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The allure of unusual combinations is what makes the cocktail world so dynamic and exciting. Case in point, the Espresso Martini. On paper, it sounds like it shouldn’t work, but this ‘80s cocktail turns out to be the perfect marriage of simplicity and sophistication. And you can totally make a non-alcoholic version of this smooth, rich, and creamy classic.
One reason why this drink keeps seeing a resurgence throughout the years, even as new beverages come and take the spotlight, is obviously because of the coffee part. Any caffeine fiend will enjoy this non-alcoholic Espresso Martini and as with coffee, you can totally adjust this drink to your liking. For instance, feel free to go easy on the simple syrup short of skipping it completely if you prefer a more bitter drink. Inversely, folks with a sweet tooth who treat their Espresso Martini more of a dessert, have it your way!
For this non-alcoholic Espresso Martini recipe, a fresh espresso shot would be ideal, of course. But in case that’s not an option for you, you can totally swap it out with cold brew concentrate. Although a fresh espresso shot makes for a more layered, nuanced taste profile, rest assured that whichever option, we guarantee you’ll still end up with a delectable sip.
For a frothy top, make sure to dry shake (that is, shaking the ingredients without ice) vigorously before moving onto a second shake with ice to cool. And we'll share a really handy trick if you want maximum frothiness! Learn this non-alcoholic Espresso Martini after the jump!
Non-alcoholic Espresso Martini ingredients you'll need:
- 2 oz non-alcoholic gin or botanical spirit
- 1 oz Lyre's Coffee Originale
- 1 oz freshly brewed espresso (chilled)
- Freshly brewed espresso not available? Go for 1 oz of cold brew concentrate!
- 1/4 oz simple syrup
- Coffee beans for garnish
How do you make the best non-alcoholic Espresso Martini?
- Pour your non-alcoholic gin or botanical spirit of choice, Lyre's Coffee Originale, espresso or cold brew, and simple syrup into a shaker. Note: Don't put ice yet.
- Shake vigorously for 1 minute — if you want a really frothy top.
- Add in the ice, then shake briefly to cool.
- Pour into a coupe glass.
- Top it off with some coffee beans for garnish. Cheers!
What are the best non-alcoholic spirits for Espresso Martini?
Below, you'll find the best non-alcoholic gins or botanical spirits to make your non-alcoholic Espresso Martini cocktail with. There are options that make for a more classic presentation, but we've also included some interesting aberrations for those who aren't afraid to explore more unique variations.
Ritual Gin Alternative: Ritual Gin is great if you're looking for that spicy kick you get with typical gin. This excellent alternative boasts a peppery finish that goes amazingly with the coffee in your non-alcoholic Espresso Martini for a sip that will really wake you up.
Monday Gin: Another excellent gin alternative is Monday's own juniper-forward take, which touts citrus and hints of black pepper and promises a long finish with a bite — a perfect choice if you're aiming for a more traditional Espresso Martini experience.
Lyre's Dry London: Another option you can't go wrong with if you're looking to make a non-alcoholic Espresso Martini that's as close to the real thing as possible is Lyre's Dry London. Packed with orange blossom, lime, jasmine notes, and earthy flavors, it's been impossibly crafted to capture the essence of a classic gin.
Seedlip Spice 94: If you want to go off the beaten path a bit, the Seedlip Spice 94 has eclectic notes that complement the Espresso Martini flavor profile really well, including cardamom, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Caleño Dark & Spicy: Or you may want to switch it up completely by using Caleño Dark & Spicy, a non-alcoholic take on the dark rum that will give your Espresso Martini a tropical pizzaz thanks to its feisty Colombian flavors! Its vanilla, coconut, and kola nut notes complement this drink so well!
Everleaf Forest: For a more complete and totally unique experiment, try using Everleaf Forest. Like the Seedlip Spice 94 and Caleño Dark & Spicy before it, this one boasts eclectic flavors that will go great with your Espresso Martini, including saffron and Madagascan Vanilla!
How to get a frothy top for your Espresso Martini
Do you want a thick, foamy, frothy espresso top that's not only pulls the drink together but also makes an Instagram-worthy presentation? The trick is to use freshly brewed espresso, though that's only half the battle. You have to shake vigorously, as this process traps air inside your cocktail shaker and makes for a thicker, creamier foam. Be sure to thoroughly shake for about a minute for the coffee bean oils to really bubble up—let chemistry do its thing.
If you've followed all those steps and are still unsatisfied, try adding more of Lyre's Coffee Originale in there to help create more froth (try half an ounce more).
If none of those got you the froth you were looking for, here's one final trick: aquafaba, or chickpea water. Add a teaspoon along with the other ingredients into your shaker, then dry shake vigorously. What's great about aquafaba is that it doesn't mess with the overall flavor profile of your drink but still gives it that frothiness you're looking for. Frothy non-alcoholic Espresso Martini activated!