Tequila Espresso Martini Recipe
Tequila espresso martini, Mexican espresso martini, 'El Jefe'... whatever you want to call it, there's no mistaking the bold flavor of this unique drink. It's a favorite among cocktail-lovers who seek to delicate from the norm, replacing the traditional hues of classic espresso martinis with notes of agave and a subtle bitterness that's hard to get enough of.
Making your own at home is a lot simpler than you might think, too. In this article, we'll walk through the basics of crafting a tequila espresso martini solo - read below for a rundown of our best recipe and tips!
What You Need for the Tequila Espresso Martini Recipe
Espresso Tequila Ingredients
Espresso tequila is a surprisingly simple beverage to make considering the complex flavor that comes with every sip. Most people already have the basics necessary to stir up their very own.
Here's a summary of what you'll need:
- 2 ounces of tequila
- 1 1/2 ounces of coffee liqueur
- 1/2 an ounce of simple syrup
- 2 ounces of chilled espresso
- Whole espresso beans (for garnish)
Of course, this is just the base. You can feel free to experiment by adding in whatever extra flavors you want along the way. There's also no rules when it comes to bottle labels - Baileys, Kahlua... whatever tickles your fancy!
Substitution Ingredients for Espresso Martini With Tequila
The great thing about our tequila espresso martini recipe is that it can be easily adapted in accordance with your specific needs and preferences. Martini is most commonly made with vodka after all, and there's no shortage of other substitutional ingredients to try out.
You could consider adding a splash of lime juice or some orange liqueur. You might even want to spice things up with a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg - it's all down to personal taste!
What is the Best Alcohol Ratio for the Mexican Espresso Martini?
Everyone has their own preference when it comes to Mexican espresso martini ratios. Classically, the go-to is 1:1 espresso and liquor. But there are no rules saying you have to do that. Fans of coffee might be inclined to put a greater portion of espresso in, while those looking for a more alcohol-potent drink could add more tequila to the mix.
What are the Standards for Tequila Espresso Martini?
For the purposes of this recipe, we're going to stick with the common standard of espresso tequila martini making. Spelled out, that looks like one-and-a-half US fluid ounces (44 mL) of tequila, one US fluid ounce (30 mL) of cold espresso coffee, and two-thirds a US fluid ounce (20 mL) of coffee liqueur. Follow this basic composition for a guaranteed great taste at the end.
How Much Coffee is in Tequila Espresso Martinis?
Not every espresso martini tequila recipe is the same with regards to coffee content - while many have a half-and-half composition, some have more espresso than tequila, and others vice versa. Feel free to adjust this yourself for a more powerful flavor.
The recipe we're discussing today contains roughly 40mg of caffeine, which is equivalent to the amount of caffeine found in a regular cup of coffee (74mg).
Can you use Coffee Instead of Espresso for Tequila Espresso Martini?
As if the concept of making an espresso martini with tequila wasn't wild enough, you can also use different kinds of coffee beans for this recipe. Although espresso is an aromatic staple, some people find that regular coffee and even cold brew do just as good of a job. In fact, the latter is almost like an upgrade to the traditional espresso martini.
What is the Best Tequila for an Espresso Martini?
Sorry to disappoint, but there is no single best tequila for espresso martini drinks for us to name. That title is shared among several classic bottle brands - namely Patron, Blanco Tequila, and Don Julio. Each of these tequilas offer a unique flavor that many bartenders and home cocktail makers alike prefer to use in their espresso martinis.
Tools You May Need
Making your own espresso martini recipe with tequila at home isn't inherently hard - but you will definitely need some basic bar tools to get started. This includes a cocktail shaker, cocktail strainer, measuring jigger, and of course, a martini glass. If you're interested in enhancing your drink with cold brew, we highly recommend having one of BROOD's machines on hand. Our powerful equipment is capable of pumping out five cups worth of cocktail coffee a minute.
How to Make an Espresso Martini With Tequila
Our recipe for crafting an espresso martini with tequila is simple enough. Just make sure you have the aforementioned equipment and ingredients ready before getting started. From there, getting that delicious drink you've been yearning for is only a matter of following these six steps:
1. Brew the Espresso
First thing's first - get some espresso brewed. It shouldn't take more than a couple of minutes with a regular coffee machine. No patience? BROOD's cold brew machine can get the job done even faster and you won't have to cool your espresso in the refrigerator afterwards.
2. Prepare the Cocktail Shaker
Fill your cocktail shaker with ice, which will help chill it before adding all of the ingredients. That's going to be key for achieving that perfect flavor and texture.
3. Add Ingredients to Shaker
Now it's time to pour in the espresso, tequila, and simple syrup. Give all these ingredients a good stir with a bar spoon before tasting for sweetness.
4. Shake Well
Once you have your desired level of sweetness, put the lid on the shaker and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds. If you have a BROOD machine, now's the time to infuse your drink with nitrogen for an extra smooth consistency.
5. Strain and Serve
Strain the drink into a martini glass, coupe, or rocks glass filled with ice and garnish with an orange peel for extra flavor.
6. Enjoy!
Go ahead and kick back with your delicious cocktail!"
Can I Make it Non-Alcoholic?
As indicated by the words 'espresso martini recipe tequila', this recipe does indeed contain alcohol. It's a very important part of achieving the final flavor. But with that being said, there are some ways to make your espresso martini non-alcoholic. Try swapping out the tequila for a non-alcoholic alternative such as schnapps or an espresso liqueur. You can also use cold brew coffee instead of espresso shots which will still produce a delicious martini. Still looking for the kick of tequila without alcohol? A dash of cayenne pepper may be all that's necessary to replicate it.
Espresso vs Without Espresso
What if you want to make your espresso martini with tequila, but not espresso? There are workarounds for that too. Although the classic iteration of this drink inherently includes pungent espresso, it can be substituted with other forms of coffee like cold-brew or instant coffee. Just keep in mind that going this route will change the drink's overall flavor profile, potentially requiring adjustments in the way of alcohol and syrup content. On that note, you can also take out the espresso entirely and replace it with an infused syrup (like coffee syrup) for a similar flavor to the traditional version.
Hot vs Cold Tequila Espresso Martini
In most cases, the tequila espresso martini is served cold over ice. But there's nothing saying you can't change that. In fact, there is a small but prominent demographic of people who prefer their cocktails hot. The ingredients involved and overall mixing process is the same, except for the cooling down of the drink with ice. You won't need to refrigerate anything beforehand, either, as the espresso will need to be warm when combined with the other ingredients. Hot espresso martinis boast a unique flavor similar to iced versions, only slightly softer and more mellow.
Are Tequila Espresso Martinis Sweet?
The simplest answer to this question is that espresso tequila is as sweet as you want it to be. Generically, a recipe will include a portion of syrup to counteract the bitterness of the coffee. But you'd need to add a lot to make that sweetness overwhelming. Instead, most people would describe the flavor of an espresso tequila martini as earthy with notes of agave. The finish is characteristically long and dry, and of course, bold and boozy. You can always add more syrup or reduce the ratio of espresso to tequila should that pungency be too much.
Infuse Nitro in Your Tequila Espresso Martini Recipe
Mixing an espresso martini with tequila is one thing, but mixing a nitrogen-infused espresso martini? That's a whole new level of awesome. BROOD makes it easy with a comprehensive line of professional-grade cold brew machines.
Honing the latest nitro technology, our systems are designed to create perfectly smooth nitrogen-infused espresso martinis in minutes. All you need to do is add your own coffee concentrate, and watch as the BROOD machine creates a luxuriously creamy head of foam that will add a unique texture and flavor to any espresso martini.
With a sleek design, precise temperature control, and intuitive interface, BROOD's machines are the perfect addition to any bar or restaurant looking to take their cocktail creations up a notch.
Elevate your cocktail game by exploring these 21 irresistible espresso cocktails.
DRNX
Crafting a delicious tequila espresso martini at home has never been easier than it is with BROOD's DRNX. This high-capacity espresso martini machine has a nitro tap system that can infuse your beverage with the perfect amount of gaseous nitrogen to give your drink that frothy, velvety texture and taste.
DRNX is a great investment for any aspiring mixologist, with robust construction that ensures it will last for years of delicious drinks. It's also tankless, meaning you'll never have to worry about dealing with bulky add-ons and tubes again.
DRNX DUO
Subject to high-volume tequila espresso martini demand? Try BROOD's DRNX DUO. Embodying the same look and feel as our first machine, this system kicks capacity up a notch with two nitrogen taps instead of one. Cut your service time in half while seamlessly switching between nitro and still output at the turn of a dial. DRNX DUO has the ability to serve up to five perfectly poured drinks in less than a minute - can your existing bar match that?
DRNX BRW
Now for DRNX BRW - a nitro cold brew coffee maker to rule them all. We built this machine with small businesses and busy bars in mind. Capable of brewing coffee, dispensing still beverages, and infusing nitrogen, it's an all-in-one game-changer. Whether you've got a simple tequila espresso martini on the menu or an entire table of coffee enthusiasts to serve, this system will enable you to get it done with ease. As a tankless unit, DRNX BRW is a great option for crowded bars looking to save some counter space.
Pro Tips to Make the Best Espresso Martini With Tequila
The ingredients we've discussed aren't the only things that go into making a great tequila espresso martini. Beyond high-quality espresso, alcohol, syrup, and ideally a BROOD cold brew machine, you'll need to follow some best practices throughout the crafting process for that final cocktail to live up to expectations. This includes pre-chilling your glassware in the fridge, trying out different garnishes to find what works best for you and guests, perfecting your shaking technique (try counting down from 10 for consistent results), and experimenting with sweetness levels.
When it comes to the latter point, we'd suggest starting with one part espresso and less than one part syrup for a bittersweet twist. You can always add more if desired, but remember that tequila is itself quite sweet so be sure to taste test as you go. It's ultimately up to personal preference.
After you've nailed the perfect combination for your tequila espresso martini, don't forget the presentation. Coupe glasses have a wide surface area, allowing the drink's aromas to be released and appreciated as soon as you serve it up!
Bonus Hack: Make Perfect Espresso Martini Tequila Everytime
Even after the comprehensive walk-through we just did, there's still a chance that you're not completely confident in your ability to make a perfect espresso martini tequila cocktail from scratch. If so, don't worry! BROOD's espresso martini premix is a fast and just-as-delicious way to enjoy the rich taste of this drink at home. Just add your own tequila to the premix, garnish, and serve. Our cold brew machines can also be used to speed things up should you not have the time or energy to brew and cool coffee the conventional way. BROOD makes everything simpler.
Wrapping Up
Mastering the art of making an espresso martini with tequila isn't as hard as people make it out to be. It's simply a matter of having the right ingredients, approach, and tools. Doing things the professional way is key to success. Our nitro cold brew machines are a great option for those who want access to the luxury of a nitrogen-infused cocktail at home. They're capable of making even the best espresso martini recipe better. So why not do some exploring through BROOD's universe of bar equipment and helpful resources today? You'll be glad you did.