American

Espresso Martini

by:
August 27, 2021
4.7
3 Ratings
Espresso Martini
Photo by Rocky Luten
  • Prep time 2 minutes
  • Cook time 5 minutes
  • makes 1 espresso martini, 1 cup of vanilla bean simple syrup
Author Notes

Simple syrup is truly one of the easiest recipes to make: equal parts sugar and water, infused with any flavor of your choice. I love using it for cocktails and desserts. In this recipe, I'll show you how to make your very own Vanilla Bean Simple Syrup and use it in a classic Espresso Martini. These recipes have an elegance that makes them seem inaccessible, but I promise to demystify them so you can make them again and again in the comfort of your own home.

Note: With your leftover vanilla bean simple syrup, you can also make a great iced vanilla latte: In a large glass, combine 3 ounces cold brew concentrate, 3 ounces dairy or non-dairy milk, and 1/2 ounce vanilla simple syrup, and stir to combine. Add ice and enjoy!
—Elena

What You'll Need
Watch This Recipe
Espresso Martini
Ingredients
  • Espresso Martini
  • 2 ounces vodka
  • 1 ounce coffee liqueur (such as Kahlua)
  • 1 ounce brewed and cooled espresso or cold brew concentrate
  • 1/2 ounce vanilla bean simple syrup (recipe below)
  • Vanilla Bean Simple Syrup
  • 1 vanilla bean pod, split lengthwise and seeded
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • 3 whole coffee beans, for garnish (optional)
Directions
  1. Fill a coupe or martini glass with ice water to chill.
  2. In a cocktail shaker, combine vodka, coffee liquor, and espresso or cold brew concentrate. Add ice, seal the top, and shake vigorously until very cold.
  3. Discard the ice water from the serving glass and strain the cocktail into the glass, garnish with optional coffee beans, and enjoy!
  4. To make the vanilla bean simple syrup: In a medium saucepan over a medium heat, combine vanilla bean and seeds, granulated sugar, and water. Bring to a boil, stirring every so often until the sugar dissolves. Remove from the heat and let the mixture cool to room temperature. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.
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1 Review

Taylor S.
Taylor S. November 23, 2023
This recipe forgets to mention to add the simple syrup to the shaker with the rest of the ingredients, so keep that in mind if you're making this. I like the flair the vanilla bean simple syrup gives to the drink. This is a nice, standard espresso martini formula.