This Walnut Espresso Martini is a slight twist on the classic vodka cocktail that we love by adding a splash of nutty walnut liqueur. It’s a coffee cocktail that you’re going to absolutely love.
The Espresso Martini is having its moment right now, and honestly as a coffee lover, I love it. It’s one of my boyfriend’s favorite drinks, other than a White Russian … hmm I’m seeing the coffee liqueur and vodka combo is a fave here!
Espresso Martinis are the perfect digestif (aka post dinner drink to help settle your stomach post dinner) and the foam is so fresh on the palate. It’s a very simple drink that requires only a few very important ingredients and a cocktail shaker (a mason jar will do!).
But for this nutty twist, I add just a splash walnut liqueur. If you’ve never had a walnut liqueur cocktail, you’re in for a treat!
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Ingredients
While the classic espresso martini recipe only requires four simple ingredients, I like to add a fifth for this twist!
Vodka - while I tend to opt for an unflavored, medium-to-high quality vodka, you could also use a vanilla vodka or even a vodka with coffee flavor.
Coffee Liqueur - use a coffee liqueur like Kahlua or Mr. Black. I personally prefer to use Mr. Black as it is a vegan coffee liqueur option while Kahlua is not.
Espresso - fresh espresso results in the best tasting espresso martinis, that’s why they’re always so tasty at restaurants! However, read below for different options if you don’t have a machine.
Simple Syrup - while I don’t love using simple syrups in cocktails, this one really needs a splash to help balance out the bitterness of the espresso. If you want to make your own sugar syrup (it’s very simple and made of only sugar and water), I’ve included instructions in the recipe card!
Walnut Liqueur - I love the way that walnut liqueur (like Nocino or Nocello) adds a nutty, earthy taste to this classic coffee drink. Substitute for any type of nut-based liqueur like almond (Amaretto) or hazelnut (Frangelico).
Making An Espresso Martini Without An Espresso Machine
Although I have found that freshly brewed espresso results in the best tasting espresso martini, there are so many ways that you can make this recipe without an espresso machine.
As alternates, you can try:
- Cold Brew Concentrate or Nitro Cold Brew Drinks - simply substitute 1:1 for espresso.
- Strong Coffee - simply substitute 1:1 for espresso.
- Espresso Powder - add about 1 teaspoon of espresso powder into 6-8 ounces of hot or cold water. Stir to combine. Then use in proportions for fresh espresso! Note: espresso powder is not the same as instant coffee (instant coffee is much weaker).
Instructions
Making espresso martinis is surprisingly easy given how beautiful and complex they look!
The first step is to brew the espresso. You want to let the hot espresso (or coffee if you need) sit and slightly cool while you pull together the rest of the drink.
Next, you’re going to add the vodka, coffee liqueur, simple syrup and walnut liqueur into a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
Add the espresso and shake the cocktail shaker (furiously with passion!) until freezing cold to touch.
After that, you’re going to strain into a martini glass or coupe glass (extra props if you want to use a chilled martini glass!).
To get the extra foam, you will want to slightly lift the strainer so that there’s space for the foam to escape but the ice remains in the shaker.
The last step is to garnish with coffee beans! Of course the classic garnish is 3 coffee beans (I’m not sure why!), but you could also use a pinch of coffee grounds or a pinch of cinnamon if you have no beans!
Variations
While an Espresso Martini by itself is delicious, I love the way that adding a splash of walnut liqueur brings out a nuttiness and earthiness in the cocktail.
If you love tequila cocktails, try swapping the vodka for tequila.
If you’re not a fan of walnuts (the taste is minimal), then try another nut-based liqueur like hazelnut (Frangelico) or almond (Amaretto)!
If you want a chocolate flavor espresso martini, substitute the walnut liqueur for a creme de cacao (a cocoa bean liqueur) to enhance the chocolate coffee flavor!
Equipment Needed
To make this walnut liqueur cocktail, you absolutely need some type of cocktail shaker. If you do not have a cocktail shaker, I recommend it as one of my must-have cocktail equipment!
Otherwise you can use a mason jar with the lid sealed tightly to shake!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are espresso martinis made of?
Espresso martinis are a digestif made for after dinner and are typically made with espresso, vodka, coffee liqueur and simple syrup.
What gives espresso martini the foam?
The best and most recognizable part of an espresso martini is the beautiful foam top. To create this, use a cocktail shaker and shake hard so that the oil in the coffee combines with the air. Then, when straining the martini into your glass, allow a bit of space between the strainer and the liquid, to allow for the foam to be poured from the shaker.
What’s the difference between a Black Russian and an Espresso Martini?
A Black Russian is a vodka cocktail containing vodka and coffee liqueur, that is stirred together and then strained over fresh ice. An espresso martini contains Black Russian ingredients and adds fresh espresso (or coffee) and simple syrup, and is shaken in a cocktail shaker versus stirred.
Can you make an espresso martini without an espresso machine?
You absolutely can make an espresso martini without an espresso machine. Other options for espresso are: cold brew coffee, regular coffee, or even nitro cold brew. Not using espresso may mean slightly less of a foam, but will taste great just the same!
Can you use normal coffee in espresso martini?
You can definitely use normal coffee in an espresso martini, not just espresso. Other options for espresso are: cold brew coffee, regular coffee, or even nitro cold brew. The fresher, the better.
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📖 Recipe
Walnut Espresso Martini
Equipment
- Espresso maker (optional, but preferred. See notes)
- Cocktail shaker or jar with tight fitting lid
Ingredients
- 2 ounces vodka
- ½ ounce coffee liqueur
- 1 ounce espresso
- ½ ounce simple syrup
- ½ ounce walnut liqueur
Instructions
- Brew espresso, and allow to cool slightly.
- Add vodka, coffee liqueur, simple syrup, and walnut liqueur into a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Add espresso and vigorously shake the cocktail shaker until freezing cold to touch.
- Strain into a martini glass or coupe glass (Even better if you chill the glass!) To get the extra foam, slightly lift the strainer so there’s space for the foam to escape but the ice remains in the shaker.
- Garnish with coffee beans, a pinch of coffee grounds, or a pinch of cinnamon.
Notes
- Cold Brew Concentrate or Nitro Cold Brew Drinks - simply substitute 1:1 for espresso.
- Strong Coffee - simply substitute 1:1 for espresso.
- Espresso Powder - add about 1 teaspoon of espresso powder into 6-8 ounces of hot or cold water. Stir to combine. Then use in proportions for fresh espresso! Note: espresso powder is not the same as instant coffee (instant coffee is much weaker)