Want a fancy drink at home? Try this Ina Garten Espresso Martini Recipe! It’s smooth, strong, and so tasty.
The Barefoot Contessa knows how to make simple drinks amazing. This cocktail mixes rich espresso with vodka perfectly. You’ll love every sip of this classic drink.
Making an Ina Garten Espresso Martini Recipe is super easy. You don’t need special bartender skills. Just fresh espresso, good vodka, and coffee liqueur.
In minutes, you’ll have a café-quality drink. Your friends will think you’re a pro! Let me show you how to make this delicious espresso martini at home.
When I First Discovered the Ina Garten Espresso Martini
I first tried this recipe at a dinner party. My friend served these gorgeous espresso martinis. The foam on top looked so professional.
I took one sip and was amazed. It was smooth, not too sweet, and perfectly balanced. She told me it was Ina Garten’s recipe. I knew I had to learn it.
The next day, I looked up the recipe. I made it that same weekend. Now it’s my go-to cocktail for special occasions. Guests always ask for the recipe!

Equipment List
You need a few basic bar tools. Don’t worry, nothing fancy is required. Here’s what to gather:
- Cocktail shaker
- Measuring jigger
- Martini glasses
- Fine mesh strainer
- Ice cubes
- Small espresso cups
Ingredients You Need for Ina Garten Espresso Martini
- 2 ounces good quality vodka
- 1 ounce coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa)
- 1 ounce freshly brewed espresso (cooled)
- ½ ounce simple syrup
- Ice cubes
- 3 coffee beans for garnish
Step-by-Step Guide
- Make a strong shot of espresso first.
- Let it cool for 5 minutes.
- Hot espresso will melt your ice too fast.
- Cool espresso makes the best martinis.
- Add ice cubes to your cocktail shaker.
- Fill it about halfway with ice.
- More ice means a colder drink.
- Pour vodka into the shaker first.
- Then add coffee liqueur and cooled espresso.
- Add simple syrup last.
- Measure carefully for best results.
- Close the shaker tight and shake hard.
- Shake for 15-20 seconds without stopping.
- You want that beautiful foam on top.
- The shaking creates the signature creamy layer.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
- Use the fine mesh strainer for smoothness.
- The foam should sit perfectly on top.
- Place three coffee beans on the foam.
- They represent health, wealth, and happiness.
- Now your drink looks restaurant-worthy!
Tips to Make the Best Ina Garten Espresso Martini
- Use freshly brewed espresso, not instant coffee.
- Fresh makes a huge difference in taste.
- Chill your martini glasses in the freezer first.
- Cold glasses keep drinks colder longer.
- Don’t skip the vigorous shaking step.
- Shaking creates that gorgeous foam layer everyone loves.
- Use good quality vodka for smoothness.
- Cheap vodka can taste harsh and ruin it.
- Adjust sweetness by adding more or less syrup.
- Taste and make it your own style.
- Serve immediately after making for best foam.
- The foam disappears if you wait too long.
FAQs About Ina Garten Espresso Martini
Q: Can I make this without espresso machine?
A: Yes, use very strong brewed coffee instead. It won’t be exactly the same. But it still tastes delicious and works fine.
Q: Is this recipe very strong?
A: Yes, it contains alcohol and caffeine together. It’s a strong cocktail. Enjoy responsibly and don’t have too many.
Q: Can I make it ahead?
A: Not really, make it fresh for best results. The foam disappears when it sits. Mix it right before serving your guests.
Q: What vodka works best?
A: Use a smooth, quality vodka like Grey Goose. Mid-range vodkas work great too. Avoid very cheap brands for best taste.
Q: Can I skip the coffee liqueur?
A: You could, but it adds sweetness and depth. The drink won’t taste the same. I recommend keeping it in the recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Ina Garten Espresso Martini Recipe is absolutely perfect. It’s elegant, delicious, and impressively easy to make. You’ll feel like a professional bartender. The ingredients for Ina Garten Espresso Martini are simple.
Most people have them at home already. Learning how to make Ina Garten Espresso Martini takes practice. But you’ll get it right quickly.
This cocktail is perfect for dinner parties. It’s also great for quiet nights at home. The combination of coffee and vodka is magic.
Everyone who tries it asks for seconds. Make this recipe your signature cocktail. Your friends will be so impressed. Cheers to delicious homemade drinks!
More Amazing Recipes
- Martha Stewart French Toast Recipe
- Martha Stewart Blueberry Muffins Recipe
- Martha Stewart Egg Strata Recipe
- Martha Stewart Blueberry Muffins Recipe

Ina Garten Espresso Martini Recipe
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Measuring jigger
- Martini glasses
- Fine mesh strainer
- Ice cubes
- Small espresso cups
Ingredients
- 2 ounces good quality vodka
- 1 ounce coffee liqueur like Kahlúa
- 1 ounce freshly brewed espresso cooled
- ½ ounce simple syrup
- Ice cubes
- 3 coffee beans for garnish
Instructions
- Make a strong shot of espresso first.
- Let it cool for 5 minutes.
- Hot espresso will melt your ice too fast.
- Cool espresso makes the best martinis.
- Add ice cubes to your cocktail shaker.
- Fill it about halfway with ice.
- More ice means a colder drink.
- Pour vodka into the shaker first.
- Then add coffee liqueur and cooled espresso.
- Add simple syrup last.
- Measure carefully for best results.
- Close the shaker tight and shake hard.
- Shake for 15-20 seconds without stopping.
- You want that beautiful foam on top.
- The shaking creates the signature creamy layer.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
- Use the fine mesh strainer for smoothness.
- The foam should sit perfectly on top.
- Place three coffee beans on the foam.
- They represent health, wealth, and happiness.
- Now your drink looks restaurant-worthy!
Notes
- Use freshly brewed espresso, not instant coffee.
- Fresh makes a huge difference in taste.
- Chill your martini glasses in the freezer first.
- Cold glasses keep drinks colder longer.
- Don’t skip the vigorous shaking step.
- Shaking creates that gorgeous foam layer everyone loves.
- Use good quality vodka for smoothness.
- Cheap vodka can taste harsh and ruin it.
- Adjust sweetness by adding more or less syrup.
- Taste and make it your own style.
- Serve immediately after making for best foam.
- The foam disappears if you wait too long.













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