An (N)espresso martini is a classic cocktail that combines the bold flavors of espresso with the smooth richness of vodka and the sweetness of Kahlua. It’s a perfect drink for coffee lovers who want to add a little kick to their evening, but the only catch is most of us don’t have an espresso machine at home
Fortunately this cocktail is a match made in heaven for you old (did I say that..) Nespresso machine.
To make the best Nespresso martini you need espresso, Kahlua, and vodka. Choose a Nespresso flavor with a darker roast and high intensity to not be overpowered by the Kahlua. Add ice, shake, and strain into a martini glass. Top with a coffee bean or stir in sugar syrup as desired.
Read on for our tips and tricks to make the best Nespresso martini:
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A Brief History of the Espresso Martini:
The exact origins of the espresso martini are somewhat disputed, but it is generally believed to have been invented in the 1980s in London. According to legend, a bartender named Dick Bradsell created the drink at Fred’s Club, a popular hangout for models and celebrities in the city. The story goes that a model requested a drink that would “wake me up and then fuck me up,” and Bradsell came up with the idea of combining vodka, Kahlua, and espresso in a martini glass. The espresso martini quickly became a popular choice at the bar, and it eventually spread to other parts of the world, becoming a beloved cocktail in its own right. Today, the espresso martini is enjoyed by coffee and cocktail lovers alike, and it can be found on the menus of bars and restaurants around the world.
What’s The Best Nespresso Pod for a Martini?
To create the ultimate Espresso Martini experience at home, it’s essential to choose the right Nespresso pods that deliver a rich, intense flavor profile.
In this article, we’ll explore three exceptional Nespresso pods that are perfect for crafting the perfect Espresso Martini: Gourmesso Lord Lungo, Arpeggio Decafeinato, and Hayman’s Hawaii Kona.
Best All Round – Gourmesso Lord Lungo:
The Gourmesso Lord Lungo is an excellent choice for those seeking a balanced and smooth espresso base for their Espresso Martini. With a medium roast intensity, this pod produces a rich crema and a medium-bodied coffee with notes of almond and hazelnut. The Lord Lungo brings a subtle sweetness to your cocktail while maintaining a well-rounded espresso taste. It provides a harmonious balance that complements the other ingredients in your martini, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer a mellow and sophisticated flavor profile.
Gourmesso - Lady Lungo
| 🌡️ Intensity | 7/13 |
| 💰 Price | $0.30 |
| ☕ Flavor | 8.5/10 |
| 🌎 SustainabilityRecy | Compostable |
| 🎁 Where to Buy | Link |
Best Decaf: Arpeggio Decafeinato:
For coffee lovers who want to enjoy an Espresso Martini without the caffeine buzz, the Arpeggio Decafeinato by Nespresso is the perfect solution. Despite being decaffeinated, this pod doesn’t compromise on flavor. Crafted from a blend of South and Central American Arabicas, it delivers a full-bodied espresso with rich intensity and a velvety texture. The Arpeggio Decafeinato boasts aromatic notes of cocoa and roasted cereal, providing a robust base for your Espresso Martini. Whether it’s an evening treat or a late-night indulgence, this decaffeinated option ensures you can enjoy the classic cocktail without worrying about sleepless nights.
Nespresso Arpeggio Decaffeinato
| 🌡️ Intensity | 9 |
| 💰 Price | $0.75 |
| ☕ Flavor | 8.5/10 |
| 🌎 Sustainability | Recyclable |
| 🎁 Where to Buy | Link |
Best Premium Coffee (and taste): Hayman’s Hawaii Kona:
If you’re seeking a luxurious and exotic touch to elevate your Espresso Martini, look no further than Hayman’s Hawaii Kona Nespresso pods. Grown on the volcanic slopes of the Big Island, the Kona coffee beans used in this blend are known for their exceptional quality and smoothness. The Hayman’s Hawaii Kona pod offers a medium roast with subtle hints of tropical fruit and dark chocolate, resulting in an espresso with unparalleled elegance. This pod infuses your Espresso Martini with a delightful complexity, turning it into a truly indulgent experience.
Hayman's - Hawaii Kona
| 🌡️ Intensity | 7 (est) |
| 💰 Price | $3.80 |
| ☕ Flavor | 10/10 |
| 🌎 Sustainability | n/a |
| 🎁 Where to Buy | Link |
How To Make The Best Nespresso Martini Recipe
Just because the (n)espresso martini is simple, it still means you gotta do it right. Chose a good qaulity vodka, and a coffee pod flavor that you’d enjoy by itself.
I find the Kahlua adds enough sweetness, but you may want to try adding a small amount of sugar syrup to prop it up.
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces vodka (Learn to make your own from our friends at DIY Distilling)
- 1 ounce Kahlua
- 1 ounce of freshly brewed espresso (from a Nespresso machine)
- Ice
- Optional: sugar or simple syrup, for sweetness
Instructions:
- Brew a shot of espresso using your Nespresso machine. If you’re using a pod machine, insert a Nespresso pod and press the button to dispense a shot of espresso. If you’re using a manual espresso machine, grind your beans and tamp them into the portafilter, then attach the portafilter to the machine and pull a shot.
- Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice. Add the vodka, Kahlua, and freshly brewed espresso to the shaker.
- If you like your martinis a little sweeter, you can add a splash of sugar or simple syrup to the shaker. To make simple syrup, combine equal parts water and sugar in a saucepan and heat over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved. Cool before using.
- Shake the cocktail shaker vigorously for about 20 seconds, until the ingredients are well combined and the shaker is cold to the touch.
- Strain the cocktail into a chilled martini glass.
- Garnish the martini with a twist of lemon or orange peel, if desired.
- Savor the flavors of the best Nespresso martini!
6 Nespresso Martini-Making Tips:
- For a smoother, creamier martini, you can add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half to the cocktail shaker.
- If you don’t have Kahlua, you can substitute another coffee-flavored liqueur, such as Bailey’s Irish Cream or Godiva Chocolate Liqueur.
- To make a virgin espresso martini, omit the vodka and Kahlua and increase the amount of espresso to 2 ounces. Add a splash of simple syrup or a drizzle of chocolate syrup for sweetness.
- Experiment with different types of Nespresso pods to find the flavor that works best for your espresso martini. Some popular choices include Ristretto, Arpeggio, and Livanto.
- If you don’t have a cocktail shaker, you can use a blender to mix the ingredients together. Just be sure to blend on low speed to avoid foaming.
- If you’re serving a crowd, you can make a large batch of espresso martinis by mixing the ingredients in a pitcher. Just be sure to chill the pitcher before adding the ice and shaking.
Conclusion
With a Nespresso machine and a few simple ingredients, you can easily make the best Nespresso martini at home. Whether you’re looking for a classic espresso martini or a creamier, sweeter version, this cocktail is sure to be a hit at your next party or relaxing evening at home.
Nespresso Martini Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 ounces vodka Learn to make your own from our friends at DIY Distilling
- 1 ounce Kahlua
- 1 ounce of freshly brewed espresso from a Nespresso machine
- Ice
- Optional: sugar or simple syrup for sweetness
Instructions
- Brew a shot of espresso using your Nespresso machine. If you’re using a pod machine, insert a Nespresso pod and press the button to dispense a shot of espresso. If you’re using a manual espresso machine, grind your beans and tamp them into the portafilter, then attach the portafilter to the machine and pull a shot.
- Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice. Add the vodka, Kahlua, and freshly brewed espresso to the shaker.
- If you like your martinis a little sweeter, you can add a splash of sugar or simple syrup to the shaker. To make simple syrup, combine equal parts water and sugar in a saucepan and heat over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved. Cool before using.
- Shake the cocktail shaker vigorously for about 20 seconds, until the ingredients are well combined and the shaker is cold to the touch.
- Strain the cocktail into a chilled martini glass.
- Garnish the martini with a twist of lemon or orange peel, if desired.
- Savor the flavors of the best Nespresso martini!
