The Totally Unbiased Guide to Making the Best Espresso Martinis for the Holidays

Espresso martinis have earned their place as a go‑to holiday cocktail. They are bold, smooth and festive. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or winding down after a long day of gift shopping, this drink brings together the rich comfort of coffee with the celebratory sparkle of a classic martini.

And the best part is, you don’t need a bartender’s toolkit to make a truly spectacular one at home! With the right coffee, a few simple ingredients and a good shake, you can craft a café‑quality espresso martini in your own kitchen. So, without further ado, Everette's Fresh Roast Coffee presents the Totally Unbiased Guide to Making the Best Espresso Martinis for the Holidays.

Getting Everything Ready

A great espresso martini starts with the right ingredients and equipment. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Vodka: Something clean, neutral and smooth. You can't go wrong with Tito's or Grey Goose, depending on your budget.

• Coffee liqueur: Kahlúa or any similar, quality brand. Check out "The Best Coffee Liqueurs for Espresso Martinis, According to Bartenders" from Food & Wine.

• Simple syrup: Optional but helpful for sweetness control.

• Ice: The more, the better for achieving a velvety foam.

• Cocktail shaker: Probably goes without saying.

• High quality, Arabica coffee beans: Used to make the espresso, this is the heart of the drink. More on our recommendation below.

Regarding those coffee beans, we (shockingly!) recommend our Sandrolini Dark Roast. Remember, this guide is totally unbiased!

With a flavor profile that shines with notes of milk chocolate, red fruit and caramel, the Sandrolini delivers a tasteful and aromatic punch that espresso martinis depend on. In general, most folks prefer to use a darker roast for espresso drinks, but it all comes down to personal preference.

When it comes to making the espresso shot, you need to have a machine in place already. If you're reading this blog, there's a decent chance that you do. If you don't, but you want to get into it, a good brand to consider is Breville. They have a wide range of products to fit most budgets, whether you're starting out or looking to uplevel.

Steps for Making the Best Espresso Martinis

Step 1: Chill your glass

Place your martini glass in the freezer for at least 5-10 minutes. A frosty glass instantly upgrades the presentation and keeps the drink cool for longer.

Step 2: Brew your espresso

Brew a fresh shot of espresso using Everette’s Sandrolini Dark Roast. Let it cool for 1-2 minutes so it doesn’t melt the ice too fast.

Step 3: Fill your shaker with ice

Don't be shy! Ice is the key to building that creamy froth.

Step 4: Add your ingredients

• 2 oz vodka

• 1 oz coffee liqueur

• 1 oz fresh espresso

• 0.25-0.5 oz simple syrup (optional)

Step 5: Shake vigorously

Channel those old shake weight commercials and shake hard for 15-20 seconds! You want to hear a vaguely slushy sound.

Step 6: Strain into your glass

Use a fine strainer for a silky finish, though if your shaker has a built-in strainer, that usually works just as well.

Step 7: Garnish and serve

Top your beautiful espresso martini with three roasted coffee beans, symbolizing health, wealth and happiness, and then enjoy!

Adding a Twist for the Holidays

Is having the best regular espresso martini not enough? Fear not! Here are some holiday-themed ideas to take your drink to another level of festivity:

Peppermint mocha martini

• Add a drop of peppermint extract

• Rim the glass with crushed candy cane

Gingerbread espresso martini

• Add a pinch of gingerbread spice or spiced simple syrup

• Garnish with a mini gingerbread cookie

Christmas cookie martini

• Swap regular vodka for vanilla vodka

• Add a splash of Irish cream for a dessert‑like twist

Fireside cinnamon martini

• Add cinnamon and nutmeg

• Rim the glass with toasted cinnamon sugar

Try out your own concoction and let us know what you think! Leave a comment or shoot us a message on Instagram. From the Everette family to yours, happy holidays!