When it comes to cocktails that blend bold flavors and a touch of sophistication, the Tequila Espresso Martini stands out. This modern take on a classic Espresso Martini adds a unique edge by incorporating the rich, earthy notes of tequila. The result is a drink with a rich flavor that’s perfect for coffee lovers and tequila enthusiasts. Surprisingly simple to make, it requires relatively few ingredients.

I was first introduced to this cocktail while watching Below Deck, and it quickly became my favorite cocktail to order on a night out. A classic espresso martini is most often served with Vodka as the main spirit. When making it ourselves we found that substituting tequila added a layer of complexity to the cocktail and paired well with the rich flavor of the coffee. More recently, we have started using brown sugar simple syrup which brings more pronounced caramel notes.

If you are interested in trying other unique martini’s consider trying our Empress Gin Martini which has a beautiful indigo color and hints of tea and grapefruit.

Why you’ll love this tequila espresso martini

Energizing Kick: an Espresso Martini is perfect for a pick-me-up on a night out.
Unique Flavor Profile: The combination of reposado tequila and brown sugar simple syrup creates a delicious caramel flavor that combines beautifully with the strong flavors of coffee.
Elegant Presentation: Served in a sleek martini glass, this cocktail is as visually appealing as it is delicious. It can be topped with chocolate shavings to add an extra special elegance.

Ingredients

Tequila – We prefer to use reposado tequila, which is aged in oak barrels, for a smoother finish. Reposado combines milder agave flavors with sweet and earthy notes, harmonized by the oak barrel aging process. The oak aging contributes hints of vanilla, caramel, and spice while allowing the agave’s natural sweetness to shine through. Alternatively, you can also use silver tequila, also called blanco tequila, which is not aged and will be less complex.
Shot of Espresso – It’s crucial to use fresh espresso coffee to ensure the formation of a beautiful crema, which will create the frothy white top of the Espresso Martini. If espresso isn’t available, you can prepare a strong cup of coffee using a French press or a regular coffee maker and let it cool down. Alternatively, you can also use cold brew concentrate, which is available at most grocery stores and many coffee shops.
Coffee Liqueur – a sweet liqueur known for its rich and deep coffee flavor with varying degrees of sweetness. Kahlúa and Mr. Black are common types of coffee liqueur that can be found at many most stores.
Brown Sugar Simple Syrup – Brown sugar simple syrup, crafted with equal parts water and brown sugar, infuses this cocktail with a delightful caramel note and sweetness that complements the reposado tequila. It is easy to make this homemade simple syrup, combine boiling water with sugar and stir until fully combined.
Ice – used in the cocktail shaker to ensure the cocktail is cold when served.
Garnish – 3 espresso beans or chocolate shavings are common garnishes to top this cocktail.

Equipment:

Cocktail Shaker
Martini Glass or Cocktail Coupe Glass for serving

Tips to make a perfect tequila espresso martini

Coffee – Choosing the right coffee is essential for a perfect Tequila Espresso Martini. Espresso or cold brew are the best options, but you can substitute with a strong cup of coffee made using a French press. The key is to ensure that the coffee flavor is robust.

Ratios – Making the perfect espresso martini comes down to personal preference. You should feel empowered to adjust the ratios of ingredients to customize the Tequila Espresso Martini to your personal taste. If you prefer a sweeter cocktail, increase the amount of simple syrup. For a stronger coffee flavor, add more espresso.

Shaking – Shake the cocktail until it’s well combined and chilled, but stop before the ice melts completely to avoid dilution. Typically, this takes about 10-20 seconds.

Ice – Using ice straight from the freezer is crucial to ensure your cocktail stays perfectly chilled and doesn’t overdilute when shaken. This helps maintain the bold, rich flavors of the Tequila Espresso Martini without watering it down. It is also important to add the ice to the shaker last so it is cooled and is as cold as possible.

Questions:

What is the best tequila to use in an espresso martini?

Choosing the best tequila for a Tequila Espresso Martini ultimately comes down to personal preference, as each type brings unique characteristics to the cocktail.

Our preferred choice is reposado tequila, which is aged in oak barrels for a smoother finish. This aging process allows the reposado tequila to combine milder agave flavors with sweet and earthy notes. Blanco tequila, also known as silver tequila, is another popular choice for a Tequila Espresso Martini. The fresh agave taste in blanco tequila provides a sharp contrast to the deep, rich notes of espresso, creating a balanced and refreshing cocktail. For those who prefer more complex flavors, añejo tequila is an excellent option. Añejo tequila is aged for a minimum of one year, resulting in a smooth finish and deep, intricate flavors.

Ultimately, the choice between reposado, blanco, and añejo tequila depends on the flavor profile you prefer and what you have available. All three types of tequila can be used to make a delicious martini.

Can I use regular coffee in an espresso martini?

Yes, you can use regular coffee in an espresso martini. While espresso or cold brew are the best options due to their strong flavor, you can substitute a strong cup of coffee. The key is to ensure that the coffee flavor is bold enough to stand out in the cocktail. Adjust the ratios of ingredients to balance sweetness and strength to your preference. it is important to note, that if you do substitute regular coffee you may not be able to achieve a frothy crema.

Why is my espresso martini not frothy?

Your espresso martini might not be frothy due to insufficient shaking or using cold coffee. To achieve a frothy top, ensure you shake the cocktail vigorously for at least 10-20 seconds with ice straight from the freezer. Using freshly brewed espresso also helps, as it naturally creates a crema.