Espresso Martini Recipe With Bourbon for Bold Flavor

Looking for a cocktail that combines the rich, robust flavors of espresso with the warm, smoky notes of bourbon? You’re in for a treat!

The espresso martini recipe with bourbon is a delightful twist on the classic espresso martini, swapping out vodka for bourbon to add depth and complexity. Whether you’re winding down after a long day or impressing guests at your next gathering, this cocktail offers a perfect balance of caffeine kick and smooth bourbon warmth.

It’s sophisticated, bold, and surprisingly easy to make at home.

In this blog post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to craft this delicious drink, from ingredients and equipment to expert tips and variations. Plus, if you love exploring creative recipes, check out our other favorites like Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious or Chinese Vegetarian Nasi Lemak Recipe Made Easy and Delicious for more culinary inspiration.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This espresso martini with bourbon is a game-changer for cocktail lovers who adore coffee and whiskey alike. Unlike the traditional version that relies on vodka’s neutral flavor, bourbon brings a unique caramel sweetness and oakiness that pairs beautifully with espresso’s robust bitterness.

It’s a versatile cocktail perfect for any occasion — from elegant dinner parties to casual weekend nights. The recipe is straightforward, requiring only a few quality ingredients, and can be whipped up in minutes.

Plus, it’s an excellent way to introduce bourbon to those who might typically shy away from whiskey cocktails.

Whether you’re an experienced mixologist or a curious beginner, this drink promises a delightful balance of flavors that’s both energizing and relaxing.

Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon (choose a smooth, flavorful bourbon you enjoy drinking neat)
• 1 oz freshly brewed espresso (hot or cooled slightly)
• 1 oz coffee liqueur (such as Kahlúa)
• 0.5 oz simple syrup (adjust to taste)
• Ice cubes
• Coffee beans (for garnish)

Equipment

• Cocktail shaker – essential for mixing and chilling the drink
• Espresso machine or coffee maker – to prepare fresh espresso
• Strainer – to pour a smooth cocktail without ice shards
• Martini glass – the classic serving vessel for espresso martinis
• Jigger or measuring tool – for precise ingredient measurements

Instructions

1. Prepare the espresso: Brew 1 oz of fresh espresso using your espresso machine or coffee maker. Allow it to cool for a minute or two if it’s too hot, but it should still be warm.
2. Fill the shaker with ice: Add enough ice cubes to chill the cocktail effectively.
3. Add the bourbon, coffee liqueur, simple syrup, and espresso: Measure and pour 2 oz bourbon, 1 oz coffee liqueur, 0.5 oz simple syrup, and the 1 oz espresso into the shaker.
4. Shake vigorously: Secure the shaker lid and shake for about 15-20 seconds. This ensures the cocktail is well chilled and creates that signature frothy top.
5. Strain into the martini glass: Use a fine strainer to pour your cocktail into a chilled martini glass, leaving the ice behind.
6. Garnish and serve: Float 3 coffee beans on the frothy surface for a classic finish.

Tips & Variations

“For the best flavor, always use freshly brewed espresso and a good quality bourbon. If you prefer a less sweet drink, reduce the simple syrup or omit it entirely.”

• Make it vegan: Use a plant-based simple syrup (like agave or maple syrup) to keep it vegan-friendly.
• Try flavored bourbons: Vanilla or honey-infused bourbon adds a lovely twist without extra effort.
• Spiced variation: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg on top for warm spice notes.
• Cold brew alternative: Substitute espresso with strong cold brew coffee for a smoother, less acidic flavor.
• Decaf option: Use decaffeinated espresso for an after-dinner treat without the caffeine buzz.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This espresso martini with bourbon pairs wonderfully with rich desserts like chocolate mousse or tiramisu, enhancing the coffee and caramel notes. It also makes for a fantastic after-dinner digestif to impress guests.

For a cozy evening, serve it alongside a cheese board featuring aged cheddar or gouda to complement the bourbon’s warmth. If you’re hosting a cocktail party, consider offering a light snack like our Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious to keep the palate refreshed between drinks.

Conclusion

The espresso martini with bourbon is a sophisticated cocktail that expertly bridges the worlds of coffee and whiskey. This recipe brings together the bitter richness of espresso, the sweet complexity of bourbon, and the smoothness of coffee liqueur for a truly memorable drink.

It’s simple to prepare yet impressively flavorful, making it a fantastic choice for cocktail enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike.

Whether you’re looking to elevate your home bartending skills or searching for a unique gift for a friend who loves coffee and cocktails, this recipe is sure to please. Don’t forget to experiment with the tips and variations provided to customize your drink perfectly.

And if you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to explore more creative options like Chinese Vegetarian Nasi Lemak Recipe Made Easy and Delicious or our comforting Apple Barn Pigeon Forge TN Vegetable Soup Recipe Guide to keep your culinary adventures exciting!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Espresso Martini with Bourbon”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A rich and smooth twist on the classic espresso martini, featuring the warm depth of bourbon. Perfect for an evening pick-me-up with a boozy kick.”, “prepTime”: “PT5M”, “cookTime”: “PT0M”, “totalTime”: “PT5M”, “recipeYield”: “1 serving”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1.5 oz bourbon”, “1 oz freshly brewed espresso, cooled”, “1 oz coffee liqueur (e.g., Kahl\u00faa)”, “0.5 oz simple syrup”, “Ice cubes”, “3 coffee beans (for garnish)”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Fill a shaker with ice.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add bourbon, espresso, coffee liqueur, and simple syrup.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Shake vigorously for 15 seconds.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Strain into a chilled martini glass.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Garnish with 3 coffee beans.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “210 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “1 g”, “fatContent”: “0 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “15 g”}}