Vanilla Espresso Martini
Shake ∙ 3 min ∙ 18.6% ABV ∙
The Vanilla Espresso Martini is a vanilla-vodka twist on the Espresso Martini, shaken with espresso, coffee liqueur and vanilla syrup. Bittersweet and coffee-forward with a rounded vanilla sweetness under a silky foam cap; rich enough to close a dinner as a dessert nightcap.
Ingredients
1
Servings
Garnish
Instructions for 1 serving
- Pre-chill a glass
- Shake all ingredients with ice: Vanilla vodka 45 mlEspresso coffee 30 mlCrème de Café liqueur 20 mlVanilla syrup 5 mlSaline solution 1 dash
- Fine strain into the chilled glass
- Garnish with three coffee beans
Tips
- Shake hard with plenty of ice for a full 30–60 seconds — the vigorous shake is what builds the signature frothy crema on top.
- Brew the espresso fresh and hot, then let it cool slightly before shaking so it doesn't over-melt the ice.
- Go easy on the vanilla syrup; coffee liqueur already brings sweetness, and too much syrup buries the espresso.
- Chill the martini glass first so the drink stays cold long enough for the foam to hold.
History
The Vanilla Espresso Martini is a modern flavored variation on the Espresso Martini, the vodka-and-coffee cocktail created by bartender Dick Bradsell in 1980s London. No single creator or first date is documented for the vanilla version; it circulates as a sweeter, dessert-leaning take on the original, made either by using vanilla vodka or by adding vanilla syrup to the standard vodka, espresso, and coffee-liqueur build.
FAQ
How do you make a vanilla espresso martini?
Shake vanilla vodka, freshly brewed hot espresso, crème de café coffee liqueur, and a little vanilla syrup hard with ice, then strain up into a chilled martini glass. Finish with a few coffee beans on the foam. The hard shake is what creates the frothy top.
Is vanilla vodka good for an espresso martini?
Yes. Vanilla vodka is a common upgrade for an espresso martini, adding a rounded sweetness that plays well with coffee. This recipe builds on it, using vanilla vodka as the base spirit and a touch of vanilla syrup to reinforce the flavor.
Is a vanilla espresso martini shaken or stirred?
Shaken, always. Hard shaking with ice aerates the espresso and coffee liqueur to build the signature foamy cap, and it chills and dilutes the drink. Stirring cannot produce that froth, which is why every espresso martini is shaken.
Which liquor is best for an espresso martini?
Vodka is the classic base, and a vanilla-flavored vodka is the natural choice for a vanilla espresso martini. Pair it with a coffee liqueur such as crème de café or Kahlúa, which supplies both the coffee depth and part of the sweetness.
What glass is a vanilla espresso martini served in?
A martini glass, served straight up without ice. The stemmed bowl keeps the drink cold and shows off the pale foam and the coffee beans floating on top. A chilled glass helps the froth hold longer.
Can a diabetic have an espresso martini?
An espresso martini is a sweet cocktail, with sugar from the coffee liqueur and any added vanilla syrup, so it is high in sugar. Anyone managing diabetes should treat it as an occasional indulgence and consult their doctor about alcohol and sugar intake.
