Tequila Espresso Martini
Created by Alec Espiritu
An Espresso Martini made with tequila instead of vodka: reposado tequila, fresh espresso, Kahlua and a little simple syrup, shaken until it foams.
- 3 min
- Cocktail glass
- Shaken
Flavor profile
- Sweet
- 54 out of 100
- Bitter
- 80 out of 100
- Herbal
- 51 out of 100
- Smoky
- 48 out of 100
- Boozy
- 64 out of 100
How to make a Tequila Espresso Martini
To make a Tequila Espresso Martini, shake with ice and strain into a cocktail glass: 2 oz tequila, 1 oz espresso, ½ oz Kahlua and ¼ oz simple syrup.
You'll need
- Tequila2 oz
- Espresso1 oz
- Kahlua½ oz
- Simple syrup¼ oz
Pairs well with: Simple syrup · All syrups
Instructions
- 1
Shake the tequila, espresso, Kahlua and simple syrup hard with plenty of ice until the shaker is frosty, so the coffee foams.
- 2
Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and top with three coffee beans.
- 3
Use freshly pulled espresso that has cooled for a minute, so the foam holds without melting the ice too fast.
The story
This is my take on the Espresso Martini, with tequila in place of vodka. I like it on the stronger side, so it takes a full 2 oz of tequila; use 1½ oz for a lighter drink. Vodka keeps the classic neutral so the coffee does all the talking; tequila adds its own flavor. My pick is reposado: its time in oak gives it vanilla and caramel notes that sit nicely with coffee and Kahlua. A blanco tequila makes a brighter, more peppery drink. Shake it hard, because the foam on top comes from the espresso and the shake. Taste it before you add the simple syrup if your coffee liqueur is on the sweet side.
Tequila Espresso Martini questions
What's the difference between a Tequila Espresso Martini and an Espresso Martini?
The base spirit. The classic Espresso Martini uses vodka, which lets the coffee lead. This one uses reposado tequila, which adds vanilla, caramel and a little agave pepper. The espresso, Kahlua and the hard shake for the foam stay the same.
What tequila is best in a Tequila Espresso Martini?
My pick is reposado. Its time in oak gives it vanilla and caramel notes that go well with coffee. A blanco works too and makes a brighter, more peppery drink.
What's in a Tequila Espresso Martini?
2 oz tequila, 1 oz espresso, ½ oz Kahlua and ¼ oz simple syrup.
How do you make a Tequila Espresso Martini?
Shake with ice and strain into a cocktail glass: tequila, espresso, Kahlua and simple syrup.
What does a Tequila Espresso Martini taste like, and is it sweet?
Lightly sweet, not sugary: it's mostly bitter and sweet, with a noticeable alcohol warmth. It's a strong drink at about 19% ABV once mixed.
How much alcohol is in a Tequila Espresso Martini?
About 19% ABV after mixing with ice, stronger than wine, lighter than a neat spirit.
How many standard drinks is a Tequila Espresso Martini?
About 1½ US standard drinks: it has about 27 ml of pure alcohol, and one US standard drink is 14 grams (about 18 ml).
What's the difference between a Tequila Espresso Martini and a Tequila Sour?
Both use tequila and simple syrup. The Tequila Espresso Martini adds espresso and Kahlua, while the Tequila Sour uses lemon. Both are shaken, but the Tequila Espresso Martini goes in a cocktail glass and the Tequila Sour in a sour glass.