Do you have an unquenchable desire for the alluring blend of coffee and alcohol, but find yourself wanting to enjoy this classic blend without the caffeine? Are you constantly searching for that perfect late-night cocktail that hits just the right spot but don’t want to stay up till dawn due to a jittery espresso shot?
I am thrilled to share an innovative Espresso Martini Without Espresso recipe tailored specifically for you, where the espresso isn’t necessary. We will capture the essence of your favorite cocktail while sidelining the actual coffee part.
Curious? Intrigued? A bit skeptical, maybe? Fret not! This article will guide you step by step, on how you can whip up a delectable, magical, and most importantly, caffeine-free Espresso Martini cocktail.
How to Make Espresso Martini Without Espresso
Making an Espresso Martini without actual espresso can be a delightful twist on the classic cocktail. This version uses coffee liqueur and a strong brewed coffee as a substitute for espresso. Here’s a detailed guide on how to make an Espresso Martini without espresso:
Ingredients:
For the cocktail:
- 2 oz (60ml) vodka
- 1 oz (30ml) coffee liqueur (such as Kahlúa)
- 1 oz (30ml) strong brewed coffee, chilled
- 1/2 oz (15ml) simple syrup (adjust to taste)
- Ice cubes
- Coffee beans or chocolate shavings for garnish (optional)
For the simple syrup:
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (240ml) water
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Simple Syrup:
- In a small saucepan, combine equal parts of granulated sugar and water.
- Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar completely dissolves.
- Once the sugar has dissolved, remove the saucepan from the heat and let the simple syrup cool to room temperature. You can store any excess syrup in a sealed container in the refrigerator for future use.
2. Brew Strong Coffee:
- Brew a strong cup of coffee using your preferred brewing method, such as a French press or espresso machine.
- Allow the coffee to cool down to room temperature, and then refrigerate it until it’s cold.
3. Prepare Your Glass:
- Chill a martini glass in the freezer for about 10 minutes or until it’s nice and cold.
4. Make the Cocktail:
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
- Pour 2 ounces of vodka into the shaker.
- Add 1 ounce of coffee liqueur.
- Pour 1 ounce of strong brewed coffee into the shaker.
- Add 1/2 ounce of simple syrup to the mix. Adjust the sweetness to your preference by adding more or less syrup.
- Secure the lid on the cocktail shaker and shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds to chill and mix the ingredients.
5. Strain and Serve:
- Remove the martini glass from the freezer.
- Strain the cocktail from the shaker into the chilled martini glass. Use a fine-mesh strainer to remove any ice shards or coffee grounds.
6. Garnish (Optional):
- Garnish your Espresso Martini without espresso with a few coffee beans or a sprinkle of chocolate shavings.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the cocktail immediately while it’s ice cold.
- Sip and enjoy your Espresso Martini without espresso!
Tips:
- Adjust the sweetness: The amount of simple syrup you add can vary depending on your taste. Start with the recommended amount and adjust it to make the cocktail as sweet or as dry as you like.
- Coffee strength: Use a strong coffee brew for a more pronounced coffee flavor in your martini.
- Garnish creativity: Get creative with your garnish. You can use coffee beans, a dusting of cocoa powder, or even a twist of orange or lemon peel for added aroma.
- Experiment with different coffee liqueurs: Try other brands of coffee liqueurs to find the one that suits your taste best.
What to serve with
Serving an Espresso Martini Without Espresso can be a delightful experience, and it pairs well with a variety of appetizers or snacks to complement the flavors of the cocktail. Here are some detailed suggestions on what to serve with your cocktail:
1. Small Bites and Appetizers:
- Savory Cheese Platter:Â Create a cheese platter with an assortment of cheeses like brie, cheddar, and gouda. Add some crackers, sliced baguette, and a few grapes or dried fruits for a well-balanced accompaniment.
- Bruschetta:Â Serve classic tomato bruschetta or experiment with different toppings like roasted red pepper or prosciutto-wrapped asparagus. The fresh flavors will contrast nicely with the rich cocktail.
- Stuffed Mushrooms:Â Prepare stuffed mushrooms with a savory filling like cream cheese, garlic, and herbs. They are a perfect bite-sized treat to enjoy with your martini.
- Smoked Salmon Crostini:Â Top small baguette slices with cream cheese or goat cheese and smoked salmon. Garnish with fresh dill and lemon zest for a touch of elegance.
- Olives and Nuts:Â A simple bowl of mixed olives and roasted nuts can be a satisfying and convenient choice to serve alongside your martini.
2. Desserts:
- Chocolate Truffles: Dark chocolate truffles or chocolate-covered espresso beans can enhance your cocktail’s coffee and chocolate notes.
- Tiramisu:Â If you want to stick with a coffee theme, tiramisu is an excellent choice. Its creamy texture and coffee-soaked ladyfingers pair wonderfully with the martini.
- Miniature Cheesecakes:Â Serve small, individual-sized cheesecakes with a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce. The creamy and slightly tangy cheesecake balances the sweetness of the cocktail.
- Coffee-Flavored Desserts:Â Opt for desserts with coffee flavors, like mocha cupcakes or coffee ice cream.
3. Light Appetizers:
- Caprese Skewers:Â Create skewers with cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves. Drizzle them with balsamic reduction for a burst of flavor.
- Hummus and Vegetables:Â A plate of fresh-cut vegetables like cucumber, bell peppers, and carrot sticks paired with hummus is a refreshing and healthy option.
- Spinach and Artichoke Dip:Â A warm and cheesy spinach and artichoke dip served with tortilla chips or toasted baguette slices can be a crowd-pleaser.
4. International Flavors:
- Sushi Rolls: If you’re feeling adventurous, sushi rolls with fresh fish or vegetarian fillings can uniquely contrast the cocktail.
- Tapas:Â Experiment with Spanish tapas like patatas bravas, chorizo, or garlic shrimp for a diverse and flavorful experience.
5. Charcuterie Board:
- Create a charcuterie board with various cured meats, pâtés, artisanal bread, and gourmet mustards. The salty and savory elements complement the martini’s profile.
6. Garnishes:
- Don’t forget to include some fresh garnishes like lemon twists, orange slices, or fresh herbs to add aromatic notes to your cocktail and palate cleansers between sips.
FAQ
What’s the difference between an Espresso Martini and an Espresso Martini Without Espresso?
The primary difference is that an Espresso Martini traditionally includes espresso as one of its main ingredients, while an Espresso Martini Without Espresso uses strong brewed coffee instead of espresso. The flavor profile may vary slightly, but both cocktails share a similar coffee-forward taste.
Can I use instant coffee instead of brewed coffee for this recipe?
Yes, you can use instant coffee as a substitute for brewed coffee in an Espresso Martini Without Espresso. Simply dissolve a teaspoon or two of instant coffee in a small amount of hot water to create a concentrated coffee solution, and use it in place of brewed coffee. Adjust the strength to your preference.
Can I make a non-alcoholic version of this cocktail?
You can create a non-alcoholic version of the Espresso Martini Without Espresso by substituting the vodka with a non-alcoholic spirit or alcohol-free coffee liqueur. You can also adjust the sweetness and strength of the coffee to suit your taste.
How do I adjust the sweetness of the cocktail to my liking?
You can adjust the sweetness of your Espresso Martini Without Espresso by varying the amount of simple syrup you add to the cocktail. Start with the recommended amount and taste the cocktail. If it’s too sweet, add less syrup; if it’s not sweet enough, add more. Remember that sweetness preferences vary, so it’s essential to tailor it to your taste.
What are some creative garnish options for this cocktail?
While coffee beans and chocolate shavings are classic garnishes, you can get creative with your Espresso Martini Without Espresso. Try garnishing with a cinnamon stick, a twist of orange or lemon peel for a citrusy aroma, or a dusting of cocoa powder. These additions can add visual appeal and aroma to your cocktail.
Final Thoughts
I hope you enjoy this Espresso Martini Without Espresso Recipe.
More Cocktail Recipes:
- WALK ME DOWN DRINK RECIPE
- TITO’S PUNCH RECIPE
- SALTED NUT ROLL SHOT RECIPE
- ORANGE TIC TAC SHOT RECIPE
- EASY PISTACHIO MARTINI RECIPE
- PISTACHIO SHOT RECIPE
- OLD OVERHOLT COCKTAIL RECIPE

Ingredients
- 2 oz (60ml) vodka
- 1 oz (30ml) coffee liqueur (such as Kahlúa)
- 1 oz (30ml) strong brewed coffee, chilled
- 1/2 oz (15ml) simple syrup (adjust to taste)
- Ice cubes
- Coffee beans or chocolate shavings for garnish (optional)
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (240ml) water
Instructions
1. Prepare the Simple Syrup:
- In a small saucepan, combine equal parts of granulated sugar and water.
- Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar completely dissolves.
- Once the sugar has dissolved, remove the saucepan from the heat and let the simple syrup cool to room temperature. You can store any excess syrup in a sealed container in the refrigerator for future use.
2. Brew Strong Coffee:
- Brew a strong cup of coffee using your preferred brewing method, such as a French press or espresso machine.
- Allow the coffee to cool down to room temperature, and then refrigerate it until it's cold.
3. Prepare Your Glass:
- Chill a martini glass in the freezer for about 10 minutes or until it's nice and cold.
4. Make the Cocktail:
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
- Pour 2 ounces of vodka into the shaker.
- Add 1 ounce of coffee liqueur.
- Pour 1 ounce of strong brewed coffee into the shaker.
- Add 1/2 ounce of simple syrup to the mix. Adjust the sweetness to your preference by adding more or less syrup.
- Secure the lid on the cocktail shaker and shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds to chill and mix the ingredients.
5. Strain and Serve:
- Remove the martini glass from the freezer.
- Strain the cocktail from the shaker into the chilled martini glass. Use a fine-mesh strainer to remove any ice shards or coffee grounds.
6. Garnish (Optional):
- Garnish your Espresso Martini without espresso with a few coffee beans or a sprinkle of chocolate shavings.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the cocktail immediately while it's ice cold.
- Sip and enjoy your Espresso Martini without espresso!