Cold Brew Martini Recipe: The Espresso Martini Simplified!

Treat yourself to a rich coffee martini – no espresso machine needed!

Espresso martinis are all the rage these days, but not everyone has an espresso machine at home. Luckily, there’s an easy substitute: cold brew concentrate! It has a flavor every bit as intense as espresso and requires no special equipment to make.

In this recipe, I’ll teach you how to make your own cold brew concentrate and turn it into the most delicious cold brew coffee martini. Let’s get started.

Can You Use Cold Brew For An Espresso Martini?

Yes, cold brew is an easy substitute in many of the best coffee cocktails, the espresso martini included. Unlike espresso, it’s easy for anyone to make at home, and it’s already cold so there’s no wait time.

I’d suggest using cold brew coffee concentrate rather than dilute cold brew if you’re trying to mimic the flavor punch of an espresso shot in a classic espresso martini. Here’s what else you’ll need for your cold brew martini.

What Is The Best Alcohol In A Cold Brew Martini?

Feel free to experiment with your choice of vodka and coffee liqueur to suit your taste. I like to use a vodka that is sweet, mild, and not too herbal to best accent the flavors of the coffee. 

The classic coffee liqueur choice is Kahlua, which has a heavy body with notes of strong espresso and a nutty finish. Made with rum, vanilla bean, and sugar, it’s excellent when you want a more intense espresso undertone to your martini.

How Do You Make Cold Brew Concentrate?

You can easily use store-bought cold brew concentrate for this recipe, but it’s simple to make your own at home if you have a little patience.

First, choose a coffee bean whose flavor profile you enjoy. I love a bright Ethiopian Yirgacheffe to balance the chocolate-y sweetness of this drink, but it’s entirely up to you.

Combine ½ cup (2 ounces) of coarsely ground coffee beans with 2 cups of filtered, cool water in a Mason jar or French press. Let it sit in the fridge for 16 to 24 hours before straining out the coffee grounds. Voila!

Once you’ve made your cold brew concentrate, you can use it for other cold brew drinks, like a delicious cold brew old fashioned.

How To Make A Cold Brew Martini

Now that you’ve assembled your ingredients, let’s make a smooth cold brew martini in three easy steps.

Step 1: Chill Your Martini Glasses

Thirty minutes before you’re ready to serve your cold brew martinis, place your martini glasses in the freezer to chill.

Step 2: Combine Your Ingredients

Add a handful of ice cubes to a cocktail shaker. Next, pour in 3 ounces of vodka, 2 ounces of Kahlua or another coffee liqueur, and 3 ounces of cold brew concentrate. Shake vigorously until the outside of the shaker becomes frosted.

Personally, I think the liqueur adds enough sweetness to this drink, but you can add up to a tablespoon of simple syrup for a sweeter cocktail.

Step 3: Serve And Garnish Your Martini

Pour your shaken martini into your chilled martini glass. Optionally, garnish with whipped cream and/or dark chocolate espresso beans.

Final Thoughts

That’s how you make the best cold brew martini without an espresso maker – or even any kind of coffee maker! Keep it simple by using storebought cold brew concentrate or explore different profiles by making your own with single-origin beans. Either way, you’re in for a tasty pick-me-up.