A fantastic summer cocktail, the espresso martini is a drink that’s easy to make, hits the right notes of booze, and kicks with the caffeine. And the beauty of it is that we can make it low carb with the right choices in alcohol!
Do I have to use espresso?
The Espresso Martini works best with espresso, HOWEVER, it is by no means required. The only real requirement is that you use freshly brewed coffee – and yes, hot coffee works better than cold coffee. Whether you make standard drip, moka pot, pour over, french press, aeropress, etc, it all works just as good.
Does the coffee need to be hot?
For the best espresso martini, it works best to use hot coffee. Reason is that the heat helps increase dilution for a smoother cocktail. The hot coffee also seems to increase the amount of foam that’s created when shaken – but I’m not sure if that’s empirical evidence or science, so don’t quote me on that. Hot coffee aside, it works just as good with cold coffee, such as cold brew!
Is an Espresso Martini considered a martini?
Contrary to the name, an Espresso Martini is NOT a martini! The basic tenet of a martini is vodka and vermouth, thus, in the absence of vermouth, the espresso martini is really a… vodka espresso. You’d have to ask the rumored creator of the espresso martini, Dick Bradsell why he thought it was a good idea at the time to use a martini glass. Since it isnt a martini and it has great scents and aroma, a coupe glass actually works best to serve your cocktail!
Is the Espresso Martini Keto and Low-Carb?
The classic espresso martini is not keto-friendly, BUT we can make it low-carb friendly. The main point to making the cocktail low-carb will boil down to the coffee liqueur that we choose to use. The classic Kahlua and Tia Maria’s are chock full of carbs, so they won’t work. However, there are liqueurs like Mr. Black which clock in at 8g carbs per ounce – definitely within the acceptable range for low-carb!
Looking for a different cocktail?
How about another coffee cocktail like an Irish Coffee or maybe something easier to make like a Keto Moscow Mule?
Espresso Martini
A perfect cocktail for summer that packs a punch full of flavor and booze!
Ingredients
- 1 oz vodka
- 1 oz fresh espresso (or other coffee method)
- 1 oz coffee liqueur (such as Mr. Black)
Hardware
- Shaking tin
- Coupe glass
- ice
- jigger
- strainers (2)
Instructions
- Add ice into a mixing tin
- Add the vodka, coffee, and coffee liqueur into the tin.
- Cap and shake for thirty seconds.
- Double strain into coupe glass.
- Garnish with three whole coffee beans on top in a starburst pattern
- Enjoy!
Notes
- You can also add 1/2 oz of simple syrup if you prefer it a little sweeter!
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Nutrition Information
Serving Size 1 cocktailAmount Per Serving Calories 133Carbohydrates 9gNet Carbohydrates 9gSugar 9g
Nutrition facts are calculated using Mr. Black Coffee Liqueur and straight vodka!
Looks YUMMMMY, Dennis. I may try this with a shot of Jot instead of brewing hot coffee. Worth a try. But one point…the basic martini is actually gin and vermouth – not vodka. 😉
Yeah – I was thinking a vodka-tini *facepalm*