Home
Recipes
Cocktails
Coffee Cocktails & Alcoholic
Frozen Espresso Martini – Vodka and Coffee Liqueur Recipe

Frozen Espresso Martini – Vodka and Coffee Liqueur Recipe

By What’s Baking

Velvety frozen espresso martini that combines rich coffee flavors with smooth vodka for a luxuriously icy, caffeinated indulgence with a perfect frothy top.
Difficulty:
Intermediate
Prep Time:
10 mins
Cook Time:
Serves:
2 cocktails
An overhead shot of a frozen espresso martini served in a chilled martini glass with a delicate rim of frost. The cocktail has a rich chocolate-brown color with a perfect layer of creamy tan foam on top. Dramatic studio lighting creates shadows that highlight the velvety texture of the drink, while a few coffee beans rest artfully on the foam surface. Behind the glass sits a small espresso cup and a partial view of a cocktail shaker covered in condensation, suggesting the frozen nature of the drink. The glass sits on a dark marble bar top that reflects soft light, emphasizing the luxurious and sophisticated profile of this frozen coffee cocktail.

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"> <li class="ingredients-single-item">90ml vodka</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">60ml coffee liqueur (Kahlúa or Mr. Black)</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">60ml freshly brewed espresso, cooled</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">30ml simple syrup</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">300g ice cubes</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">Coffee beans for garnish</li> </ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"> <li class="equipment-single-item">Blender</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Jigger or measuring cup</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Martini glasses</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Espresso machine or stovetop moka pot</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Fine-mesh strainer (optional)</li> </ul>
BAKE SMARTER

Kitchen Converter

Quickly switch between common baking units without leaving the recipe.

Convert
⇄
Result—

Volume uses US cups, tablespoons, and teaspoons. Converting weight to volume depends on the ingredient.

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4> Brew your espresso and let it cool completely to room temperature. Using hot espresso will melt your ice too quickly and result in a watery cocktail. For best results, refrigerate the espresso for 30 minutes before making the cocktail. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4> Place your martini glasses in the freezer at least 15 minutes before serving. A properly chilled glass is essential for maintaining the frozen consistency of your cocktail. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4> Add the vodka, coffee liqueur, cooled espresso, simple syrup, and ice to your blender. The ratio of ice to liquid is crucial for achieving the perfect frozen texture – too little ice will result in a slushy drink, while too much will make it too thick. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4> Blend on high speed for 20-30 seconds until completely smooth with a velvety, creamy texture. If you notice any large ice chunks, pulse a few more times. The mixture should be thick enough to hold a spoon upright but still pourable. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4> If you prefer a super-smooth texture, pour the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer to remove any tiny ice crystals, though this is optional and will slightly thin the consistency. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4> Remove your chilled glasses from the freezer and immediately pour the frozen espresso martini into them. The cocktail should have a thick, creamy texture with a beautiful foam on top formed by the natural oils in the espresso. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4> Garnish each glass with three coffee beans placed gently on top of the foam. Tradition says they represent health, wealth, and happiness. Serve immediately with a straw and a small spoon to enjoy every last bit. </li> </ol>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size: 1 cocktail
🔥 Calories: 215 calories
🥑 Fat: 0 g
🧈 Saturated Fat: 0 g
🍞 Carbohydrates: 18 g
🍭 Sugar: 16 g
🍗 Protein: 0 g
🫀 Cholesterol: 0 mg
🧂 Sodium: 5 mg

Chef’s Notes

A few helpful details for making this recipe.

What's the best vodka to use for a frozen coffee cocktail?

For the best frozen coffee cocktail, choose a premium smooth vodka with minimal flavour profile like Grey Goose, Ketel One or Belvedere. These quality vodkas allow the coffee notes to shine while providing a clean alcohol base. Avoid flavoured vodkas unless you specifically want those additional notes.

How do I achieve that perfect frothy top on a blended espresso cocktail?

The perfect frothy top comes from freshly brewed espresso's natural oils and proper blending technique. Use espresso that's been cooled but not refrigerated for more than a few hours, blend at high speed for 20-30 seconds, and serve immediately. The natural crema from quality espresso creates that signature foam.

Can I make this frozen coffee cocktail without an espresso machine?

Absolutely! While freshly brewed espresso delivers the best results, you can substitute with strong cold brew concentrate, instant espresso powder dissolved in water, or even a moka pot. Just ensure your coffee substitute is strong and concentrated to stand up to the dilution from ice.

Want to try something else in ...

More recipes you might like

Keep exploring with more recipes from What's Baking.

View all
An elegant lowball glass featuring a deep amber-brown cocktail with a distinctive creamy nitrogen-infused head, captured from a 45-degree angle that highlights its silky texture. Crystal-clear ice cubes catch the warm, amber bar lighting, creating golden reflections through the drink. A twisted orange peel garnish rests on the glass rim, with tiny essential oil droplets visible on the drink's surface. Moody lighting creates dramatic shadows against a dark wooden bar top, while copper bar tools sit slightly blurred in the background, suggesting the craft that went into creating this nitro-infused twist on a classic.
Cocktails
Coffee Cocktails & Alcoholic

Nitro Coffee Old Fashioned Recipe

A sophisticated fusion of cold brew intensity and whiskey warmth, heightened with nitrogen's velvety texture and punctuated with orange notes for a contemporary classic experience.
Difficulty:
Intermediate
Prep Time:
10 mins
Cook Time:
Serves:
1 cocktail
View recipe
A crystal rocks glass showcases dramatic layers where dark espresso cascades over a generous scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, creating mesmerizing coffee-colored swirls. The glass sits on a rustic wooden board against a moody background with warm, low lighting that emphasizes the drink's rich amber-brown tones. Condensation forms on the exterior while a delicate orange twist and coffee bean garnish rest artistically on top. A bottle of artisanal amaro stands blurred in the background, suggesting the cocktail's bittersweet foundation.
Cocktails
Coffee Cocktails & Alcoholic

Amaro Affogato Cocktail Recipe

A decadent fusion of bitter amaro, rich espresso, and velvety ice cream creates a sophisticated dessert cocktail that balances warmth and chill with exquisite complexity.
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
5 mins
Cook Time:
Serves:
1 cocktail
View recipe
An elegant martini glass filled with a dark, glossy espresso cocktail, topped with a perfect layer of silky crema. The deep brown-black liquid catches the light with subtle crimson undertones. A single maraschino cherry speared with a thin chocolate stick rests on the rim, while cocoa powder dusts one side of the glass surface. Shot in moody, atmospheric bar lighting that creates dramatic shadows, emphasizing the luxurious texture of the cocktail. Droplets of condensation bead on the chilled glass, suggesting the perfect temperature. A bottle of cherry liqueur and chocolate bitters sit blurred in the background, hinting at the complex flavors within.
Cocktails
Coffee Cocktails & Alcoholic

Black Forest Espresso Martini Recipe

A decadent fusion of rich espresso, velvety chocolate, and luscious cherry flavors that transforms the classic espresso martini into a boozy Black Forest gateau in a glass.
Difficulty:
Intermediate
Prep Time:
10 mins
Cook Time:
Serves:
1 cocktail
View recipe
A crystal-clear rocks glass with a single large ice cube capturing light reflections, filled with an amber-bronze cocktail that hints at both coffee richness and botanical complexity. Golden hour lighting accentuates the warm tones against a dark walnut bar top, while wisps of expressed orange oils hover above the surface. A twisted orange peel garnish rests elegantly on the rim, with coffee beans scattered artfully nearby to hint at the flavor profile. The drink's silky texture is evident in the way it clings slightly to the glass, suggesting both spirit strength and coffee integration.
Cocktails
Coffee Cocktails & Alcoholic

Coffee Negroni Blanco Recipe

A sophisticated fusion of bright white coffee notes with the herbal complexity of a white negroni, creating an invigorating yet smooth aperitivo experience.
Difficulty:
Intermediate
Prep Time:
5 mins
Cook Time:
Serves:
1 cocktail
View recipe
A close-up shot of a Café Amaretto in a crystal-clear rocks glass, showcasing distinct layers of dark coffee liqueur and cream crowned with a light dusting of cocoa powder. The lighting is warm and intimate, resembling the amber glow of a sophisticated cocktail lounge. Ice cubes glisten as they slowly melt, with condensation forming on the exterior of the glass. A whole coffee bean garnish rests on top of the cream, while a cinnamon stick leans against the rim, providing texture contrast. The cocktail sits atop a polished wooden bar surface with soft focus bar bottles in the background, creating depth and context.
Cocktails
Coffee Cocktails & Alcoholic

Café Amaretto Recipe

A seductive blend of rich coffee liqueur, smooth amaretto, and fresh cream creates a dessert-worthy cocktail that's both indulgent and remarkably balanced.
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
5 mins
Cook Time:
Serves:
1 cocktail
View recipe
A short, heavy-bottomed rocks glass sits against a dark wooden bar top illuminated by warm, amber lighting. The Sombrero cocktail displays perfect layering - a deep, chocolate-brown base of Kahlúa transitioning into a cloud-like layer of pristine white cream that floats delicately on top. A fine dusting of freshly grated coffee beans creates a delicate pattern across the cream's surface, with a single coffee bean garnish resting at the center. The contrast between the dark liqueur and bright white cream is accentuated by droplets of condensation gathering on the glass, suggesting the perfect serving temperature.
Cocktails
Coffee Cocktails & Alcoholic

Sombrero - Kahlúa (Coffee Liqueur) and Cream Recipe

A luscious, velvety cascade of rich coffee liqueur gently blanketed with fresh cream, offering comforting warmth and indulgent sweetness in each sip.
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
2 mins
Cook Time:
Serves:
1 cocktail
View recipe