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The Tequila Espresso Martini is an agave twist on the classic Espresso Martini. It’s a balance of Blanco tequila, coffee liqueur, espresso, and rich demerara syrup, rendering an irresistible boozy coffee dessert or brunch cocktail with complex citrus and floral notes!
This cocktail can take on a few different flavor profiles depending on the ingredients you choose. Swap blanco tequila for aged tequila and you’ll get a warmer cocktail with oak character. Swap rich demara for regular simple syrup and you’ll get a brighter cleaner cocktail with less caramel/molasses.
Table of Contents
Brief History
The Espresso Martini dates back to the 1980s. It was created by famed London bartender Dick Bradsell, who was working at a bar called Fred’s Club in Soho.
According to Bradsell, a young woman who was rumored to be a model, approached him and asked for a drink that would “wake me up, and then f*** me up.” Inspired, Bradsell crafted the Espresso Martini by combining espresso, vodka, coffee liqueur, and simple syrup.
The cocktail was originally called the Vodka Espresso and later became known as the Espresso Martini. The addition of tequila in place of vodka has become a popular modern riff thanks to its booming popularity and complex characteristics.
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
- Tequila: blanco tequila will render subtle floral citrusy notes while reposado or añejo will deliver a richer profile with warmer notes of caramel, oak, and spices.
- Espresso: fresh espresso is always the best option. You can also use concentrated cold brew or instant espresso in a pinch. I’ve used Café Bustelo instant espresso and made a strong serving. Instant and fresh espresso renders the best frothy layer on top.
- Coffee liqueur: I’ve always used Kahlúa since it’s easily accessible. It adds additional coffee flavor, sweetness, and body.
- Rich demerara syrup: rich demerara is a 2:1 simple syrup made from minimally processed demerara sugar. It adds body and molasses flavor. You can also use regular simple syrup or omit it altogether depending on your flavor preference.
- See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities below.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities below.
Expert Tips
- Always let espresso chill prior to mixing. Hot espresso in the shaker will melt the ice and cause excess dilution. If you don’t have an espresso machine, grab some from a local coffee shop and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to prepare.
- Simple syrup is an optional ingredient because it’s not 100% necessary depending on your taste for sweetness. I prefer this cocktail with demerara syrup however it will gain some sweetness from the Kahlúa.
- Freeze your glasses! This helps keep your drink colder for longer.
- Always double-strain shaken cocktails through a fine mesh strainer. This removes tiny ice chips that will dilute the cocktail as it warms. It will also improve the signature foamy texture.
More Dessert Cocktails
Enjoy this recipe? If you made this cocktail, please leave a ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ star rating in the recipe card below & a review in the comments!
Tequila Espresso Martini
Ingredients
- 1½ ounces blanco tequila, or reposado
- 1 ounce espresso, fresh, instant or concentrated cold brew
- 1 ounce coffee liqueur, such as Kahlúa
- 1/4 ounce rich demerara (optional see note), or regular simple syrup
- 3 Espresso or coffee beans, for garnish
Instructions
- Combine tequila, coffee liqueur, espresso, and optional demerara syrup in a shaker.
- Add ice, vigorously shake to froth, and double strain into a chilled coupe glass.
- Garnish with espresso or coffee beans.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This is so good with tequila! I don’t think i’m ever going back to vodka!