Love an Espresso Martini? Try These Unique Coffee Liqueurs

Few cocktails have seen such a resurgence as the Espresso Martini. Crafted from vodka, coffee liqueur, and espresso, this buzzy drink was first created by British bartending icon Dick Bradsell during the 1980s, when a well-known model allegedly requested a drink that would “wake me up and then fuck me up.” Today, the drink is more popular than ever. The cocktail is also surprisingly easy to make.

“Espresso Martinis are great to make at home because they’re simple yet sophisticated, with just a few ingredients that deliver a big impact,” says Jules Longet, food and beverage manager at the Mandarin Oriental in New York City. Longet describes the cocktail as ideal for coffee lovers who enjoy a touch of indulgence and energy in one glass, and notes it’s best enjoyed after dinner or as a lively pick-me-up.

Aude Fraisse, bartender at San Francisco’s Bar Crenn, finds that Espresso Martinis offer a playful way to explore coffee in one of its many versatile forms. “The Espresso Martini is a drink that welcomes everyone; coffee lovers, curious home bartenders, and friends who enjoy a delicious moment shared over a beautifully shaken glass,” she says.

When Bradsell first crafted the now-modern classic, there were only a few coffee liqueur options. Kahlúa from Mexico and Tia Maria from Jamaica were the most popular. Today, there are a variety of coffee liqueurs with different base spirits and layers of complexity to customize your Espresso Martini.

We asked bar pros which bottles they reach for when preparing this crowd-pleasing cocktail at home. Here are their recommendations.

Mr. Black Coffee Liqueur

Food & Wine / Mr. Black

Since launching in the U.S. in 2017, Mr. Black has seen global success. Produced in Australia, this expert-approved liqueur is made from Australian wheat vodka, 100% specialty-grade Arabica coffee beans, and a hint of cane sugar, resulting in a quality product that puts the coffee flavor front and center.

Mr. Black is Longet’s go-to coffee liqueur, especially when crafting Espresso Martinis. “Its bold, roasted flavor and low sugar content allow the espresso to really shine, creating a more refined and balanced cocktail with a clean, dry finish,” he says, adding that the well-balanced profile of the liqueur allows the true character of the coffee to shine.

Cazcabel Coffee Liqueur

Food & Wine / Cazcabel Tequila

Adam Baca, beverage director at Bond Hospitality, says Espresso Martinis are great cocktails to enjoy at home because they’re easy to make with a few ingredients. “The Espresso Martini is a very versatile cocktail that can be paired with most spirits and quality espresso for an elegant and energizing experience,” he says. Cazcabel Coffee Liqueur is his liqueur of choice. “We love this one because it’s tequila-based and made with roasted coffee, all sourced from Mexico.” The liqueur’s chocolate and coffee notes pair well with the roasted agave.

Merlet C2 Café au Cognac Liqueur

Food & Wine / Merlet

“Our go-to coffee liqueur for an Espresso Martini is Liqueur de Café C² from Merlet, a beautifully crafted expression that bridges the elegance of Cognac with the bold intensity of freshly roasted Brazilian arabica,” says Fraisse. Because of the liqueur’s restrained sweetness, she says, its authentic coffee notes come through clearly. The Cognac base adds a gentle richness and structure, resulting in an Espresso Martini that is refined, balanced, and especially layered.

Caffè Borghetti Espresso Liqueur

Food & Wine / Borghetti

Longet also thinks Caffè Borghetti Espresso Liqueur is a great option for Espresso Martinis. The uniquely Italian liqueur was originally created by Ugo Borghetti in 1860, but is now produced at Fratelli Branca Distillerie in Milan. The liqueur uses a neutral base spirit and is roasted with arabica and robusta beans, with a hint of sugar. “It has an authentic Italian espresso taste with a rounder, slightly sweeter profile, which adds depth and a touch of caramel warmth to the cocktail,” he says.

Forthave Brown Coffee Liqueur

Food & Wine / Forthave Spirits

Baca and his team at Sartiano’s in New York City have been experimenting with a coffee liqueur made in their backyard. “Forthave Brown Coffee Liqueur, made by a local spirits company that roasts in Brooklyn, adds a new complexity to Espresso Martinis with notes of toasted almonds and dried cherries,” he says. The liqueur, he says, is also delicious on its own, after a long meal.

Whichever bottle you choose, the key to a great Espresso Martini lies in balance — bold coffee flavor, just enough sweetness, and a lively shake.

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