Name: Italian Espresso Martini Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 1
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 oz (30 ml) freshly brewed espresso, cooled to room temperature; 1.5 oz (45 ml) premium vodka; 0.5 oz (15 ml) coffee liqueur (such as Kahlúa); 0.5 oz (15 ml) Italian amaro (such as Averna); 0.25–0.5 oz (7–15 ml) simple syrup (adjust to taste); Ice cubes (for shaking); 3 whole coffee beans (for garnish)

Indulge in this sophisticated Italian Espresso Martini, a velvety cocktail blending rich, freshly brewed espresso with smooth vodka, coffee liqueur, and a touch of Italian amaro for herbal depth.

Shaken vigorously to create a luxurious foam, it’s the perfect after-dinner pick-me-up that wakes your senses while delivering a balanced bittersweet elegance in every sip.

Why You’ll Love This recipe

You’ll fall head over heels for this Italian Espresso Martini because it transforms a simple evening into a luxurious Italian café experience right at home. The bold espresso delivers a caffeine kick that energizes without overwhelming, while the vodka provides a clean canvas that lets the coffee shine.

The addition of an Italian amaro like Averna brings subtle herbal and caramel notes that make it distinctly Mediterranean—far more complex than the standard version. It’s incredibly quick to make, visually stunning with its creamy foam and coffee bean garnish, and strikes the perfect balance between sweet, bitter, and boozy.

Whether you’re hosting friends or treating yourself after a long day, this cocktail feels indulgent yet approachable, impressing guests with minimal effort while delivering restaurant-quality results every time.

Yield: 1 cocktail

Italian Espresso Martini Recipe

Bold Italian Espresso Martini with rich espresso, vodka, and herbal amaro—creamy, bittersweet, and irresistibly elegant.

Prep Time 5 minutes

Additional Time 5 minutes

Total Time 10 minutes

Ingredients

1 oz (30 ml) freshly brewed espresso, cooled to room temperature
1.5 oz (45 ml) premium vodka
0.5 oz (15 ml) coffee liqueur (such as Kahlúa)
0.5 oz (15 ml) Italian amaro (such as Averna)
0.25–0.5 oz (7–15 ml) simple syrup (adjust to taste)
Ice cubes (for shaking)
3 whole coffee beans (for garnish)

Instructions

Start by brewing a fresh shot of espresso using your favorite Italian roast—let it cool for a few minutes to room temperature so it won’t melt the ice too quickly when you shake.
Place your martini or coupe glass in the freezer for 5 minutes to get it nicely chilled—this keeps your cocktail refreshingly cold from the first sip to the last.
Grab your cocktail shaker and fill it generously with ice cubes, creating a frosty base that will chill and aerate the drink beautifully.
Pour in the cooled espresso, watching its rich, dark color cascade over the ice for that inviting coffee aroma.
Add the premium vodka next, bringing a clean, smooth spirit backbone that lets all the coffee flavors shine through.
Measure in the coffee liqueur for extra sweetness and depth, followed by the Italian amaro, which adds those lovely herbal and caramel notes that make this version special.
Finish with simple syrup—start with less and taste if needed—then seal the shaker tightly with its lid.
Shake vigorously for 20-30 seconds with enthusiasm! You’ll hear the ice rattling and feel the shaker get icy cold—this step creates that gorgeous, velvety foam on top.
Remove your chilled glass from the freezer and double-strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into the glass, ensuring a silky-smooth texture without any ice bits.
Gently place three coffee beans on the foam in a pretty triangular pattern, take a moment to admire your creation, and serve immediately while it’s perfectly frothy and inviting.

Notes

Use fresh espresso for the best crema and flavor. Shake hard for maximum foam. Adjust sweetness to your preference. Consume responsibly—caffeine and alcohol together can be potent!

Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 148Sodium 9mgCarbohydrates 5gSugar 5gProtein 0g

The recipes and nutritional information on Yum Tonight are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

For the creamiest foam, shake the cocktail vigorously for at least 20-30 seconds—think of it as a workout for your arms! Always use fresh, hot espresso cooled slightly or cold brew concentrate to avoid watering down the drink.

Chill your martini or coupe glass in the freezer for 5-10 minutes beforehand so the cocktail stays icy cold longer. Double-strain through a fine mesh sieve to remove any ice shards for a silky texture.

Taste and adjust sweetness before shaking; some prefer it drier with less simple syrup. Use large, dense ice cubes in the shaker for better chilling without excessive dilution. Garnish with three coffee beans in a triangular pattern for that classic, photogenic touch.

Ingredients Notes

Freshly brewed espresso forms the heart of this drink, providing authentic bold, roasted coffee flavor and natural crema that contributes to the signature foam—opt for a dark Italian roast like Arabica blend for depth.

Vodka should be high-quality and neutral, such as an Italian brand like Grey Goose or Tito’s, so it doesn’t compete with the coffee notes. Coffee liqueur (Kahlúa or Tia Maria) adds sweetness and extra coffee intensity; choose one with real coffee extracts for richer taste.

A splash of Italian amaro like Averna introduces herbal, bitter-orange, and caramel complexity that makes this version truly “Italian.” Simple syrup balances the bitterness—make your own with equal parts sugar and water for freshness, or adjust to taste. Finally, whole coffee beans for garnish not only look elegant but release a subtle aroma as you sip.

Variations and Substitutions

To make a classic non-Italian version, simply omit the amaro and increase the coffee liqueur slightly. For a chocolatey twist, add a dash of crème de cacao or chocolate liqueur and garnish with cocoa powder.

Vanilla lovers can swap simple syrup for vanilla syrup or use vanilla-infused vodka for a dessert-like profile. Try a spiced variation by adding a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom, or substitute rum for vodka for a warmer, tropical edge. For a smokier Italian flair, use a smoked amaro or grappa instead of Averna.

Non-alcoholic version? Replace vodka with cold brew concentrate or espresso, use non-alcoholic coffee liqueur alternatives, and add a splash of almond or oat milk for creaminess. If you lack an espresso machine, strong cold brew concentrate or even high-quality instant espresso dissolved in hot water works beautifully without sacrificing flavor.

Storage Options

This cocktail is best enjoyed fresh immediately after shaking to preserve the foam and optimal temperature. You can pre-mix the liquid ingredients (espresso, vodka, liqueur, amaro, and syrup) without ice and store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 24 hours.

Shake with fresh ice just before serving. Do not store the shaken cocktail as the foam will collapse and dilution will occur. Leftover espresso can be refrigerated separately for up to 2 days for future batches.