August 20, 2021

A Gin Espresso Martini Recipe

Name: Gin espresso martini recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1 ounce strong espresso, chilled; 1 ounce Tanqueray or other dry gin; 1 ounce Kahlua or other coffee liqueur; coffee beans, for garnish

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This gin espresso martini combines gin, espresso, and coffee liqueur to give you a cocktail that’s also a pick-me-up. It’s my coffee counterpart to “The Lady Bridgerton” cocktail, which combines Empress 1908 gin and Earl Grey tea.

A few notes about this gin espresso martini

If you’re looking for a cake equivalent to this cocktail, check out my tiramisu layer cake.
Feel free to use a cup of brewed espresso in place of the instant if you’re lucky enough to have access to an espresso machine. Just make it strong!
You can also use a cup of regular coffee. Cook it down until it’s about half its original volume.
Below is the instant espresso I use. You can find it in most grocery stores.

Tia Maria versus Kahlua

Tia Maria on the left. Kahlua on the right. They have the exact same percent of alcohol by volume.

To me, the Tia Maria tastes sweeter but with a stronger taste of alcohol. The Kahlua is darker and has a stronger coffee taste.

a sipping glass filled with Tia Maria on the left and Kahlua on the right

FAQs about this gin espresso martini recipe

Is it “expresso” or “espresso”?

Merriam-Webster surprisingly says that both are ok.

Which gin should I use for this recipe?

You will want a dry gin here, so that the flavors don’t clash with the coffee. This is a great primer on gin.

Can I use another liquor?

Yes, the original was made with vodka. But you could use rum to make a rum espresso martini. Or sub out the kahlua for Frangelico and make a hazelnut espresso martini.

Is there a right way to shake a cocktail?

No, go ahead and shake to whatever song you like. But there a few things you shouldn’t do. Note that you’ll need to shake this one a bit longer to get a foam.

What’s your favorite espresso bean?

We drink the Espresso Roast from Blue Star Coffee Roasters which is based in Twisp, Washington in the beautiful Methow Valley.

a gin espresso martini on a tray surrounded by scattered coffee beans

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Gin espresso martini recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 5 minutes

Total Time 15 minutes

Servings 1

Author uglyducklingbakery

Equipment

Cocktail shaker

Ingredients

1 ounce strong espresso, chilled
1 ounce Tanqueray or other dry gin
1 ounce Kahlua or other coffee liqueur
coffee beans, for garnish

Instructions

Make the espresso using instant espresso powder or brewed per your espresso maker (see note). Let cool.
Combine all of the ingredients into a cocktail shaker with a small amount of ice and shake vigorously for about 45 to 60 seconds.
1 ounce strong espresso, chilled, 1 ounce Tanqueray or other dry gin
Pour into a martini or coupe glass and garnish with the coffee beans.
1 ounce Kahlua or other coffee liqueur, coffee beans, for garnish

Notes

I love the flavor of coffee, so I would use twice the amount of espresso powder per ounce or brew a strong cup of espresso.

The longer duration of shake is to get a foam like on your favorite espresso drink. In order to avoid diluting the drink too much, I would use only a small amount of ice in your shaker.