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!
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 complementing its flavor. It is true that vodka is a somewhat tasteless spirit that is overpowered by the coffee. When using tequila, the coffee and coffee liqueur complement 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.
This recipe is sponsored by Quintaliza Reposado Tequila. This tequila is full of coffee notes, making it ideal for an espresso martini or any espresso cocktail.
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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 or 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 following Italian pasta sauce and meatballs.
- A Unique Twist. Quintaliza Reposado is unlike any reposado you've tried. It combines smooth organic agave with hints of rich coffee, making it an ideal match for tequila espresso martinis. To learn more, check out Quintaliza's website.
Ingredients
- Kahlua. Any coffee liqueur will do, my favorite is Kahlua.
- Espresso. Freshly brewed espresso.
- Tequila. I highly recommend using Quintaliza Reposado Tequila. Quintaliza is uniquely aged in cold brew coffee barrels, adding subtle notes of coffee to the tequila, which makes it far and away the best tequila for an espresso martini. Plus, it's 100% organic and additive-free. If you want to try it for yourself, you can order Quintaliza tequila online and check local availability while you're at it. You don't have to use Quintaliza to make this recipe, but make sure you use a high-quality reposado or blanco.
- 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. Serving this at your next party? Pair it with my buffalo chicken dip or air fryer potatoes for the ultimate happy hour spread.
More Cocktail Recipes to Enjoy
Did you make this recipe? Leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating and a comment below-I'd love to hear how it turned out! THANK YOU!
Recipe
Tequila Espresso Martini
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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!
Sarah's 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.
- Serve these tequila espresso martinis right away so they'll stay chilled and foamy.
KITCHEN TOOLS NEEDED
- Espresso Machine
Linda says
Yes, I have made this a couple times for my girlfriend‘s birthday and to just try it to see if we liked it. It’s delicious. And so easy.
Carol O'B says
Soo yummy! Super easy to make.
Trish says
These were amazing! Thanks Sarah. 🍸