Updated: Nov. 27, 2023
Cue Hannah Montana, because this summery co*cktail is the best of both worlds. The perfect mixture of a classic espresso martini and a frappe, a frozen espresso martini is everything you would want in a happy hour drink during the summer. With a hint of caffeine, blended ice to cool you down and a whole lot of vodka, this co*cktail both refreshes you and boosts your energy a bit at the end of a hard work day.
If you don’t spend much time over on TikTok and haven’t seen one of these foodie creators making frozen espresso martinis, we’ll show you exactly how to make it. Make sure you have a high-powered blender and pretty martini glasses or coupes for serving!
@choosing_balance I had a frozen espresso martini for the first time a few weeks ago out to eat and had to recreate at home ☕️ 🍸 Hope you guys enjoy it as much as I did! – – – – 2 ounces brewed espresso 2 ounces vodka 2 ounces coffee liqueur 1 ounce coffee creamer 1. Pour espresso into an ice cube tray. Freeze until solid2. Combine the coffee ice cubes, coffee liqueur, vodka and coffee creamer in a blender. Blend until smooth. This makes 1 drink, double to make 2! # martini #espresso #coffeetime #coffeelovers #choosingbalance #espressomartini #co*cktail #easydrinks #happyhour #summerrecipes ♬ Everywhere – Fleetwood Mac
Made with four simple ingredients, this blended beverage is delicious enough to finish off in a few gulps—but pace yourself. Brain freezes are a side effect!
How to Make a Frozen Espresso Martini
Ingredients
- 2 ounces brewed frozen espresso
- 2 ounces vodka
- 2 ounces coffee liqueur
- 1 ounce coffee creamer
- Coffee beans, optional
Directions
Step 1: Freeze your espresso
Make a few batches of espresso at home, then let it cool before pouring it into silicone ice cube trays to freeze. Making a few trays of espresso cubes makes it easier to be prepared for those moments when you’re ready for a martini, stat.
Step 2: Measure the ingredients
Measure out your ingredients using a co*cktail jigger. (For the frozen cubes, one cubic inch is equivalent to about one ounce). Pour your ingredients into your blender.
Editor’s Tip: If you don’t have a co*cktail jigger, two ounces of liquid is pretty much equivalent to 1/4 cup, and one ounce is two tablespoons.
Step 3: Blend your ingredients
Blend the ingredients until they all come together and espresso cubes are fully crushed.
Step 4: Serve in a glass
Pour your drink into a martini glass or coupe, then garnish with a few espresso beans, if desired. Sip and enjoy immediately before it melts!
Tips for Making the Best Frozen Espresso Martini
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Can I use cold brew instead of espresso?
Wonder why the espresso martini has such a powerful coffee flavor? Because it uses shots of espresso, not iced coffee that has been diluted. While cold brew is stronger than iced coffee at times, the finished product has been diluted with water and won’t have that same strong coffee flavor you’ll desire in your frozen espresso martini.
However, some experts say that cold brew concentrate—the thick syrup-like substance that is made before you dilute it with water—could work well as an espresso substitute in the martini. It tastes just as strong and can work well given that it’s already brewed cold.
Using a cold brew concentrate also means you won’t have to wait long for your espresso to cool and freeze. Instead, use that concentrate and a few ice cubes to give it that frozen consistency, and you’ll have frozen espresso martinis ready to enjoy any time you want them. No prep necessary!
Also take a quick look at this chocolate covered espresso beans ; a super yummy snack to have around for your espresso martinis.
Can I use different flavors of vodka?
Of course! Traditional vodka is used for classic espresso martinis, but you can give your drink a special twist using flavored vodka. Try caramel, chocolate, butterscotch, raspberry, strawberry or even peppermint.
Can’t find a flavored vodka? Then grab a flavored coffee creamer you love—or try making a batch of homemade coffee creamer to have on hand when 5 o’clock hits!
How can I keep my co*cktail frozen?
There’s nothing as exciting as sipping on a frozen co*cktail on a hot summery day, and nothing more awful than watching that delicious frozen co*cktail melt within minutes of being made. Don’t worry—there’s actually a simple trick to slow down that melting process so you can sip on your frozen espresso martini with ease.
All you’ll need is a little bit of xanthan gum. Yes, the ingredient that is typically used to thicken foods and hold them together (such as gluten-free bread). But it can also be used in frozen drinks so they can keep their hold and won’t separate and melt as quickly in the summer sun. You don’t need much—just 1/8 teaspoon per co*cktail should do.
