13 Shaken Espresso Martini Recipes for Nights Out
I still remember the thrill of my first coffee ritual as a kid—sneaking into the kitchen after dinner to watch my dad brew espresso on the stovetop, the rich aroma filling the air like a promise of grown-up adventures. Fast-forward to now, and those memories have evolved into my latest obsession: shaken espresso martinis. These caffeinated cocktails are the perfect pre-game boost for nights out, blending the bold kick of espresso with the smooth elegance of a martini.
Lately, I’ve been turning my home bar into a mad scientist’s lab, shaking up variations after long days of recipe testing. What started as a simple classic has spiraled into endless twists—infusing flavors like salted caramel or pumpkin spice to match seasonal vibes or unexpected cravings. In a world where coffee culture meets cocktail hour, these recipes are my go-to for elevating any evening without needing a fancy bar.
Classic Shaken Espresso Martini
The timeless original: a perfect balance of coffee intensity and silky smoothness. Ingredients: 2 oz vodka, 1 oz fresh espresso (cooled), 0.75 oz coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa), 0.5 oz simple syrup, 3 coffee beans for garnish.
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, add all ingredients except beans, and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until frothy. Strain into a chilled martini glass and top with coffee beans. This version delivers a clean caffeine buzz with minimal sweetness, ideal for staying sharp on the dance floor while feeling sophisticated.
Vanilla Dream Espresso Martini
A creamy, dessert-like twist that evokes vanilla bean ice cream. Ingredients: 2 oz vanilla vodka, 1 oz fresh espresso, 0.75 oz coffee liqueur, 0.5 oz vanilla simple syrup, splash of cream.
Shake all ingredients with ice for 20 seconds, double-strain into a coupe glass. The vanilla enhances the espresso’s nuttiness, providing a velvety texture and subtle sweetness that curbs post-midnight crashes—perfect for extended nights out.
Hazelnut Heaven Espresso Martini
Nutty and indulgent, like sipping a Nutella martini. Ingredients: 2 oz vodka, 1 oz fresh espresso, 0.5 oz hazelnut liqueur (Frangelico), 0.75 oz coffee liqueur, 0.5 oz simple syrup.
Combine in a shaker with ice, shake hard for 15 seconds, and strain into a martini glass rimmed with crushed hazelnuts. Its rich, toasty flavors offer sustained energy and a cozy warmth, great for fall nights out.
Salted Caramel Espresso Martini
Sweet-salty perfection for caramel lovers. Ingredients: 2 oz vodka, 1 oz espresso, 0.75 oz coffee liqueur, 0.5 oz salted caramel syrup, pinch of sea salt.
Shake ingredients with ice until chilled, strain into a glass with a caramel drizzle inside. The salt cuts through sweetness for balanced buzz, boosting alertness without sugar overload.
Pumpkin Spice Espresso Martini
Autumn in a glass, spiced for seasonal vibes. Ingredients: 2 oz vodka, 1 oz espresso, 0.75 oz coffee liqueur, 0.5 oz pumpkin spice syrup, dash of cinnamon.
Vigorously shake with ice, strain into a glass dusted with cinnamon. Warming spices pair with caffeine for an energizing, festive lift that’s Instagram-worthy and mood-boosting.
Chocolate Espresso Martini Shake
Decadent mocha magic for chocolate cravers. Ingredients: 2 oz vodka, 1 oz espresso, 0.5 oz coffee liqueur, 0.75 oz chocolate liqueur, 0.25 oz simple syrup.
Shake intensely with ice, strain into a chocolate-rimmed glass. Antioxidant-rich chocolate amplifies espresso’s pick-me-up, making it a guilt-free indulgence for late nights.
Coconut Espresso Martini
Tropical escape with creamy coconut vibes. Ingredients: 2 oz vodka, 1 oz espresso, 0.75 oz coffee liqueur, 0.5 oz coconut syrup, 0.25 oz cream of coconut.
Blend in shaker with ice, double-strain into a chilled glass. Hydrating coconut balances bold coffee for a refreshing, beachy buzz that lasts through the night.
Spiced Chai Espresso Martini
Exotic warmth from chai spices. Ingredients: 2 oz vodka, 1 oz espresso, 0.75 oz coffee liqueur, 0.5 oz chai syrup, pinch of cardamom.
Shake with ice for 20 seconds, strain and garnish with star anise. Anti-inflammatory spices enhance focus, ideal for vibrant, all-night energy.
Berry Blast Espresso Martini
Fresh, tart berries meet bold coffee. Ingredients: 2 oz vodka, 1 oz espresso, 0.75 oz coffee liqueur, 0.5 oz berry syrup (raspberry/blackberry), fresh berries.
Shake vigorously with ice, strain over muddled berries in glass. Antioxidant berries provide a fruity zing and recovery boost alongside caffeine.
Mint Mocha Espresso Martini
Cool, refreshing mint-chocolate fusion. Ingredients: 2 oz vodka, 1 oz espresso, 0.5 oz coffee liqueur, 0.5 oz crème de menthe, 0.25 oz chocolate syrup.
Shake with ice, strain into glass with mint sprig. Mint aids digestion while mocha sustains energy, perfect for post-dinner dancing.
Orange Zest Espresso Martini
Citrusy brightness to cut through richness. Ingredients: 2 oz vodka, 1 oz espresso, 0.75 oz coffee liqueur, 0.5 oz orange liqueur (Cointreau), orange twist.
Shake hard with ice, express orange oils over the rim before straining. Vitamin C from zest sharpens the buzz for lively evenings.
Peanut Butter Espresso Martini
Bold, nutty Reese’s-inspired delight. Ingredients: 2 oz vodka, 1 oz espresso, 0.75 oz coffee liqueur, 0.5 oz peanut butter whiskey or syrup, sea salt rim.
Shake until peanut butter dissolves, strain into salted glass. Protein from peanuts stabilizes energy release for marathon nights.
Matcha Espresso Martini Fusion
Green tea meets coffee for double antioxidants. Ingredients: 2 oz vodka, 0.75 oz espresso, 0.5 oz matcha syrup, 0.75 oz coffee liqueur, 0.25 oz simple syrup.
Shake with ice, strain into glass dusted with matcha. L-theanine from matcha smooths caffeine jitters for calm, focused fun.
Whether you’re prepping for a club night or a cozy house party, these 13 shaken espresso martinis are your ticket to elevated energy and unforgettable flavors—grab your shaker and experiment tonight!
