The espresso martini has become a trendy cocktail that truly packs a punch. It combines the smoothness of vodka with the invigorating kick of caffeine. When you’re wondering if this cocktail gives you a caffeine boost, the answer is a definite yes.
The espresso in the martini contains about 60 mg of caffeine, but depending on the brand, manufacturers might use cold brew or simply coffee flavor for a different experience. Adding coffee liqueur can further increase the caffeine content, making this drink even more energizing.
The espresso martini has earned its place on bar menus worldwide, constantly making a comeback and staying all the rage. Whether you order it for the boost or the flavor, this drink is a perfect balance of taste and functionality, providing an enjoyable and stimulating experience that fits perfectly into your evening.
The Origins and Evolution of the Espresso Martini
The story behind the espresso martini begins in the 1980s when a supermodel challenged a bartender in London to create a drink that would wake her up and mess her up. The result? A caffeinated martini that would become an instant classic cocktail.
It’s believed that the mixologist was inspired by the traditional Irish Coffee, which was introduced to America in 1952. The original recipe dates back to 1943 and was created not by a bartender, but by Joe Sheridan, a chef in Limerick, Ireland. Sheridan’s creation was a hit, and when he moved to a new airport job, he took the recipe with him.
Eventually, it caught the attention of Stanton Delaplane, a travel writer, who convinced Jack Koeppler of the Buena Vista Cafe to make their own version in San Francisco. The combination of coffee, sugar cubes, whiskey, and whipped cream was quite different from what we know today, but it laid the groundwork for the espresso martini.
Evolution of the Espresso Martini
Over time, the popularity of drinks like Red Bull Vodkas began to fade, leaving a gap in the market for a more sophisticated caffeine drink. The espresso martini resurfaced, blending the buzz of caffeine with a more mature twist, minus the high sugar content and risks.
Thanks to the trendiness of coffee culture, this drink made a major comeback.
The Espresso Martini Today
Today, the espresso martini is a fixture on signature cocktail menus in many of the world’s finest bars and restaurants. It’s also now available in cans, a growing trend in the ready-to-drink cocktail market.
In fact, one brand even won Best in Class for the Classic RTD Cocktail category at the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition, solidifying its place among the best cocktails in the world.
Does an espresso martini have caffeine?
Yes, an espresso martini has caffeine, and it’s roughly in the 65-85 mg range for a standard serving—comparable to, but often slightly less than, a typical 8 oz cup of coffee (95 mg). Let me know if you’d like me to dig deeper into specific brands or recipes!
What Makes Up an Espresso Martini?
The espresso martini is a bold and flavorful cocktail made with espresso, vodka, and coffee liqueur. Unlike many sugary drinks, this martini is slightly less of a sugar bomb but still delivers the perfect balance of strength and flavor.
The key to its buzz is the caffeine, which comes from the espresso or cold brew coffee. Typically, an espresso martini contains about 60 mg of caffeine from a shot or ounce of espresso, but variations like cold brew concentrate, which is stronger, can pack more of a punch.
Compared to a typical spirits-based drink, this caffeine boost lasts longer, making it the ideal choice for a late night or even as a midday pick-me-up. You’ll often find it on brunch menus as much as at the bar.
Whether you’re starting your morning or staying up late, the espresso martini offers a powerful combination of energy and flavor.
Ingredients in Espresso Martini
An espresso martini is a simple yet bold cocktail that blends coffee and alcohol into a smooth, energizing drink. While recipes can vary slightly depending on personal taste or bartender flair, the classic version relies on a handful of core ingredients. Here’s what typically goes into an espresso martini:
- Espresso: The star of the show, a single shot (about 1 oz or 30 ml) of freshly brewed espresso provides the caffeine kick and rich coffee flavor. It’s best made fresh, though some recipes allow for strong brewed coffee or cold brew as a substitute.
- Vodka: Usually 1.5-2 oz (45-60 ml), vodka adds the alcoholic backbone without overpowering the coffee. A neutral, high-quality vodka is standard to keep the focus on the espresso.
- Coffee Liqueur: Around 0.5-1 oz (15-30 ml) of a coffee liqueur like Kahlúa or Tia Maria deepens the coffee flavor and adds a touch of sweetness. This also contributes a small amount of caffeine.
- Simple Syrup (optional): Some recipes include 0.25-0.5 oz (7-15 ml) of simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water) to balance the bitterness of the espresso, though purists might skip it if the liqueur is sweet enough.
- Ice: Used for shaking the cocktail, ice chills the drink and creates the signature frothy top when shaken vigorously.
These ingredients are combined in a cocktail shaker with ice, shaken until well-chilled and foamy, then strained into a chilled martini glass. The result is often garnished with a few coffee beans for style. While this is the classic lineup, variations might tweak the ratios or swap in flavored liqueurs, but these core components define the espresso martini’s iconic taste and texture.
Nutritional Information of an Espresso Martini
Beyond its bold flavor, an espresso martini comes with a nutritional profile shaped by its coffee and alcohol components.
Below is the nutritional information for a classic espresso martini, based on a standard recipe: 1 oz (30 ml) espresso, 2 oz (60 ml) vodka, 1 oz (30 ml) coffee liqueur (e.g., Kahlúa), and 0.25 oz (7.5 ml) simple syrup, shaken and served in a 4-5 oz portion. Note that values can vary slightly depending on brands, preparation, or recipe tweaks.
Nutritional values may vary slightly depending on specific brands, ingredient proportions, or preparation methods.
Understanding Caffeine in Espresso Martinis
An espresso martini typically contains 60–65 mg of caffeine, primarily from the espresso shot used to make it. However, the actual amount can vary depending on factors such as the coffee bean type and the extraction technique.
For recipes that use cold brew or coffee liqueur, the caffeine content might differ slightly. For example, DrinkThat has perfected its line of bottled espresso martinis to ensure a steady hit of energy with each sip, providing a consistent ratio of taste to energy.
Although the caffeine is on the higher side, it’s still moderate compared to a typical cup of drip coffee, making it a great option for social situations without overwhelming your system. Thanks to the calibrated formula, you’re guaranteed a great experience with no surprises.
Espresso Martinis Vs other Drinks
To understand how much caffeine is in an espresso martini, let’s compare it to other popular caffeinated drinks. A regular drip coffee contains roughly 95 mg of caffeine, while an espresso shot has about 63 mg. In contrast, energy drinks pack a much higher potency, containing anywhere from 80–200 mg per serving.
When you look at this comparison, Drink That’s espresso martinis offer a balanced option that’s less intense than both an energy drink or a full cup of coffee, yet still as invigorating as a simple espresso.
These drinks are perfect for those looking for a boost throughout their night out without the overstimulating effects that come with other more highly caffeinated drinks.
Factors Affecting Caffeine Content
The caffeine level in your espresso martini can vary depending on several factors, such as:
Type of Coffee Beans
The caffeine level in your espresso martini can vary depending on the type of coffee beans used, the roast intensity, and the extraction technique.
Roast Intensity
Interestingly, darker roasts tend to have less caffeine than lighter roasts, even though many people believe the opposite.
Freshness of Espresso Shot
Also, a freshly drawn espresso shot can contain more caffeine than a recipe that calls for pre-made cold brew.
Brewing Method
The brewing method is another important factor to consider. At DrinkThat, we carefully monitor these elements to ensure our bottled espresso martinis offer a constant and reliable experience.
Quality and Quantities
By selecting high-quality chosen coffee and using precise quantities, we guarantee the ideal amount of taste and energy, ensuring every sip is a dependable and pleasurable experience.
How Much Caffeine Is in a Canned Espresso Martini?
When you reach for a canned espresso martini, the caffeine content can range from 30mg to 150mg, depending on the type of brew and coffee used by the manufacturer. While these canned versions often match the caffeine levels of their bar-made counterparts, it’s important to check the labels.
Some are truly award-worthy, but others might contain questionable ingredients similar to those found in energy drinks or hard seltzers.
The amount of caffeine in your martini also depends on its size; a 3.4oz can might deliver the caffeine equivalent of 6 oz of black coffee or 1.25oz of espresso, which isn’t quite like a full cup of coffee in a martini glass.
Typically, 60mg of caffeine comes from a shot of espresso in a regular espresso martini, but many manufacturers opt for cold brew coffee or concentrate, especially since it’s easier to store and serve cold.
Whether you’re enjoying an authentic canned espresso martini with just a few simple ingredients or savoring the smooth, creamy, and delicious taste, you’re in for a lasting buzz without the overstimulation of stronger caffeinated drinks.
Alcohol Content in Espresso Martinis
The alcohol content in an espresso martini can vary based on the brand and the proportions used, but typically it contains anywhere from one ounce to two ounces of vodka.
The award-winning espresso martini, for example, contains 1 ⅔ ounces of vodka and ¾ ounce of coffee liqueur, giving it a 22.5% alcohol by volume (ABV), or 45 proof.
Liqueurs tend to have a lower alcohol content, usually ranging from 15% to 30% ABV or 30 to 60 proof, compared to liquor which typically falls between 40% to 55% ABV or 80 to 110 proof. In comparison, beer and hard seltzers have a much lower ABV, usually around 5%, and wine is somewhere in the middle at about 12% ABV.
If you want the full-strength experience of a bar-made espresso martini, be sure to check the label on your canned version to ensure it matches the correct proportions and strength, and isn’t diluted.
Popular Variants of the Espresso Martini
The espresso martini’s versatility has spawned a range of creative twists, each tweaking the classic formula to suit different tastes or dietary preferences. Here are some popular variants, along with how they shift the drink’s character and caffeine profile:
Classic Espresso Martini:
This is the gold standard—1 oz of espresso, 2 oz of vodka, 1 oz of coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa), and a touch of simple syrup (0.25 oz), shaken with ice.
It delivers the signature frothy top and balanced coffee-alcohol punch, with a caffeine content of around 68-85 mg (based on a single espresso shot and liqueur contribution). It’s the benchmark all other variants riff off.
Vegan Espresso Martini:
Perfect for plant-based drinkers, this version swaps traditional coffee liqueurs (which may contain dairy-derived additives in rare cases) for explicitly vegan options, like Mr Black Coffee Liqueur or plant-based alternatives.
The base remains espresso and vodka, both naturally vegan. Caffeine levels stay similar to the classic—around 68-85 mg—since the espresso and vegan liqueurs maintain comparable coffee intensity, though some artisanal vegan liqueurs might slightly tweak the flavor or caffeine depending on their formulation.
Iced Espresso Martini:
This chilled twist serves the drink over ice rather than strained into a martini glass, often diluting the mix with a splash of cold water or extra ice melt.
The core recipe (espresso, vodka, coffee liqueur) stays intact, but the added ice can slightly lower the caffeine concentration per sip—think 60-80 mg total if diluted by 10-20%. The trade-off is a refreshing, less intense coffee kick, perfect for warm weather.
Flavored Espresso Martini:
For a sweeter or more complex sip, bartenders add flavored syrups like vanilla, caramel, or hazelnut (typically 0.25-0.5 oz). The espresso, vodka, and coffee liqueur foundation remains, so caffeine holds steady at 68-85 mg, unaffected by the syrups (which contribute no caffeine).
These additions enhance the taste—vanilla softens the bitterness, caramel adds richness—while bumping up sugar and calories slightly, making it a dessert-like treat.
| Variant | Caffeine Content |
| Classic Espresso Martini | 68-85 mg |
| Vegan Espresso Martini | 68-85 mg |
| Iced Espresso Martini | 60-80 mg |
| Flavored Espresso Martini | 68-85 mg |
Disclaimer: Nutritional values may vary slightly depending on specific brands, ingredient proportions, or preparation methods.
Alternatives to the Espresso Martini
If you love the espresso martini’s coffee-cocktail vibe but want to switch it up, these alternatives offer similar appeal with their own unique twists. Here’s a look at four popular options, each with a distinct caffeine profile:
Irish Coffee:
A warm, classic mix of hot brewed coffee (typically 4-6 oz), Irish whiskey (1.5 oz), a touch of brown sugar, and a dollop of whipped cream. The caffeine comes entirely from the coffee, making it a cozy, higher-volume alternative to the espresso martini’s sleek chill.
Black Russian:
This simple cocktail blends 2 oz of vodka with 1 oz of coffee liqueur (e.g., Kahlúa), served over ice—no espresso or brewed coffee here. It’s a minimal-caffeine option, relying solely on the liqueur’s subtle coffee kick, offering a smoother, less caffeinated sip.
Cold Brew Martini:
A modern twist, this swaps the espresso martini’s espresso for cold brew coffee (about 1-1.5 oz), mixed with 2 oz vodka and often a splash of coffee liqueur or sweetener. Cold brew’s higher caffeine concentration gives this drink a bolder buzz than its espresso-based cousin.
Coffee Negroni:
A sophisticated riff on the classic Negroni, this blends 1 oz gin, 1 oz Campari, and 1 oz sweet vermouth with a coffee infusion—either a dash of coffee liqueur or a cold brew splash (0.5-1 oz). It’s a moderate-caffeine cocktail, balancing bitter, sweet, and coffee notes.
Here’s a table summarizing the caffeine content for each alternative:
| Alternative | Caffeine Content |
| Irish Coffee | 70-140 mg |
| Black Russian | 4-5 mg |
| Cold Brew Martini | 90-150 mg |
| Coffee Negroni | 20-40 mg |
Disclaimer: Nutritional values may vary slightly depending on specific brands, ingredient proportions, or preparation methods.
The Caffeine-Alcohol Combination
The espresso martini brings together the energizing power of caffeine and the relaxing effects of alcohol in a way that makes your body respond uniquely. The combination of caffeine, a stimulant, and alcohol can reduce some of alcohol’s depressive effects, but it doesn’t negate its overall impact.
This combination may cause you to feel more alert, making it harder to assess your level of intoxication, which can lead to drinking more and becoming more impaired than you realize.
The caffeine + alcohol trend started with Irish Coffee and evolved into the espresso martini, a popular cocktail in the 1990s. As consumers wanted more of this blend, Red Bull energy became a game changer in the U.S. market around 1999, offering even more caffeine and sweetness.
While Red Bull Vodka quickly rose to fame in bars and remained popular through 2021, concerns arose about mixing high-caffeine drinks with alcohol. The CDC has since warned about this combination, but they clarified that coffee, which is the base for an espresso martini, doesn’t carry the same risks as energy drinks.
Unlike energy drinks, coffee is natural and doesn’t have added stimulants like taurine, guarana, or Vitamin B12, making coffee-based cocktails a safer choice for most drinkers.
Recommended Daily Intake
Combining these limits, your espresso martini quota hinges on both caffeine and alcohol. For caffeine alone, 4-5 drinks (272-425 mg) technically fits the 400 mg ceiling, but alcohol caps it lower.
Women should stick to 1 martini daily (68-85 mg caffeine, 1.4 drinks) to align with moderate alcohol guidelines, leaving room for ~315 mg more caffeine from other sources. Men could handle 2 martinis (136-170 mg caffeine, 2.8 drinks), slightly over the alcohol limit but manageable if it’s their only drinking for the day.
Practically, 1-2 espresso martinis is a sweet spot for most—balancing buzz and safety—especially if you’re sipping coffee or cocktails elsewhere in your routine.
Moderation is key with this caffeinated cocktail. Enjoy it as a treat, not a marathon, and you’ll keep the good vibes going without overdoing it!
Conclusion
In conclusion, yes, an espresso martini does indeed have caffeine, thanks to its key ingredient: espresso, bolstered by a hint from coffee liqueur. A standard full cocktail packs about 68-85 mg of caffeine—enough to give you a gentle lift, though less than a typical 8 oz cup of coffee (95 mg).
Whether you’re sipping the classic version or exploring variants like iced or flavored twists, the caffeine remains a consistent player, ranging from 60-85 mg depending on dilution or recipe tweaks. Paired with its alcohol content, this drink offers a unique buzz, making it a favorite for those craving both energy and a cocktail kick.
So, next time you order one, rest assured—you’re getting caffeine with every smooth, frothy sip!
FAQs
Does Espresso Martini make you awake?
Yes, it does because coffee is the key ingredient in an espresso martini, and because it contains caffeine, this cocktail will keep you awake if enjoyed in the evening.
Is Espresso Martini real coffee?
An espresso martini is made with just coffee (espresso or cold brew), spirit (vodka or rum), and sugar.
Can Espresso Martini be decaf?
Yes, an espresso martini can be made decaf by using decaffeinated espresso or cold brew. This way, you can enjoy the flavor without the caffeine boost.
Is an espresso martini bad for you?
An espresso martini isn’t inherently bad for you, but like any alcoholic drink, it should be consumed in moderation. The caffeine in the coffee can give you a temporary boost, but mixing it with alcohol might cause some people to underestimate their level of intoxication, potentially leading to overconsumption.
Why is it called an Espresso Martini?
The espresso martini is named for its key ingredient, espresso, and its martini-style presentation. Despite being a coffee-based cocktail, it’s served in a classic martini glass, combining the rich flavor of espresso with vodka and coffee liqueur.