If you love tequila and coffee then a Tequila Espresso Martini is the cocktail for you! With a kick of both alcohol and caffeine, this smooth, rich, and tasty drink has it all.

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Espresso Martini Recipe with Tequila
A Tequila Espresso Martini is a tasty twist on a classic Espresso Martini. The original vodka-based version was developed in the 1980s by the legendary Dick Bradsell at The Soho Brasserie in London.
From the huge success and popularity of the original Espresso Martini, the tasty tequila version emerged. The tequila in this cocktail adds an extra layer of flavor and depth which is delicious and one that all tequila fans will adore.
The mix of tequila with espresso, simple syrup, and coffee liqueur creates a sweet and rich dessert-style drink that is smooth and creamy to sip.
And the combination of fresh espresso with a shaken cocktail technique creates a delicious layer of crema on top of the drink which makes it feel deliciously indulgent.
Love interesting and tasty martini recipes? Then you have to check out our LEMON DROP LIMONCELLO MARTINI and our PORNSTAR MARTINI WITH PINEAPPLE JUICE!
Ingredients Needed and Notes
An Espresso Martini with tequila is made from four simple ingredients that come together to make a deliciously creamy coffee cocktail. The ingredients are listed below and you can also find a detailed recipe card at the end of this post!
- Tequila. You can use any kind of tequila to make this martini. We like to use Reposado Tequila, but any variety will work.
- Coffee liqueur. There are many different types of coffee liqueur available, so use your favorite!
- Espresso. Freshly brewed espresso is a must! The crema from espresso contains fatty oils that help create a thick foam when shaken.
- Simple syrup. You can use homemade or store-bought, whichever you prefer best! We've got an easy Simple Syrup Recipe for you if you want to make your own. Or alternatively, you could also substitute the simple syrup with maple syrup. This will alter the flavor of the martini slightly but will still taste good and provide balanced sweetness.
- Ice. This makes the cocktail cold and refreshing. This drink isn't traditionally served with ice but it is shaken with ice to chill it.
Tequila Espresso Martini Garnish Options
You can serve your cocktail as is, or if you want to make it feel even more special you could add a simple garnish. Some garnish suggestions include:
- Coffee beans (this is the traditional garnish option for this cocktail)
- A dusting of espresso powder
- A sprinkle of ground cinnamon
Equipment Needed
- A cocktail strainer and shaker. If you do not have a cocktail shaker you could also use a jar with a lid and then use the lid as a strainer when straining your cocktail into a serving glass.
- Cocktail serving glasses - martini-style glasses or coupe glasses are best.
- A measuring jigger, jug, or cup.
Love tequila? Then try out our SIMPLE TEQUILA SOUR RECIPE - it's a real treat! For something more simple try our TEQUILA & SPRITE RECIPE.
How to make a Tequila Espresso Martini
It is quick and easy to make an Espresso `martini with tequila. You will only need a few minutes to create it and you won't need any fancy bar equipment.
You can follow the step-by-step instructions below, or you can find a detailed recipe card at the end of this post.
Step-By-Step Instructions
STEP ONE
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
STEP TWO
Add the cocktail ingredients and shake well for 30 - 60 seconds.
STEP THREE
Strain the martini into a martini glass or coupe glass. Let it sit for a minute to allow the crema to float to the top. Add any desired garnish and serve immediately.
Recipe Tips and Notes
- Use a jigger or a measuring cup to measure your ingredients accurately. A precise measurement can make a big difference in the balance and flavor of your cocktail.
- If you prefer a sweeter cocktail, you can add a dash of extra simple syrup, maple syrup, or honey until it suits your exact preference.
- You should serve this martini immediately after making it. The longer you let it sit, the less foam there will be to enjoy.
- This cocktail requires to be shaken really well in order to create the iconic foam layer on top. Because of this, you can only make 1 - 2 servings at a time as that is how much fits into a cocktail shaker.
- If you are watching your caffeine intake, you can always make this martini with decaf espresso instead of regular.
- This espresso martini is best served in a martini glass or a coupe glass - and even better if the glass is chilled. This helps to keep the drink deliciously cold while drinking it.
Tequila Espresso Martini
Equipment
- 1 cocktail shaker
- 1 martini or coupe glass for serving
Ingredients
- 1 ounce tequila any preferred type
- 1 ounce coffee liqueur
- 2 ounce chilled espresso freshly brewed
- ½ ounce simple syrup
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add the cocktail ingredients and shake well for 30 - 60 seconds.
- Strain the martini into a martini glass or coupe glass. Let it sit for a minute to allow the crema to float to the top. Add any desired garnish and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use a jigger or a measuring cup to measure your ingredients accurately. A precise measurement can make a big difference in the balance and flavor of your cocktail.
- If you prefer a sweeter cocktail, you can add a dash of extra simple syrup, maple syrup, or honey until it suits your exact preference.
- You should serve this martini immediately after making it. The longer you let it sit, the less foam there will be to enjoy.
- This cocktail requires to be shaken really well in order to create the iconic foam layer on top. Because of this, you can only make 1 - 2 servings at a time as that is how much fits into a cocktail shaker.
- If you are watching your caffeine intake, you can always make this martini with decaf espresso instead of regular.
- This espresso martini is best served in a martini glass or a coupe glass - and even better if the glass is chilled. This helps to keep the drink deliciously cold while drinking it.
Nutrition
I hope you love this Tequila Espresso Martini recipe as much as I do! And if you want to see more of my food adventures, follow me on Instagram or Facebook.
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