Espresso Martini

Espresso Martini

The tequila espresso martini swaps vodka for aged tequila, and it changes everything. SWOL Añejo brings oak, vanilla, and roasted agave that meet the coffee like they were always meant to. You still get the glossy, frothy top and the wide-awake-but-elegant buzz, just with more depth in the glass. Below is the exact ratio, the shake that builds the foam, and the swaps that keep it silky. Make one nightcap or batch it for the table.

INGREDIENTS
  • 1 oz SWOL Añejo Tequila (the hero; aged and oaky, it is what separates this from a vodka version)
  • 1 oz coffee liqueur (Kahlua, Tia Maria, or Mr Black for a drier, less sweet finish)
  • 1 oz espresso, room temperature (or strong coffee or cold brew concentrate)
  • 1/2 oz simple syrup (scale down if your coffee liqueur runs sweet)
  • 3 coffee beans, to garnish
HOW TO PREPARE
  1. Pull the espresso and let it cool to room temperature so it does not melt the ice too fast.
  2. Add SWOL Añejo, coffee liqueur, espresso, and simple syrup to a shaker, then fill with ice.
  3. Shake hard for about 20 seconds to whip up the froth.
  4. Double-strain into a chilled coupe.
  5. Float three coffee beans on the foam and serve.
Style of Glass to use
  • Coupe Glass
Garnishes
  • Coffee Beans

How to get the thick, frothy top?

The foam comes from crema in fresh espresso plus a hard shake. For maximum froth, dry-shake without ice for a few seconds first, then add ice and shake again (the double shake). Fresh, room-temperature espresso foams far better than old or hot coffee.

Espresso vs cold brew vs strong coffee

Espresso gives the most crema and the boldest flavor. Cold brew concentrate is smoother and less acidic and works well if you do not have a machine. Strong drip coffee works in a pinch but foams the least, so lean on the double shake.

Which coffee liqueur to use?

Kahlua is the classic and the sweetest. Tia Maria is lighter and more coffee-forward. Mr Black is dark, dry, and modern and pairs beautifully with añejo if you want less sugar. Whatever you pick, taste and adjust the simple syrup.

Make it a mocktail or batch it

For a zero-proof version, replace the tequila and coffee liqueur with a splash of vanilla syrup and extra cold brew, then shake the same way. To batch for six, combine the spirits, coffee, and syrup in a bottle ahead of time and shake each serve to order so every glass gets its own foam.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you make an espresso martini with tequila instead of vodka?

Yes. Aged tequila like SWOL Añejo adds oak and vanilla that vodka cannot, while keeping the same frothy build.

What tequila is best for an espresso martini?

An añejo. Its barrel-aged sweetness matches the coffee and coffee liqueur.

How do you get the foam on top?

Use fresh room-temperature espresso and shake hard, ideally with a dry shake first.

Can I use cold brew instead of espresso?

Yes, use cold brew concentrate for a smoother, less acidic drink.

How much caffeine is in it?

Roughly one shot of espresso plus the coffee liqueur, so about one strong coffee's worth.

What glass should I use?

A chilled coupe or martini glass.

Is it very sweet?

That depends on your coffee liqueur; cut the simple syrup if you use Kahlua.

Espresso Martini TIPS

Chill & Double Shake for Foam

Use room temperature espresso to avoid watering down the drink too quickly. For an ultra-creamy, frothy top, try a double shake — first shake without ice (dry shake) to emulsify, then shake again with ice to chill. This technique creates a luscious crema like a barista-made espresso martini. Garnish with 3 fresh coffee beans or dust a pinch of cocoa powder for an aromatic finish.

MADE WITH

SWOL Anejo Tequila Limited Release (750Ml)

750 ML

$124.99

SWOL Anejo Tequila Limited Release is an extremely limited edition; a special release of just 10,000 bottles. Each hand-numbered bottle has a peel-off iron patch which is designed by Los Angeles-based artist Rise Work.

Combining ancient and modern techniques and a deep love and passion for Authentic Tequila, SWOL Tequila comes from Mexico. When two friends journeyed to Mexico...

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