Dark, smooth, and unapologetically modern. Coffee and vodka lay down a clean, familiar base, while Krampus slips in with warmth and spice that softens the edges and deepens the finish. Finished with a cream float, this is less about caffeine bravado and more about late-night elegance—the kind of drink that keeps the evening sharp without rushing it.
The espresso martini is one of the most popular cocktails in the world right now: vodka, coffee liqueur and fresh coffee, shaken hard into a frothy, dark drink. This version uses Krampus Coffee Liqueur and adds a half ounce of Krampus Herbal Liqueur.
It's a natural after-dinner drink and an easy holiday party favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 oz coffee liqueur (we use Krampus Coffee Liqueur)
- 1 oz vodka
- ½ oz Krampus Herbal Liqueur
- ½ oz cold brew coffee
- ½ oz simple syrup
- Heavy cream, for the float
Directions
- Add everything except the cream to a shaker with ice.
- Shake hard for about 15 seconds.
- Double-strain into a chilled coupe, then gently float a little cream over the back of a spoon.
Glass: Coupe · Garnish: Cream float
Tip
The hard shake is what builds the foam, so don’t go easy. Freshly pulled espresso in place of the cold brew gives an even thicker crema.
Variations
Skip the cream for a classic foam-topped version and garnish with three coffee beans. For a richer, dessert-style drink, try the Krampus Mocha Martini.
A Brief History of the Espresso Martini
London bartender Dick Bradsell is credited with creating the espresso martini in the late 1980s. The most-told story says a model asked him for a drink that would wake her up and then mess her up, and he reached for the espresso machine.
It was first called the Vodka Espresso and later the Pharmaceutical Stimulant, and it spent the 2020s at the top of cocktail menus worldwide.
Why Make It With Krampus
Many coffee liqueurs taste mostly of sugar. Krampus Coffee Liqueur is made with cold brew from Tony's Coffee in Bellingham and real Madagascar Bourbon vanilla beans, so the coffee actually comes through. The splash of Krampus Herbal Liqueur adds roasted hazelnut and honey, which turns it into something like a hazelnut latte in a coupe.
FAQ
How do you get foam on an espresso martini?
Shake it very hard with plenty of ice for 15 to 20 seconds. Fresh espresso or cold brew with some body helps the foam hold.
Can I use cold brew instead of espresso?
Yes. Cold brew makes a smoother, less bitter drink. Use a concentrated cold brew so the coffee flavor doesn't get diluted.