21 Best Espresso Cocktails

Espresso cocktails are a true drinker's drink. Embodying two sophisticated pallets, there's no mistaking this characteristic class of beverage for anything else. It's an especially hot - sometimes literally - item at bars for the broad number of options out there to try. In an effort to help you get acquainted with them all, we've written this article. It will run through 21 of the absolute Best Espresso Cocktails we've ever tasted and list out some tips and best practices to follow when making them.

21 Espresso Cocktails to Impress Your Guests

1. Classic Espresso Martini

We might as well start off with one of, if not the most recognizable espresso alcohol drink there is - the classic espresso martini. This beverage has a dual rich history and taste that has made it a favorite of both coffee and cocktail enthusiasts. The composition is simple enough as well; a basic espresso martini recipe calls for vodka, coffee liqueur, espresso and simple syrup. How those ingredients are balanced is up to you, although most people go with 1.5 oz vodka/1 oz espresso/0.66 oz coffee liqueur.

2. Mocha Negroni

The next of our espresso cocktail recipes is a bit hard to describe. It has what some might consider a unique personality; adding espresso to the classic Negroni's gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth creates a final product that's sweet, bitter, and extremely spicy at the same time. Coffee lovers will appreciate the complexity of this cocktail. Most bartenders use a 1:1:1 oz ratio with an added half-ounce of espresso when making a Mocha Negroni, but again, there are no specific ground rules to follow. Only your personal taste!

3. Coffee Old Fashioned

Maybe you're new to the world of espresso alcohol and want to start out with something basic. Coffee Old Fashioned is a perfect choice to go with for its simple ingredients list and classy taste profile. Start with 2 oz of bourbon, 1/2 oz of cold-brew coffee, and 1/2 oz of simple syrup. Use a specialized cocktail muddler to break down and release the natural flavors of your ingredients. Coffee bitters are often used as an optional finishing touch, although you're completely free to experiment with any kind of add-ins

4. Espresso White Russian

Allow us to introduce a new take on the lively White Russian you know and love. This infused version blends its classic vodka and coffee liqueur with rich elements of coffee and cream for a taste that's out of this world. The standard recipe calls for 1 oz vodka, 1 oz coffee liqueur, 1 oz espresso, and 1/2 oz heavy cream mixed as usual. You can have fun layering the thicker and thinner elements or take inspiration from another espresso cocktail recipe to blend ingredients together.

5. Caffè Corretto

On the culturally rich side of espresso liqueur drinks, we have the Caffè Corretto. It pays homage to the Italian tradition of adding a shot of espresso to a shot of grappa or brandy for a late-night pick-me-up.But you're not limited to grappa or brandy - whiskey can also be supplemented into most recipes to create an interesting depth and complexity in flavor that’s surprisingly pleasant. This is a great drink choice to consider if you feel brave enough to explore the unique flavor combinations that alcohol can offer.

6. Dirty Chai Espresso Martini

A chai espresso with alcohol may not have been what you came here looking for, but after reading this recipe, it might just be what you end up having. This unique twist on a classic drink combines strong espresso, the warmth of chai spices, and a blend of coffee liqueur and vodka to create a delicious cup of steaming hot goodness. It's easy to make and the ingredients are fairly accessible; just be sure to infuse everything properly so you get the best flavor.

7. Irish Coffee Martini

Perhaps one of the most underrated espresso cocktail recipes of all time, the Irish Coffee Martini is something you won't want to skip over. It calls for relatively basic ingredients - Irish whiskey, coffee liqueur, espresso - plus cream garnish. You can feel free to mix and ratio them however you want, although most bartenders stay within the 1:1:1 range for espresso, whiskey, and coffee liqueur. Adding more whiskey to the mix makes for a stronger drink, while adding more of the liqueur can give it some added sweetness.

8. Caramel Macchiato Martini

We now take you to a world where Starbucks has ventured into the business of espresso mixed drinks - which considering its branded coffee liqueurs, isn’t far off. This Caramel Macchiato Martini borrows tastes from one of the beloved coffee chain's most classic cups while mixing in the vodka and coffee liqueur we all need after a long day. Give 1 oz of vanilla vodka, 1 1/2 oz coffee liqueur, and 2 oz caramel liqueur a good shake with ice. Caramel topping is great for both drizzling and rimming glasses.

9. Spiked Vanilla Latte

Is caramel not your thing? A Spiked Vanilla Latte might just be the perfect alternative. Although it's among the lesser talked about espresso drinks, alcohol lovers often give this recipe a five out of five. The best part is that the ingredients are very flexible - you could go for a half-and-half vanilla rum to espresso composition or adjust sweetness and bitterness like you would your regular morning brew. Don't forget to add in granulated sugar or vanilla extract along the way for maximum flavor.

10. Hazelnut Espresso Martini

Aromatics take center stage in this next one of our espresso cocktail recipes. The Hazelnut Espresso Martini embodies a unique and rich flavor with hints of nuttiness and sweetness. Making it is also quite straightforward; combine equal parts of vodka, hazelnut liqueur, espresso, and simple syrup. Cream and chocolate are optional add-ins, although you may find that the nutty sweetness of this drink is enough on its own. Shake all the ingredients and pour them into a martini glass, garnish with desired accompaniments, then sit back, sip, and smile.

11. Coconut Espresso Martini

Who says alcoholic espresso drinks can't be tropical? We consider coconut an excellent ingredient in cocktails, and there's no better example of that than the Coconut Espresso Martini. Consisting of 2 shots of espresso, 1 1/2 ounces of vodka, 1 ounce of coffee liqueur, and 1 1/2 ounces of unsweetened coconut milk, this recipe will take your taste buds on an intense trip to the islands. Its refreshing and exotic flavor is a standout among the other drinks we're sharing today and can be made even better with garnish.

12. Mexican Espresso Martini

Mexican cuisine lovers rejoice - this is your chance to experience its full flavor and character in a glass. Fusing tequila and coffee liqueur with pungent espresso and chili syrup, the Mexican Espresso Martini simply can't be compared with run-of-the-mill espresso alcoholic drinks. It conceptualizes a spicy twist to the classic tequila espresso martini cocktail that is always a hit amongst friends and family. Mix unflavored vodka, coffee liqueur, chili syrup, espresso, and lime juice - plus chili salt for the glass rim - to create your very own.

13. Espresso Tonic

Here's a fun alcoholic drink with espresso that most people haven't heard of before - the Espresso Tonic! It's an easy-to-make recipe that combines the bitterness of espresso with the refreshing qualities of tonic water, making for a unique and tasty cocktail. You'll need espresso, tonic water, and some sort of citrus twist like lime or lemon to make it. This serves best in a highball glass over ice, but you can also opt to serve it on the rocks in an old-fashioned glass.

14. Black Forest Espresso Martini

Let's venture into the dark side of alcohol with the Black Forest Espresso Martini. Kind of like the cake, this cocktail is rich in both flavor and character - the perfect choice if you can't decide between drinks and dessert. Like any other espresso drink alcohol leads the way in this recipe, which calls for vodka, cherry liqueur, and coffee liqueur. Espresso is then mixed in with the trio of ingredients to embolden their taste. Shake and top with your choice of garnish and a maraschino cherry.

15. Salted Caramel Affogato

The people who say you should eat an affogato rather than drink it are the kind of people you should stay away from in life. They obviously haven't tried any espresso alcohol drinks, especially not this particular recipe. You don't need much to make it - vodka, coffee liqueur, caramel syrup, and espresso act as the foundation of this easy-to-make adult beverage, while caramel drizzle tops it off. We recommend playing with proportions to strike a balance between the sweet and bitter flavors on the ingredient list.

16. Espresso Mint Julep

This is one of those espresso cocktail recipes that you'll want to gate-keep until the day you die. The Espresso Mint Julep blends a combination of bold espresso, bourbon, refreshing mint, and a hint of sweetness in one cup for unmistakably rich flavor. Like a regular Julep, making one starts with muddling and shaking the ingredients to a good consistency. Then, it's a matter of pouring and garnishing as you see fit. Mint leaves are an arguable must, but you may also consider chocolate or even a sprinkle of nutmeg.

17. Maple Bourbon Coffee

Our next espresso alcohol drink recipe will take you all the way up north to Canada - a place where Maple Bourbon Coffee is equal to the average cup of Joe. Bourbon, maple syrup, coffee liqueur, espresso and heavy cream come together to make this creamy, sweet-yet-tart coffee cocktail. It's a great selection for autumn as the flavors are reminiscent of falling leaves and a crisp, cool breeze. You might even go as far as using one to garnish the drink!

18. Toasted Almond Espresso Martini

Warm, roasted nuts, deep woody aroma, and a hint of sweetness - the epitome of taste for cocktails with espresso. This toasted almond version is super flavorful and simple. Use a basic ratio of 2 parts vodka, 1 part amaretto, 1/2 part coffee liqueur (Kahlua or Tia Maria work best), and 1 part espresso for a classic martini base. Everything should be thoroughly shaken so as to ensure all the ingredients are blended properly. Crushed almonds make for an awesome garnish to top things off with.

19. Espresso Martini Float

Most of the alcoholic drinks with espresso you'll see offered at bars today take themselves way too seriously. Sure, a rich flavor profile with vodka, coffee liqueur, and espresso is tasty, but why not add something fun like vanilla ice cream to the party? That's exactly what this recipe does. Mix the base ingredients together well, then layer it like you would a classic float with the ice cream as the topping. We love to sprinkle our favorite espresso bean blend over everything for an additional kick and visual appeal.

20. Gingerbread Latte Martini

Seasonal espresso cocktail recipes don't get much more creative than this. The Gingerbread Latte Martini is a festive twist on the classic espresso martini, mixing the tastefulness of vodka, coffee liqueur, espresso, and gingerbread syrup in one glass. The key to this delicious drink is getting the balance of ingredients just right. You don't want to go overboard with the gingerbread but definitely want to make sure you can taste it. We recommend topping with gingerbread cookie crumbs if you're looking for that extra special touch.

21. Creamy Espresso Martini

The last of our espresso alcohol drink recipes, the Creamy Espresso Martini shouldn't be overlooked for its exceptionally velvety texture and smile-inducing taste. You won't need any fancy skills to mix a basic one - just blend vodka, coffee liqueur, espresso, cream, and simple syrup like you would any other martini. A sprinkle of cinnamon or cocoa powder can go a long way in enhancing the final taste. We suggest using a creamy espresso martini machine from BROOD for a consistently smooth result.

Infuse Nitro in Your Espresso Cocktails

The many espresso alcohol drink varieties we just went over are pretty flavorful as-is. But what's to say they can't be even better? Nitro technology has made it possible to enhance virtually any beverage with creamy, foamy bubbles. Espresso-based drinks are no exception - they're actually one of the most popular markets we cater to here at BROOD.Our line of tankless nitro-infusion machines has been crafted with the busy barista in mind. Not only do they pour a perfect, creamy "head" on an espresso drink every time, but our machines are also super easy to set up and operate. From classic nitrogenated cappuccinos and macchiatos to unique offerings like cold brew lattes iced with nitrogen, the power is in your hands with BROOD.

DRNX

An espresso martini machine with the power to infuse any drink - not only espresso cocktails, but tea, coffee, and more - with nitrogen, DRNX is a must-have for any bar or die-hard coffee lover.Our innovative system was designed to make each pour a luxurious one-of-a-kind experience. It’s easy to use and can be controlled with a simple interface, giving you full customization over the nitrogen content, flavor profile, and even the temperature of your beverage.

DRNX DUO

The second of our offerings, DRNX DUO effectively doubles the possibilities of the espresso cocktails you can create with DRNX. It consists of two taps capable of simultaneously pouring five beverages per minute, making it the perfect choice for busy bars with high demand. But DRNX DUO doesn't just perform well - it will also look great on your countertop. We've purposely created this machine to be both functional and aesthetically pleasing, with a sleek, modern design that will add a touch of sophistication to any environment.

DRNX BRW

Lastly, we have a nitro cold brew coffee maker to end all nitro cold brew coffee makers. DRNX BRW crowns our series of machines with a set of features and capabilities like no other. The internal reservoir chills contents within minutes, and allows you to pour your perfect nitro espresso cocktails in a fraction of the time. It's also a completely self contained unit, meaning you don't need to bring extra parts or engineering skills to get things up and running.

Pro Tips for Crafting Perfect Espresso Cocktail Recipes

While the 21 recipes we've introduced you to today have the potential to be great, the truth is that their tastefulness is never guaranteed. Making the best espresso cocktails of any kind means following some tried and true best practices like these:Pre Chill GlasswareStick your intended glassware in the fridge for about 20-30 minutes before filling it with any ingredients. This will help reduce dilution caused by an ice cold drink that melts too quickly.Try Different GarnishesGarnishes can add flavor, texture and visual appeal to any cocktail. Experiment with different herbs, fruits and spices for some unique flavors!Master Your Shaking TechniqueThe beauty of a well-executed espresso martini lies in the combination of textures you get from the creamy cold foam sitting atop of a silky-smooth liquid. Proper shaking technique is key to achieving this effect!Adjust Pressure for Nitrogen InfusionIf you're using nitrogen gas as an ingredient, it's important to adjust the pressure of your infusion for optimal results. Higher pressure creates smaller bubbles and a creamier texture.

Use Premixes to Make Perfect Espresso Cocktails in Minutes

Don't have the time, interest, or energy to make espresso cocktails from scratch? BROOD has you covered with our simple espresso martini premix. The perfect addition to any DRNX machine, this formula consists of all the basic non-alcoholic ingredients needed to make a classic espresso martini.Simply add liquor to the mix, pour over ice, and enjoy! BROOD’s espresso martini premix offers convenience without sacrificing taste or quality. It's also a great way to guarantee a perfect glass every single time.Whether you prefer vodka or gin, our espresso martini premix will take your classic cocktail to the next level!

Wrapping Up

We’ve hit the bottom. But that doesn’t mean your venture into espresso cocktails has to end here! The 21 recipes in this article serve as a starting point for further exploration - try experimenting with different syrups, liqueurs, and bitters to make unique creations of your own. Whether it's a classic espresso martini or something more creative, there are endless possibilities for crafting the perfect espresso-based cocktail. So why not take a chance and be your own mixologist?