The Best (and Easiest) Espresso Martini Recipe To Make When It’s Too Hot to Think

Just because it’s hotter than hot outside doesn’t mean we have to forgo our coffee obsessions: So shake up your summer sipping game with an Espresso Martini. This ridiculously easy recipe gives the classic drink a caffeinated twist by blending the allure of coffee with the timeless appeal of a martini.

Made with frozen coffee cubes blended up with a shot of espresso, some Kahlua liqueur, vodka, and a splash of simple syrup, this cocktail is the perfect treat for a hot day (or a not-hot day, no judgment). To add an extra fancy feel, dip the rims of your glasses in simple syrup (or even maple syrup) and then in a mixture of espresso powder and granulated sugar. 

Now, I think maple pairs perfectly with coffee, and you may feel the same way: If so, you can absolutely use maple syrup in place of the simple syrup in this blended martini. I like the flavor better, and it beats taking the extra step of making simple syrup. Plus, once the dog days of summer arrive, I know so many of us are already looking forward to fall days and fall flavors. Adding maple flavor to this frozen cocktail hits the spot while I’m anxiously awaiting the arrival of apple and pumpkin season!

Making this drink can turn an everyday moment extraordinary. So get ready to shake, pour, and savor your way to a cooler kind of cocktail hour. Happy sipping, and stay cool, friends!

Espresso Martini Recipe

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Freezer Time: 6 hours

Yield: 4 drinks

Ingredients:

• 1 cup strongly brewed coffee
• 5 to 6 ounces of vodka
• 5 to 6 ounces of Kahlua
• 4 ounces Espresso, freshly brewed
• 1 and ½ ounces of simple syrup (or maple syrup!)
• Additional simple syrup or maple syrup, for the rims
• A few teaspoons of granulated sugar, for the rims
• A few teaspoons of espresso powder, for the rims

Instructions:

Prep: Pour your strongly brewed coffee into an ice cube tray and freeze solid. Add the simple syrup or maple syrup for your glass rims to a small plate, and mix together the sugar and espresso powder on a separate small plate. Dip your glass rims in the simple syrup and then into the sugar mixture. 

Make the Frozen Espresso Martinis: Add 8 ice cubes to a high-powered blender along with the vodka, kahlua, espresso, and simple syrup. Blend on high until combined and you can no longer hear any of the ice chunks intact. Pour into your rimmed glasses and enjoy immediately!

Note: As always, feel free to scale the recipe up or down, as desired. 

Did you try this espresso martini recipe? Show us your cocktails on Instagram or TikTok @lulus–and check out What’s New for the summer season and beyond!

This recipe comes from our food contributor, Stephanie Simmons, of Blue Bowl. Her goal with her kitchen-tested recipes is to get you excited about cooking, show you how good food can taste, and prove that you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to make a good meal.