This frozen espresso martini is a fun twist on the classic that comes together in 5 minutes! This creamy, frosty cocktail has rich coffee flavor with just 4 simple ingredients.
Here’s my new favorite cocktail for any season: the frozen espresso martini! The classic espresso martini is one of the most popular cocktails in America, and guess what? My frozen version is even easier to make (and more delicious, in my opinion).
My spin on this recipe is extremely simple. Many recipes call for making espresso and freezing it into ice cubes, but who has time for that? (Not me.) When I started recipe testing, I realized a game-changing secret: cold brew coffee. It makes this drink into a simple 5-minute blender recipe! Now I can whip up a pitcher of frozen espresso martinis whenever the craving strikes, and it’s become one of my most-requested summer cocktails by friends and family!
Ingredients in a frozen espresso martini
This recipe came about as a happy accident. Wondering if I could use bottled cold brew coffee in a frozen version of the classic espresso martini, I whipped out my blender. Turns out, it works perfectly—so the frozen version of this cocktail ready in just 5 minutes! Here are the ingredients you’ll need:
- Cold brew coffee (or strong coffee): I typically use store-bought cold brew concentrate because it’s convenient. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can make your own cold brew coffee or even French press cold brew. You can also make coffee using your favorite method: make it double strength and chill it before blending. Another option is Moka Pot coffee, since its flavor is somewhere between coffee and espresso.
- Vodka: I prefer a smooth, neutral vodka that won’t compete with the coffee flavors.
- Kahlúa: This coffee liqueur adds sweetness and depth. You can substitute with Tia Maria if you prefer.
- Sugar: A touch of granulated sugar balances the natural bitterness of the coffee. For a more natural option, try maple syrup or agave syrup, using ¾ of the sugar specified in the recipe..
- Ice: Plenty of ice is essential for achieving that perfect frozen texture.
How to make a frozen espresso martini: step by step
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Here’s how I make it every time:
Step 1: Gather the ingredients: 1 cup cold brew coffee, ¼ cup Kahlua, ¼ cup vodka, 3 tablespoons sugar, and 3 cups ice.
Step 2: Blend the ingredients in a blender.
Step 3: Pour into glasses and garnish with 3 coffee beans.
The story behind the drink
The Espresso Martini is a vodka martini made with coffee that was invented in 1983. London bartender Dick Bradsell of the Soho Brasserie created the drink for a patron who asked for a drink to wake her up.
Apparently the coffee machine was right next to the drink station, and the Espresso Martini was born. The name came in the 1990’s when flavored martinis were all the rage.
Featured ingredient: Kahlua
Kahlua is a coffee liqueur that’s made in Mexico. It’s made with rum, sugar and coffee. It does have some caffeine, but only about 25% as much as the same volume of coffee. The standard Kahlua is dairy-free, vegan and plant-based: it contains only rum, sugar and coffee.
You can also use other types of coffee liqueur in a frozen espresso martini, like Tia Maria or Sheridan’s. Use up leftovers to make Kahlua drinks like the White Russian, Black Russian or Mudslide.
Frequently asked questions
The main difference is texture. A frozen espresso martini is blended with ice, creating a slushy, refreshing drink, similar to a frozen margarita. The flavor profile is similar to the classic cocktail.
Absolutely! If you prefer a sweeter drink, add a bit more sugar. For a less sweet version, reduce the amount. We don’t suggest omitting it.
Coffee beans are the classic choice, but you can also use a sprinkle of cocoa powder or even a dollop of whipped cream.
It’s best to blend right before serving to have the correct slushy texture. If desired, you can mix up the liquids and refrigerate, then blend with ice right before serving. You can also blend and freeze for up to 1 hour, then stir with a fork before serving.
Frozen Espresso Martini
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Print RecipeThis frozen espresso martini is a fun twist on the classic that comes together in 5 minutes! This creamy, frosty cocktail has rich coffee flavor with just 4 simple ingredients. It’s the drink of the summer!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 2 to 3 servings
- Category: Drink
- Method: Frozen
- Cuisine: Cocktails
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 1 cup cold brew (or strong coffee, cooled*)
- ¼ cup vodka
- ¼ cup Kahlua or other coffee liqueur (like Tia Maria)
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar**
- 3 cups ice cubes
- Coffee beans, for garnish
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in the blender and blend until combined.
- Pour into glasses and garnish with coffee beans.
Notes
*We used purchased bottled vanilla cold brew. You can also use homemade cold brew coffee, or make double-strength coffee using your favorite method.
**If desired, you can also use 2 ½ tablespoons simple syrup, maple syrup, or agave syrup as a natural sweetener.
Make ahead notes: It’s best to blend right before serving to have the correct slushy texture. If desired, you can mix up the liquids and refrigerate, then blend with ice right before serving. You can also blend and freeze for up to 1 hour, then stir with a fork before serving.
Other coffee cocktails you might enjoy
If you love a good frozen espresso martini, here are a few classic coffee cocktails to try:
- Try the classic Espresso Martini or White Russian.
- Blend up a frosty and delicious Bushwacker.
- Add tequila for an Espresso Margarita.
- Try boozy coffee like Irish Coffee, Kahlua Coffee, or Spanish Coffee.
from A Couple Cooks https://ift.tt/NVskg5A
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