Cappuccino Martini Recipe

By What’s Baking

A velvety blend of vodka, coffee liqueur and cream creates a decadently smooth cocktail that perfectly balances boozy warmth with rich coffee notes.

Difficulty:

Beginner

Prep Time:

5 mins

Cook Time:

Serves:

1 cocktail

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"> <li class="ingredients-single-item">50ml vodka</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">25ml coffee liqueur (such as Kahlúa)</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">15ml Baileys Irish Cream (optional)</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">25ml freshly brewed espresso, cooled</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">10ml simple syrup</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">3 coffee beans, for garnish</li> </ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"> <li class="equipment-single-item">Cocktail shaker</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Hawthorne strainer</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Fine mesh strainer</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Jigger</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Martini glass</li> </ul>

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Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4> Chill your martini glass by filling it with ice water or placing it in the freezer for 5 minutes. A properly chilled glass maintains the cocktail's temperature and enhances the velvety mouthfeel. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4> Brew a shot of espresso and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Using hot espresso would melt your ice too quickly, diluting the drink and reducing the foam. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4> Fill your cocktail shaker with ice. Add the vodka, coffee liqueur, cooled espresso, simple syrup, and Baileys (if using). </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4> Shake vigorously for at least 15-20 seconds. This extended shake is crucial – it creates the perfect temperature, dilution, and most importantly, that signature creamy foam that makes a cappuccino martini special. You'll feel the shaker become very cold and frosty on the outside. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4> Empty the ice water from your chilled glass. Double-strain the cocktail through both a Hawthorne strainer and fine mesh strainer into the martini glass. The double-straining technique removes any small ice shards, ensuring a silky-smooth texture. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4> Wait a moment as the cocktail settles - a beautiful crema layer should form on top, similar to a well-made espresso. This foam contains coffee oils and proteins that were emulsified during shaking. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4> Garnish with three coffee beans placed gently atop the foam (traditionally representing health, wealth, and happiness). Serve immediately while the foam is still perfectly formed. </li> </ol>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size: 1 cocktail

🔥 Calories: 275 calories

🥑 Fat: 3 g

🧈 Saturated Fat: 2 g

🍞 Carbohydrates: 15 g

🍭 Sugar: 14 g

🍗 Protein: 1 g

🫀 Cholesterol: 10 mg

🧂 Sodium: 25 mg

Chef’s Notes

A few helpful details for making this recipe.

What's the secret to getting perfect foam on a coffee cocktail?

The perfect foam comes from a vigorous shake (15-20 seconds minimum) with fresh espresso. The proteins in recently brewed coffee create the best crema. Always use cold espresso, quality ice, and double-strain for silky results. The fresher your coffee, the better your foam will be.

Can I make this coffee-based cocktail without alcohol?

Absolutely! Create a mocktail version using coffee syrup, vanilla extract, and cream shaken with ice. Replace vodka with extra cold brew concentrate and substitute alcohol-free coffee syrup for the liqueur. Top with whipped cream and the traditional three coffee beans for authenticity.

How does this cocktail differ from a standard Espresso Martini?

While both feature vodka and coffee, a Cappuccino Martini incorporates cream elements (often Baileys) for a silkier, more dessert-like quality. The traditional version has a more pronounced layered appearance resembling a cappuccino, whereas an Espresso Martini tends to be stronger and more coffee-forward.