Tequila Espresso Martini Recipe

The original espresso martini became popular in the 1980s when bartender Dick Bradsell introduced it to the world. Now tequila is stepping in to add a new layer of depth. Reposado tequila works best here since it pairs beautifully with the deep roasted flavors of coffee.

We will guide you through making this at home, from choosing the right tequila to achieving that perfect frothy top. Whether you are mixing drinks for a relaxed night in or impressing guests with your bartending skills, this recipe is a must-try.

What's in a Tequila Espresso Martini?

A tequila espresso martini recipe takes the classic coffee cocktail in a bold new direction. We love how tequila’s earthy caramel notes create a smooth foundation for rich espresso and sweet coffee liqueur. It is a mix of deep, roasted flavors with just the right amount of warmth and complexity.

Tequila

Reposado tequila works best, offering warmth and subtle oakiness that blend beautifully with coffee. Brands like Casamigos, Herradura, or Patrón are great choices. Silver tequila works too but lacks the same depth.

Related: What’s the Difference Between Tequila and Mezcal?

Espresso

Fresh espresso creates that signature foam and rich aroma. If an espresso machine is not available, use strong cold brew concentrate or double-strength coffee from a moka pot or French press.

Coffee Liqueur

Coffee liqueur adds sweetness and enhances the espresso. Kahlúa is a go-to, but Mr. Black offers a stronger coffee-forward taste with less sweetness.

You might also like: Top 12 Best Kahlua Cocktails You Can Make at Home | Kahlua Hot Chocolate Recipe

Simple Syrup

A little sweetness balances the espresso’s bitterness. Simple syrup works well, but agave syrup adds depth, while maple syrup or Licor 43 brings extra character.

Garnish Options

Three coffee beans are the classic choice. A dusting of cocoa or cinnamon adds aroma, chocolate shavings enhance richness, and an orange twist brightens the drink. For a spicy touch, a pinch of chili powder brings a subtle heat.

How to Make a Tequila Espresso Martini

This tequila espresso martini recipe is smooth, bold, and packed with rich coffee flavor. Here is how to make it.

Step 1: Brew and Chill the Espresso

Fresh espresso gives the best flavor, but let it cool for a few minutes before mixing. Hot espresso can melt the ice too quickly, watering down the drink.

Step 2: Build the Cocktail

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, then add tequila, espresso, coffee liqueur, and a touch of sweetness from simple syrup or Licor 43.

Step 3: Shake It Up

Shake vigorously until the mixture is well chilled and a thick, frothy top forms. The more you shake, the smoother and creamier the texture.

Step 4: Strain and Serve

Strain into a chilled martini glass. For an extra refreshing drink, pop the glass in the freezer for a few minutes before serving.

Step 5: Garnish and Enjoy

Top with three coffee beans for a classic finish or a light sprinkle of cinnamon for extra aroma.

Check out the recipe card below for exact measurements and step-by-step instructions.

Tequila Espresso Martini Variations

Looking to change up your tequila espresso martini? We have some fun twists that bring out new flavors and keep things exciting. Perfect for your next get-together.

The Smoky Twist

Swap tequila for mezcal to add deep, smoky notes. The roasted agave flavor blends beautifully with rich espresso, creating a bold and complex drink.

Garnish: A twist of orange peel for a bright citrus contrast.

The Creamy Dream

For a smoother and slightly sweeter version, add a splash of Baileys or oat milk liqueur. This softens the bold flavors and gives the cocktail a velvety texture.

Garnish: A light dusting of cocoa powder.

The Spice Route

A dash of cinnamon or chocolate bitters in the shaker adds warmth and depth, bringing out hidden flavors in both the tequila and espresso.

Garnish: A cinnamon stick for extra aroma.

The Classic Flip

If you prefer the original espresso martini, swap tequila for vodka while keeping the same rich coffee flavor.

Garnish: The classic three coffee beans.

On the Rocks

Instead of serving it in a martini glass, pour the shaken cocktail over ice. This version stays cold longer and is perfect for warm days.

Garnish: A fresh mint sprig for a cooling touch.

Try these variations and see which one becomes your new favorite. Better yet, make a few and let your guests decide.

More Cocktail Recipes to Try

If you enjoyed our Tequila Espresso Martini, here are a few other cocktails you might like:

• Classic Espresso Martini
• Carajillo
• Mezcal Negroni
• Mexican Coffee
• Mezcal Old Fashioned
• Mezcal Sour

Give these a try and see which one becomes your new favorite.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the origin of the Tequila Espresso Martini?

The classic Espresso Martini was created in the 1980s by Dick Bradsell, a London bartender. A customer asked for something to "wake me up and mess me up," and the Espresso Martini was born.

The Tequila Espresso Martini is a modern twist on this classic. It swaps vodka for tequila, giving the drink more depth and character.

Bartenders started making this version as tequila grew more popular in craft cocktail bars around the 2010s.

What's the best tequila for an Espresso Martini?

We find that reposado tequila works best in this drink. The slight aging adds vanilla and caramel notes that match perfectly with coffee.

Blanco tequila is also good if you want more bright, agave flavors to shine through. Either way, choose a 100% agave tequila like Olmeca Altos for the best results.

Don't use mixto tequila (not 100% agave) as it will give your cocktail a harsh taste.

How strong is a Tequila Espresso Martini?

A Tequila Espresso Martini packs a punch with about 25% alcohol by volume. This makes it stronger than wine but not as strong as a neat spirit.

The mixture of caffeine and alcohol creates a unique effect. You get the alertness from coffee with the relaxing buzz from tequila.

We suggest sipping it slowly to enjoy both the flavor and the feeling.

Can I make this cocktail without an espresso machine?

Yes! We use a few different methods when we don't have an espresso machine. A Moka pot works great and costs much less than an espresso maker.

AeroPress can also make strong coffee that works well in this drink. Just use a fine grind and press firmly.

Cold brew concentrate is another option that adds smooth coffee flavor without any bitterness.

Can I use instant coffee instead of espresso in this cocktail?

Yes, instant coffee can work in a pinch. We recommend using instant espresso powder rather than regular instant coffee for better flavor.

Mix 1-2 teaspoons with just enough hot water to make a strong shot. Let it cool before using it in your cocktail.

It won't create the same frothy top as fresh espresso, but you can shake extra hard to help create some foam.

Tequila Espresso Martini Recipe

Looking for a bold, smooth cocktail with just the right kick? This tequila espresso martini recipe takes the classic to a whole new level. We have tested and tweaked it to find the perfect balance of rich coffee, smooth tequila, and just the right amount of sweetness.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 5 minutes mins

Course Cocktails, Drinks

Servings 1

Equipment

• Cocktail shaker
• Jigger or measuring tool
• Cocktail strainer
• Fine mesh Strainer
• Martini glass or coupe glass
• Coffee maker or espresso machine

Ingredients

  

• 2 oz tequila Reposado or silver
• 1 oz freshly brewed espresso chilled
• ¾ oz coffee liqueur Kahlúa or similar
• ½ oz simple syrup or Licor 43
• Ice for shaking
• 3 coffee beans or cinnamon sprinkle for garnish

Instructions

 

• Chill your glass by placing it in the freezer for 10 minutes.
• Brew your espresso and let it cool completely. Hot espresso will melt ice too quickly.
• Fill your shaker with ice until it's about ¾ full.
• Add all liquid ingredients to the shaker: tequila, cooled espresso, coffee liqueur, and simple syrup.
• Shake vigorously for at least 15-20 seconds. This is key for creating that creamy foam top!
• Double strain into your chilled glass to catch any ice chips or coffee grounds.
• Garnish with three coffee beans or a light dusting of cinnamon.

Notes

• No espresso machine? Strong cold brew concentrate works too. Just use 1.5 oz to match the intensity of espresso.
• Use fresh espresso no more than 20 minutes old. The oils help create that creamy layer on top.
• Warm coffee melts the ice too fast. We let ours cool in the freezer for five minutes before mixing.
• Too bitter? Add a bit more simple syrup. Too sweet? A few drops of orange bitters help balance it out.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon or a few drops of chocolate bitters to the shaker for an extra layer of flavor.

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