This Tequila Espresso Martini recipe has a strong coffee flavor with a unique twist of adding tequila. This recipe is so simple you will not need to be a master bartender to shake it up!
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This espresso martini version is a twist on the classic espresso martini which usually contains vodka or sometimes Baileys. I love espresso martinis and will switch between vodka espresso martinis and tequila espresso martinis, but I always opt to forgo the Baileys.
Coffee brings out the earthy flavors of tequila while also complimenting its flavor. It is true that vodka is a somewhat tasteless spirit which is overpowered by the coffee. When using tequila the coffee and coffee liqueur compliment the tequila without overpowering it.
This is a great way for coffee lovers and tequila lovers to enjoy a classic cocktail that was developed in the early 1980s by legendary Dick Bradsell. A fresh espresso shot is a non-negotiable for this twist on a classic.
🌟Why You'll Love this Recipe
- Simple Ingredients. This coffee cocktail is made with 3 simple ingredients and coffee beans for garnish.
- Simple to make. Even the most inexperienced home bartender can whip these tequila espresso martinis up! If you are a tequila drinker then you'll also love my 5-minute raspberry margaritas, spicy cucumber margaritas, or my Thanksgiving apple cider margaritas.
- Date night cocktail. This is a great cocktail to share on date night as it's 2 servings and a perfect nightcap.
🥘Ingredients
- Kahlua. Any coffee liqueur will do, my favorite is Kahlua.
- Espresso. Freshly brewed espresso.
- Tequila. I usually choose reposado tequila but it can be a dealer's choice. Blanco tequila is a great choice as well.
- Coffee beans. Coffee or espresso beans for a garnish. Remember to always garnish with 3 beans!
See the recipe card below for the remaining ingredients and quantities.
📖Substitutions & Variations
- Simple syrup. Coffee liqueur is the sugar content for this cocktail but if you need it to be sweeter use a homemade simple syrup or agave.
- Baileys. If you like a creamy espresso martini add an ounce of Baileys to the recipe.
- For vegans who would like to enjoy this delicious cocktail opt for another coffee liqueur like Tia Maria as Kahlua is not vegan.
- Caffeine free. Opt for a decaf espresso brew for the coffee flavor without the extra caffeine. One serving of Kahlua (1.5oz) contains 5mg of caffeine.
- For one. Cut the recipe in half if you're enjoying this cocktail alone.
🔪Instructions
Step 1: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and pour in 3 oz of tequila.
Step 2: Next, add in 2 oz coffee liqueur.
Step 3: Add in 3 oz of espresso. Shake, long and hard for 20 seconds until the tin is cold to the touch and the cocktail has frothed.
Step 4: Strain your tequila espresso martini into a chilled martini glass or coupe glass. Garnish with 3 espresso beans, serve and enjoy!
💭Recipe FAQs
You can make a French press espresso or espresso cold brew. Remember, the fresher the better.
My number 1 rule for buying the right tequila is always to buy tequila made from 100% blue agave plant. You can get silver tequila, reposado or anejo tequila for a great price all made with 100% agave. The darker the color the more aged and the more flavor depth.
The short answer is no, but you won't get the desired froth without espresso. You can have a yummy espresso martini with just coffee liqueur and tequila.
👩🏻🍳Bartending Tips
- Use fresh espresso. The fresher the better! Espresso has a natural froth to it, this is what gives an espresso martini its froth.
- Glassware. I'm a firm believer that a glass matters. Serving a delicious cocktail in a fancy glass makes it even better.
- Shake, shake, shake! An espresso martini needs long, vigorous shakes for about 20 seconds to get the desired froth.
🥗Serving
Serve these tequila espresso martinis right away so they'll stay chilled and foamy.
Serve this cocktail at your next holiday party or girls' night for a delightful surprise.
Espresso martinis are great to have with dessert like a tart cherry galette, a 10-minute berry crisp, or serve as the dessert itself.
More Cocktail Recipes to Enjoy
Did you make this recipe? Please leave a 5-star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating & comment below to let me know how it came out. Thanks for visiting!
🍳Recipe
Tequila Espresso Martini
Equipment
- Espresso Machine
- Martini Glasses
Ingredients
- 3 ounces tequila
- 3 ounces espresso
- 2 ounces Kahlua
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, add ice to the top and pour in 3 ounces of tequila.
- Pour 3 ounces of freshly brewed espresso into the shaker.
- Pour in the Kahlua. Cap the shaker and shake long and vigorously for 20 seconds.
- Use a cocktail strainer to strain the espresso martini into 2 chilled martini glasses.
- Garnish each martini with 3 espresso beans, serve and enjoy!
Video
Notes
- Use fresh espresso. The fresher the better! Espresso has a natural froth to it, this is what gives an espresso martini its froth.
- Glassware. I'm a firm believer that a glass matters. Serving a delicious cocktail in a fancy glass makes it even better.
- Shake, shake, shake! An espresso martini needs long, vigorous shakes for about 20 seconds to get the desired froth.
- Serve these tequila espresso martinis right away so they'll stay chilled and foamy.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutritional content will vary with brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes and more.
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