Step 1: Prepare Your Espresso

Start by brewing a shot of espresso. If you’re making this espresso martini with tequila recipe for friends, you can prepare the espresso ahead of time and let it cool to room temperature. The freshness matters – I’ve found that espresso brewed within a few hours works best, providing that robust coffee flavor without any bitterness.

If you don’t have an espresso machine (I didn’t for years!), you can use 1 oz of very strong coffee or cold brew concentrate. The key is getting that concentrated coffee flavor that stands up to the other ingredients.

Step 2: Chill Your Glass

This might seem fussy, but trust me – a properly chilled martini glass makes all the difference in this tequila espresso martini recipe. Place your martini glass in the freezer for at least 5 minutes before preparing your cocktail.

If you’re in a hurry (like I often am when I spontaneously decide cocktails are needed!), fill the glass with ice water for a minute, then dump it out before serving. This quick chill keeps your martini colder longer.

Step 3: Combine and Shake

In a cocktail shaker, combine:

• The cooled espresso
• Tequila
• Coffee liqueur
• Agave nectar or simple syrup

Add plenty of ice – I fill the shaker about halfway with ice cubes. This is where the magic happens! For an espresso martini tequila recipe to achieve that perfect creamy foam on top, you need a vigorous shake.

This is my favorite part – I put on some music and shake like I mean it! A good 20-30 second shake will create that beautiful frothy layer that makes espresso martinis so visually striking.

Step 4: Strain and Serve

Strain the cocktail into your chilled martini glass. Pour slowly to ensure all that beautiful foam makes it to the top of your glass. The foam should settle into a creamy layer that’s about ¼-inch thick – this is how you know you’ve nailed your espresso martini with tequila recipe.

The color should be a rich, dark brown with a contrasting tan foam layer on top. It’s absolutely Instagram-worthy, but try to resist posting until after you’ve had a sip!

Step 5: Garnish and Enjoy

Float three coffee beans on top of the foam in a traditional “health, wealth, and happiness” arrangement. This classic garnish isn’t just decorative – it adds an aromatic element that enhances the drinking experience.

For special occasions, I sometimes add a light dusting of cinnamo