The espresso martini is a cocktail that combines vodka or another spirit, coffee liqueur, espresso, and often simple syrup. It first became popular in the 1980s and has remained a staple cocktail on bar menus ever since. With its smooth, rich taste and hit of caffeine, it’s easy to see why the espresso martini is such a beloved after-dinner drink.
When making an espresso martini, arguably the most important ingredient to get right is the liquor base. The choice of vodka, rum, whiskey, or other spirit will significantly impact the flavor profile and character of the final cocktail. So what type of liquor makes the best espresso martini?
Vodka
Vodka is the most traditional and popular base spirit used in espresso martinis. As a neutral spirit, vodka allows the flavors of the coffee liqueur and espresso to shine through. Standard vodkas like Smirnoff, Absolut, and Tito’s work perfectly fine in an espresso martini. However, using a premium or flavored vodka can add another layer of depth and complexity.
Some great vodka options to use in an espresso martini include:
- Ketel One
- Belvedere
- Grey Goose
- Ciroc
- Van Gogh Espresso Flavored Vodka
- Three Olives Espresso Flavored Vodka
High-end vodkas like Ketel One and Belvedere give the espresso martini a smooth, luxurious texture. Meanwhile, espresso-flavored vodkas infuse the cocktail with even more aromatic coffee essence.
Rum
For a twist on the classic, rum can be substituted in place of vodka for an espresso martini. The sweet, molasses notes of rum pair wonderfully with coffee liqueur and espresso. Dark rums like Myers’s and Gosling’s Black Seal are ideal choices. For something more unique, try using an aged rum like Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva or Zacapa XO. The oak aging contributes complex vanilla and caramel flavors that complement the coffee and chocolate notes beautifully.
Some excellent rums to use in an espresso martini include:
- Myers’s Dark Rum
- Gosling’s Black Seal Rum
- Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva
- Zacapa XO
- Plantation Original Dark Rum
- Appleton Estate 12 Year Old Rum
The rich, syrupy texture of these aged and dark rums stands up nicely to the strong espresso. For a lighter, more nuanced flavor, try a white rum like Bacardi Superior or Caña Brava. Overall, rum creates an espresso martini with a tropical, Molasses-laced flavor.
Whiskey
Whiskey’s warm, toasted oak flavors pair incredibly well with coffee. Bourbon, Scotch, and Irish whiskey are all great options for an espresso martini base. They lend flavors of vanilla, caramel, and subtle smoke that meld nicely with the chocolate and roasted notes of the espresso.
Some recommended whiskeys for espresso martinis include:
- Jack Daniel’s
- Bulleit Bourbon
- Jameson Irish Whiskey
- Glenmorangie 10 Year
- Johnnie Walker Black Label
- Maker’s Mark
The bold, intense flavors of bourbon work particularly well and make for a strong, spirit-forward espresso martini. Single malt Scotches also shine through nicely without getting overwhelmed by the coffee elements. And the gentle sweetness of Irish whiskey is a nice contrast to the espresso’s bitterness.
Tequila
For a Mexican-inspired twist, tequila can sub in for the vodka or other liquor base. Blanco tequilas work best to let the coffee and vanilla flavors shine. Reposado or añejo tequilas will also add nice oak accents, while smoother tequilas like Patrón Silver provide a very easy-drinking espresso martini.
Recommended tequilas for espresso martinis include:
- Patrón Silver
- Herradura Silver
- Milagro Silver
- 1800 Silver
- Don Julio Reposado
- El Jimador Reposado
The crisp agave flavor of tequila plays nicely off the bitterness of the espresso for a lighter, cleaner tasting espresso martini. For something bolder, use a smoky mezcal like Del Maguey Vida. It adds a wonderful roasted complexity.
Brandy and Cognac
Brandy and cognac are also excellent choices for espresso cocktails. They provide flavors of oak, berries, vanilla, and caramel that enhance the coffee and chocolate notes. VS level cognacs like Courvoisier VSOP or Hennessy VS give toffee sweetness, while higher-end XO cognacs add sophisticated layers of dried fruit and spice.
Recommended brandies and cognacs include:
- Remy Martin VSOP Cognac
- Courvoisier VS Cognac
- Hennessy VS Cognac
- Pierre Ferrand 1840 Cognac
- Martell Cordon Bleu Cognac
- Paul Masson Grande Amber Brandy
The velvety texture and concentrated flavors of cognac marry seamlessly with the creamy coffee liqueur. For a less expensive option, California brandies like Paul Masson also work nicely to give body and fruitiness.
Gin
Although not as common, gin can make an interesting base for an espresso martini as well. The juniper and botanical flavors add an aromatic, herbal element that contrasts with the sweet coffee. Barrel-aged gins are especially nice for their lightly wooded flavors.
Good gins to use are:
- Tanqueray London Dry Gin
- Hendrick’s Gin
- Plymouth Gin
- Citadelle Gin
- Beefeater 24 Gin
- Roku Gin
The key with gin is to choose one with a bold, juniper-forward taste that won’t get drowned out by the other ingredients. Otherwise, the flavors can become muddled. Used right, gin can put a very creative, herbaceous spin on the typical espresso martini.
Liqueurs
In addition to the base spirit, the choice of coffee liqueur is critical for flavoring an espresso martini. Here are some of the most popular options:
- Kahlúa – The most classic coffee liqueur, Kahlúa provides a straightforward roasted coffee taste along with hints of vanilla and caramel.
- Mr Black – This Australian liqueur uses cold brew coffee for an intense, smooth flavor.
- Patrón XO Cafe – Made with Patrón silver tequila, this liqueur has notes of chocolate and vanilla.
- St. George NOLA – A rich coffee liqueur made with chicory and Louisiana whiskey.
- Kamora – Features notes of milk chocolate andhazelnut alongside the coffee flavor.
- Bailey’s – The famous Irish cream liqueur provides a creamy texture and hint of sweetness.
Kahlúa is the standard choice, but experimenting with these other liqueurs can significantly change the flavor profile of the final cocktail.
Conclusion
While vodka is the classic choice, almost any spirit can be used successfully as the base for an espresso martini. Rums, whiskeys, tequilas, gins, and liqueurs will all contribute their own unique flavors and aromas to complement the richness of the coffee. Ultimately, the “best” liquor comes down to personal taste preferences. Try out different options to see which spirit or combination of spirits makes your perfect version of this beloved caffeinated cocktail.