Espresso Martini?
Here's why you're going to love this:
It's coffee and a cocktail in one. Why choose between your evening drink and your caffeine fix? The Espresso Martini gives you the best of both worlds.
It's simple to make. A little espresso, a little vodka, a little shake—and you're a home bartender.
It's very festive. The frothy top, signature coffee beans, and elegant glass look and feel like a celebration.
It pairs perfectly with dessert. Sip this alongside some tiramisu, Christmas cookies, or dark chocolate, and you've just created a holiday dream team.
It's versatile. You can stay with the classic recipe or mix things up with flavored liqueurs, milk alternatives, or festive garnishes.
And remember that Espresso Martinis are guaranteed to impress your guests. They look upscale and are so easy to whip up that you won't miss a beat.
The Perfect Espresso Martini Recipe
Now, let's get down to business. This recipe is as classic as it gets—strong, smooth, and perfectly frothy.
Ingredients
Here's what you'll need for one Espresso Martini:
1 shot (1 ounce) of freshly brewed espresso (the fresher, the better)
1 ½ ounces vodka
¾ ounce coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa or Tia Maria)
½ ounce simple syrup (optional, but adds sweetness)
Ice
3 coffee beans for garnish (because tradition says they symbolize health, wealth, and happiness)
Instructions
Brew the espresso. Start by making a shot of fresh espresso. Strong coffee or cold brew concentrate will work if you need an espresso machine. Just make sure it's nice and bold. Let the espresso cool for a minute so it doesn't melt the ice too quickly.
Prep your shaker. Grab a cocktail shaker and fill it with ice.
Combine the ingredients. Add the vodka, coffee liqueur, espresso, and simple syrup (if using) to the shaker.
Shake it like you mean it. Pop the lid on and shake vigorously for 20-30 seconds. Take your time to create that beautiful, frothy layer on top.
Strain into a glass. Pour it into a chilled martini glass using a fine mesh strainer. Straining ensures you get the silky smooth texture with no ice bits.
Garnish and serve. Top it off with 3 coffee beans for a little extra flair. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Tips for the Perfect Espresso Martini
Here are a few secrets to take your Espresso Martini from good to "OMG, can I have another one?"
Use freshly brewed espresso. This makes a huge difference in flavor and froth. Don't skimp here—grab your espresso machine, moka pot, or Aeropress and get brewing.
Chill your glass. Place your martini glass in the freezer for a few minutes before serving. A cold glass keeps the drink nice and crisp.
Shake hard. The frothy top is a signature part of the Espresso Martini, so shake it very well. The colder the drink, the frothier it will be.
Balance the sweetness. Taste as you go—some people like a touch of simple syrup for sweetness, while others prefer to keep it bold and bitter. Adjust to your preference.
Experiment with flavors. Add a splash of vanilla vodka, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or even a peppermint liqueur for a holiday twist.
Fun Variations to Try
Feeling adventurous? Here are a few ways to put a unique spin on your Espresso Martini:
Vanilla Bean Martini: Add ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract or swap plain vodka for vanilla vodka.
Peppermint Espresso Martini: Add a splash of peppermint schnapps or garnish with a crushed candy cane rim for a holiday treat.
Chocolate Lover's Martini: Add ½ ounce of chocolate liqueur (like Godiva) for a mocha twist.
Dairy-Free Martini: Swap the coffee liqueur for a dairy-free option like Mr. Black Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur for a vegan-friendly version.
Pair It with Holiday Vibes
The Espresso Martini isn't just a drink; it's a whole mood. Here are a few ways to set the stage for your holiday party (or solo indulgence):
Holiday Movie Marathon: Sip an espresso martini while watching Home Alone, Elf, or The Holiday. Bonus points if you're in fuzzy socks.
Christmas Dessert Night: Pair it with Christmas cookies, dark chocolate truffles, or a slice of pie.
Virtual Happy Hour: Send your friends the recipe and hop on Zoom to shake up espresso martinis together.
Fancy Dinner Party: Start or end the evening with these chic cocktails—they'll set the tone for an unforgettable night.
Final Sip
The Espresso Martini truly is the perfect blend of indulgence and sophistication.
Whether you're hosting a holiday gathering, treating yourself after a long day, or shaking up a round for friends, this cocktail is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So go ahead—brew that espresso, shake up some magic, and toast to the of the season.
Cheers, friends! 🥂✨
Until next time…
Patty Bonsera is the founder and editor-in-chief of Local Coffee Talk Magazine and host of the Local Coffee Talk Podcast. She combines her love for sharing the stories of specialty coffee and the passionate people behind them with her own love of travel and coffee to foster the connections among coffee enthusiasts, travelers, and local communities. Through her work with the magazine and podcast, she strives to inspire meaningful experiences and celebrate the vibrant culture of specialty coffee, one cup and conversation at a time.
