The Tequila Espresso Martini is such a delicious drink for both coffee lovers and tequila drinkers! Tequila brings a layer of flavor to this classic vodka drink that makes it even better, in my opinion. Plus, using agave nectar instead of simple syrup brings an added flavor note that goes perfectly with the tequila.
Like an LBD, Espresso Martinis are always in style! This tequila version mixes things up a bit, and adds some dimension to the classic vodka drink.
If you're a coffee cocktail lover, check out some of my other coffee recipes! The Gingerbread Espresso Martini is always a hit around the holiday season. Try out this creamy cinnamon coffee drink with Rumchata, or my Cold Brew Bourbon cocktail recipe for the whiskey drinkers.
About the Espresso Martini
The original Espresso Martini was created in the 1980s by bartender Dick Bradsell, and it's pretty much been a staple in cocktail bars ever since. These days, there are tons of variations on the original vodka drink, and this tequila version is such a good one to try.
The foam layer is a really fun part of an Espresso Martini, and it's the reason you need to use freshly brewed espresso! You can make this drink with cold brew concentrate, but you won't get the foamy layer. The oils in the fresh espresso emulsify and create the bubbles when you shake everything together.
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you'll need for this drink:
- Tequila - I used a blanco tequila, but reposado tequila would work really well in this drink too.
- Coffee liqueur - this brings the sweetness and amplifies the coffee flavor! I went with Kahlua, but Cantera Negra Cafe is a great tequila-based choice.
- Agave nectar - made from the same main ingredient as tequila, I find that this sweetener has a slightly warmer and sharper flavor than plain sugar syrup.
- Espresso - the star of the show! Ideally, you can freshly brew a shot of espresso, and then leave it to cool for at least 30 minutes before making the drink. (Otherwise, it will melt the ice too fast and water the drink down.)
- Coffee beans - the traditional garnish for an espresso martini is three coffee beans, symbolizing health, wealth and happiness.
Substitutions
Here are some ways you can substitute the ingredients in this cocktail:
- Tequila - try a reposado tequila instead of blanco if you want to switch things up. Or, if you're more of a fan of oak flavors, splurge on an añejo.
- Coffee liqueur - if you don't have this, just leave it out and add in a little more agave nectar.
- Agave nectar - you can use regular simple syrup instead, or maple syrup.
- Espresso - try using a cold brew concentrate if you don't have access to fresh espresso. It will still taste amazing, but without the foam layer on top.
Variations
Here are some variations on this recipe:
- Alcohol free version - you can try swapping in a non-alcoholic tequila substitute, like Lyre's Agave Blanco or Lyre's Agave Riserva. You can leave out the coffee liqueur and just use a bit extra of the agave nectar for this mocktail version.
- Decaf - go for a decaf espresso if you don't want the extra caffeine (I made it this way!). Since I used my Nespresso Vertuo for this, I just used one of the Altissio decaf espresso pods.
- More coffee flavor - just leave out the agave nectar and add some extra coffee liqueur.
Equipment
There are only a few standard bar tools you'll need to make this drink. Grab a jigger, a cocktail shaker and strainer, and a fine mesh strainer if you have it.
You'll also want to have either a martini glass or a coupe glass to serve the drink. Use a stemmed glass, since it's served up, without ice.
If you have some culinary tweezers, they come in really handy to place the coffee beans exactly where you want them! (Optional, of course!)
If you're looking for some new bar equipment, I highly recommend the products from A Bar Above! You can get 10% off using my discount code, LKDrinks. Their bar tools are really durable, and also can be thrown in the dishwasher for a quick cleanup.
Instructions
Start out by adding the coffee liqueur and the agave nectar to your cocktail shaker.
Add in your tequila and your cooled espresso.
Fill the shaker with ice, and give everything a good shake for about 30 seconds.
Strain the drink into your serving glass. If you have a fine mesh strainer, use both strainers at the same time. This will give you a really nice foam and ensure that no ice chunks get into the drink.
Then, garnish with your coffee beans, and serve!
Hint: If your espresso is still too hot, it will water down the drink too much when you add ice. Make sure you leave enough time for it to cool, or carefully stick it into the freezer for 8 to 10 minutes to chill down.
Top tip
If you're having trouble getting a nice foam layer, try doing a dry shake of the drink. After you shake it with ice, strain out the ice (strain the drink into a pint glass or the other half of your shaker if you're using a double sided shaker).
Then, shake everything again without ice for about a minute.
You can add a blender ball into the shaker during the dry shake for even more foam action!
📖 Recipe
Tequila Espresso Martini
Equipment
- Fine mesh strainer (optional)
- Cocktail serving glass (Martini glass) (or coupe glass)
- Culinary tweezers (optional - to add the coffee beans)
Ingredients
- 1½ ounce tequila (either blanco or reposado tequila)
- ¼ ounce coffee liqueur (see Notes)
- ¼ ounce agave nectar
- 1 ounce espresso (freshly brewed and cooled -- see Notes)
- 3 coffee beans (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Add the tequila, coffee liqueur, agave nectar and espresso to a cocktail shaker.
- Fill the shaker with ice and give everything a really hard shake for 30 seconds.
- Strain the drink into your serving glass. If you have a fine mesh strainer, use both strainers at the same time while pouring it into the glass.
- Garnish by floating three coffee beans on the top of the drink, and serve.
Notes
- Coffee Liqueur - I used Kahlua liqueur for this drink, which is sweeter than other coffee liqueurs. If you choose a different liqueur like Mr. Black, you may want to add a little extra to get the right sweetness.
- Espresso - freshly brewed espresso will allow you to get the best foam layer on top of the drink. You can substitute in some cold brew concentrate, which will taste great but you won't be able to achieve a thick foam layer.
Kimberly says
As both a coffee and a tequila lover, I love this drink! Let me know if you have questions about this recipe!