The martini is a staple of the cocktail world. There are plenty of variations out there, but this super quick and easy chocolate espresso martini recipe might very well be become your new favorite to make at home.
No expensive espresso machine needed here! This recipe uses high-quality instant coffee. Add some chocolate syrup and liqueur, vodka, Kahlua and voila, you’ve got yourself a fabulous cocktail.
Keep on reading to learn how easy it is and why it’s guaranteed to be delicious.
What Is A Chocolate Espresso Martini?
A chocolate espresso martini is kind of like a grandchild the classic vodka martini. The original martini gave way to the espresso version which in turn gave way to the chocolate espresso variation.
Vodka Martini
A vodka martini is a cocktail made with vodka and vermouth. It’s usually garnished with an olive or a lemon twist.
Espresso Martini
The espresso martini is a fun variation of the classic vodka martini cocktail. The espresso version typically includes vodka (no vermouth) and adds espresso and coffee liqueur (typically Kahlua or sometimes Bailey’s).
Chocolate Espresso Martini
A chocolate espresso martini adds you guessed it, chocolate, to the mix.
Why Make This Particular Chocolate Espresso Martini?
Our recipe elevates the espresso martini even more. Say hello to the INSTANT chocolate espresso martini!
What makes this coffee cocktail recipe different from others out there is that it doesn’t require an espresso machine to make at home.
A good quality dark roast instant coffee makes it quick to make. And some chocolate syrup gives it a sweet and rich finish.
Chocolate Espresso Martini Ingredients
For this recipe you will need the following ingredients:
- Instant coffee, strongly brewed to make espresso coffee
- Vodka, regular or vanilla flavored
- Kahlua or other coffee flavored liqueur
- Chocolate liqueur
- Chocolate syrup
- Coffee beans, for garnish
You’ll also need a cocktail shaker, a strainer and 2 martini glasses.
How To Make A Chocolate Espresso Martini
Step 1: Prep Martini Glasses
If you want to make your drink extra fancy, you can make a coffee bean or chocolate rim. It gives your drink an extra sweet little crunch. Plus it’s easy to do and well, it’s just fun, so why not give it a try!
How To Make A Coffee Bean Rim
You’ll need: coffee beans, sugar, water and a cocktail glass
- Grind up a handful of coffee beans until they are super fine.
- Add an equal amount of sugar to the coffee.
- Put the coffee-sugar mixture on a plate and make a thin layer.
- Wet the rim of your glass with water.
- Dip the outside edge of the glass in the coffee-sugar mixture.
- Carefully pour your espresso martinis into your glasses.
How To Make A Chocolate Glass Rim
You’ll need: chocolate syrup, cocoa powder and a cocktail glass
- Add chocolate syrup to a plate.
- Pour a thin layer of cocoa powder on another plate.
- Dip the rim of the martini glass in the chocolate syrup, then into the cocoa powder.
- If desired, you can also drizzle chocolate syrup down the insides of the martini glass.
- Carefully pour your espresso martinis into your glasses.
Step 2: Make Espresso Coffee
Prepare the instant coffee. It should be freshly brewed and strong enough to make espresso coffee. Allow it to cool completely.
Step 3: Add Ingredients and Shake
Fill the shaker with ice. Then add the cooled coffee, vodka, Kahlua, chocolate liqueur and chocolate syrup. Shake vigorously for at least 20 seconds and until the outside of the cocktail shaker feels icy cold.
Step 4: Strain Into Glasses
Strain the cocktail into the chilled glasses.
Step 5: Garnish
Garnish each cocktail with three coffee beans and serve immediately.
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Tips To Make The Best Chocolate Espresso Martini
- For the chocolate syrup, we suggest a high quality syrup like Ghirardelli dark chocolate.
- If you like things boozy, then feel free to increase the amount of alcohol or play with the ratios of any of the ingredients.
- Cool the freshly brewed espresso completely or you’ll end up with melted ice and a watered down cocktail.
- If you’re in a hurry, you can quickly cool your coffee by putting in the freezer for a bit.
- Give your cocktail a really good shake to create the pretty foam that sits on top of the espresso. Pour it from the shaker to the serving glass quickly, but carefully.
What Makes An Espresso Martini Frothy?
Traditionally, using a fancy espresso machine helps create the foam on top of your drink.
We’re not using a machine for this recipe, but there are still a few ways to achieve a nice foam.
Egg Whites
You can add an egg white to your cocktail shaker. The egg won’t change the taste of the drink. It will just help give it a frothy top.
Cocktail Foam
There are products available that you can buy to help create foam for your cocktails. Most you add to your cocktail before shaking.
Make Your Own
There are quite a few ways to make your own foam.
What Do The 3 Coffee Beans On Top Of Espresso Martinis Mean?
You’ll often find an espresso garnished with three beans on top. Believe it or not, those beans are steeped in tradition. It’s a widely known symbol in some European cultures, especially Italy.
The three beans represent a wish for health, wealth and happiness in life. So it’s a great little tradition you can do too at home with friends and family.
What is Kahlua?
Kahlua is a coffee-flavored liqueur. It’s made with 100% Arabica coffee beans and rum.
It’s the main ingredient in many popular cocktails like White Russians, Black Russians, Mudslides and of course, the Espresso Martini.
Substitutes For Kahlua Coffee Liqueur In An Espresso Martini
There are a few substitutes you can use for Kahlua in this cocktail. They include:
- Tia Maria – a popular coffee liqueur
- Sheridan’s – another coffee liqueur option
- Crème de cacao – this is a chocolate liqueur option that’s easy to find
- Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur – a high quality liqueur with a sweet white chocolate taste
- Amaretto Di Saronno – another good substitute for Kahlua if you don’t mind using an almond
- Bailey’s Irish Cream – this will add a nice creamy flavor to your drink
What To Serve With An Espresso Martini
A chocolate espresso martini is great on its own. But it also pairs really well with food.
Anything that usually tastes great with chocolate with be pretty good with your cocktail too. Here are a few ideas of snacks to munch on with your martini.
- Salty: Pretzels, potato chips, peanuts and almonds
- Fruit: Raspberries, grapes, strawberries, bananas and oranges
- Sweets: Shortbread, truffles, cakes and brownies
- Cheese: Goat, Parmesan, Chèvre, and blue cheeses
With the recipe, ideas, tips, and tricks in this article, you are well on your way to making the best Chocolate Espresso Martini you’ve ever had. Enjoy!
More Coffee Cocktail Recipes
– Homemade Coffee Eggnog (with or without rum)
– Mexican Hot Chocolate Coffee Cocktail
– Warm & Spicy Gingerbread Coffee Cocktail
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Easy Chocolate Espresso Martini
This easy chocolate espresso martini recipe with Kahlua and chocolate syrup will be your new favorite cocktail.
Ingredients
- 1.5 ounces instant coffee, strongly brewed to make espresso coffee
- 1.5 ounces vodka, regular or vanilla flavored
- 1 ounce kahlua or other coffee flavored liqueur
- 1 ounce chocolate liqueur
- 1 tablespoon chocolate syrup, plus extra for garnish if desired
- Coffee beans, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the instant coffee. It should be freshly brewed and strong enough to make espresso coffee. Allow it to cool completely.
- Fill the shaker with ice. Then add the cooled coffee, vodka, Kahlua, chocolate liqueur and chocolate syrup. Shake vigorously for at least 20 seconds and until the outside of the cocktail shaker feels icy cold.
- Strain the cocktail into the chilled glasses.
- Garnish each cocktail with three coffee beans and serve immediately.
Notes
If you want to make your drink extra fancy, you can make a coffee bean or chocolate rim.
Micky Reed, a two-decade veteran in the food and baking industry, leverages her influential Three Snackateers food blog and Instagram presence to collaborate with industry giants like Ben & Jerry's and Crumbl Cookies. Her work has been featured on Delish, PopSugar and more. Her expertise as a product curator for one of the world's largest international snack subscription box companies solidifies her status as a key player in the field.