Espresso Martini Cocktail Recipe With Instant Coffee For An Easy Weekend Hack
For coffee lovers looking for a new cocktail adventure, the Espresso Martini has always been at the top of the list. The espresso martini cocktail originated in London during the 1980s and quickly stood out in the emerging cocktail culture of the decade because it fused two worlds that had rarely crossed before: the tradition of spirits-led cocktails and the modern, increasingly popular café culture.
The drink gained traction not only for its novelty but also because it represented a shift in consumer preferences at the time. Vodka was more preferred, and coffee was becoming a global lifestyle symbol, moving beyond its utilitarian use as a morning beverage into spaces like bars. By the late 1990s, the espresso martini cocktail had become a staple in many cocktail menus across Europe and beyond, particularly as an after-dinner option.
Also Read: Flavour Friends: 5 Spirit + Ingredient Duos That Make the Best Cocktail Companions
But if you don’t have the time or access to make a high-quality espresso at home, you can achieve the same effect with instant coffee for a quick and easy fix. Get to know how to make it!
Smirnoff Vodka Espresso Martini Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients (Serves 1)
- 30 ml Smirnoff vodka (or any other vodka of choice)
- 15 ml coffee liqueur
- 5 gms instant coffee powder dissolved in hot water
- 10 ml sugar syrup
- Ice cubes
- Coffee beans, for garnish
Method
- Pour vodka, coffee liqueur, instant coffee mix, and sugar syrup into a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Shake firmly for about 20 seconds until the mixture is chilled and develops a light foam.
- Strain into a chilled martini cocktail glass, ensuring a smooth top layer.
- Garnish with three coffee beans for a traditional finish.
5 Tips To Make An Espresso Martini Cocktail At Home
- Serve the cocktail in a pre-chilled martini cocktail glass. This keeps the drink chilled for longer, enhances presentation, and prevents dilution of flavour.
- Shake the mixture with ice for at least 15–20 seconds. The vigorous shake is what creates the frothy, velvety top layer that defines a well-made espresso martini cocktail.
- One can use various glassware to ensure the presentation is not monotonous; the aesthetics of the martini cocktail glass or coupe glass bring out different dimensions when served, matching the theme of the event.
- Adjust the sugar syrup depending on coffee strength and personal preference. A lighter hand highlights bitterness, while a touch more sweetness softens the edges.
- While three coffee beans are traditional, experimenting with subtle alternatives like a dusting of cocoa powder or finely grated nutmeg can add variety. These small changes alter aroma and presentation, offering a unique twist without straying from the cocktail’s classic character.
*Drink Responsibly. This communication is for audiences above the age of 25.
