Classic Espresso Martini Recipe (using Rum) is a tasty spin on the classic espresso martini recipe! Made with only 3 ingredients, anyone can make this martini at home!
Espresso Martinis have become popular over the past few years especially during the holidays. For me, espresso martinis have become popular ever since becoming a mom (3 1/2 years ago).
This cocktail recipe was inspired by the famous Espresso Martini recipe at Starboard Raw in Dewey Beach, Delaware. This is not the exact recipe (their recipe is top secret), I do think that this Espresso Martini using Rum comes close to cracking their secret!
Who doesn’t like making martinis at home? Try these Party Cosmopolitans. This is a large batch recipe for a classic Cosmopolitan. The perfect drink for holiday parties! Or, try these White Christmas Cosmos! For a lighter holiday martini, this recipe uses white cranberry juice and elderberry liqueur for a fun spin on a classic cocktail!
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Classic Espresso Martini (using Rum) Details
Flavor: Sweet! Using dark rum in this martini gives the drink a slightly sweet taste.
Time: Less than 5 minutes! Be sure to prepare your espresso ahead of time to allow for it to cool down.
Level of difficulty: Simple! Just measure, pour and shake it up for an easy espresso martini at home!
Ingredients
With only 3 ingredients, this Espresso Martini is simple to make.
- Espresso: If you don’t have espresso, substitute very strong coffee or cold brew coffee. Don’t be intimidated to brew espresso at home. Try using this Stovetop Espresso Maker to make espresso in minutes!
- Dark Rum: I like to use a dark spiced rum because it has hints of vanilla and warm spices which boosts the flavor in this martini. Try Captain Morgan, Bacardi or Sailor Jerry’s in this recipe.
- Coffee Liqueur: The most well known coffee liqueur is Kahlua. Don’t be scared to try a different coffee liqueur!
How to Make an Espresso Martini (using Rum)
Make this classic martini in just 3 simple steps!
- Add espresso, rum and coffee liqueur to a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Shake vigorously for 1 minute until outside of shaker becomes cold and icy.
- Pour directly into a chilled martini glass and enjoy!
Can I make this drink into a mocktail?
The dark rum is what really makes this Espresso Martini (using Rum). Substitute a non-alcoholic rum such as Ritual’s Zero Proof Rum and use Lyre’s Coffee Originale Non-Alcoholic Spirit to create an Espresso Martini Mocktail with a rum flavor!
Drink Tips!
- Espresso is different from strongly brewed coffee and cold brew! To get a classic espresso martini flavor, use espresso.
- This martini is best served immediately. If you want to make this ahead of time, add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker without the ice. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Add the ice before shaking and serving.
- To get a frothy martini, shake the cocktail vigorously! Immediately pour into a chilled espresso martini glass for a beautiful and frothy martini!
Equipment
Only basic equipment is needed to make this Espresso Martini using Rum!
- Cocktail Shaker
- Shot Glass or Jigger
- Martini Glass
Storage
Store any leftover espresso martini in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If preparing this cocktail ahead of time, add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker. Do not add ice. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Add ice and shake cocktail vigorously before serving.
Top tip
For the frothiest espresso martini, shake the cocktail shaker up and down and back and forth. Set a timer to be sure to shake for at least one minute. The outside of the cocktail shaker should be cold and icy. If your hands are too cold, cover the cocktail shaker with a towel while you shake. Immediately pour the espresso martini into a martini glass.
FAQ
Traditional espresso martinis are made of vodka, espresso, coffee liqueur such as Kahlua and, often, a simple syrup. This recipe replaces the vodka with a spiced rum for a sweet and smooth taste!
Yes, you can use rum in an espresso martini instead of vodka, just try this recipe! Rum gives an espresso martini a vanilla flavor with subtle spices such as cinnamon, cardamon and anise.
If your espresso martini is not frothy, it may be because you have not shaken the cocktail shaker hard enough or long enough. I recommend shaking for at least 1 minute to activate the oils in the coffee beans to begin to froth. Shake up and down and back and forth. The cocktail shaker should be visibly icy.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with martinis!
Classic Espresso Martini Recipe (using Rum)
Equipment
- Cocktail Shaker
- Shot Glass or Jigger
- Espresso Maker if making own espresso
- Martini Glass
Ingredients
- 2 oz Espresso Room Temperature or Chilled
- 2 oz Dark Rum
- 1 oz Coffee Liqueur
Instructions
- Add espresso, rum and coffee liqueur to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously for a minute until outside of cocktail shaker is cold. Pour into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with coffee beans.
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