The Best Skinny Espresso Martini Recipe

It’s FALL babes and time to get those cocktail shakers shakin’!!!! I’ve got the perfect Skinny Espresso Martini recipe for you to wake up your night!

You will slurp this right up bc we’ve got creaminess from @mooala_koala vanilla bean almond milk, a hint of chocolate from cocoa powder, and the perfect combo of vodka + Kahlua for smooth sippin’. This drink has that rich coffee flavor we all crave, but with a lighter twist so you can sip, savor, and maybe even go back for a second round without feeling weighed down.

This creamy espresso martini is everything coffee lovers dream about: frothy top, smooth vodka, and that irresistible combo of espresso beans and Kahlua. It’s a delicious cocktail that’s equal parts chic and cozy, a true classic cocktail with a modern skinny spin.

BTW no espresso machine? NP!! Make a cup of extra dark french roast in your single-cup coffee maker and get that same bold, rich coffee flavor in every sip.

You might also like: Spiced Cranberry Margarita + Holiday Pomegranate Mimosa

Why I Love This Recipe

I’ve always been obsessed with espresso martinis. Honestly, I think they’re the perfect drink, part coffee, part cocktail, and always a fun cocktail moment when you need a boost of energy at the end of a long day.

But let’s be real, a traditional espresso martini can get heavy when made with heavy cream or too much sweetener. This version is dairy-light and totally satisfying. The almond milk adds creaminess without being too much, the espresso vodka keeps things balanced, and you still get that frothy espresso martinis vibe we all love.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s the full recipe card for your new favorite coffee cocktail:

  • 2 oz. vodka I use GF Tito’s
  • 1.75 oz. Kahlua
  • 1 oz. espresso can sub extra dark/french roast coffee
  • 1 tbsp. vanilla almond milk like Mooala
  • ¼ tsp. unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ¼ tsp. vanilla extract
  • ground cinnamon for dusting

How to Make the Best Skinny Espresso Martini

  1. Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice.
  2. Shake for 20-30 seconds. Pour in a cold martini glass and sprinkle on cinnamon!

Savvy Tips!

  1. Use Strong Coffee
    A shot of espresso is ideal, but if you don’t have an espresso machine, normal coffee won’t give the same oomph. Instead, try a french press, cold brew concentrate, or instant espresso powder. Trust me, it makes a big difference in that rich coffee flavor.
  2. Get That Frothy Top
    Frothy espresso martinis are all about the shake! Use a mason jar if you don’t have a shaker. 
  3. Play With Flavors
    Swap Kahlua for Tia Maria, or add a splash of Bailey’s Irish Cream for a dessert cocktail vibe. Want it lighter? Stick to almond milk, oat milk, or even free simple syrup to sweeten.
  4. Presentation Matters
    Serve in martini glasses or a coupe glass—it just feels like a big night out, even if you’re on the couch in fuzzy socks. Garnish with espresso beans or a dusting of cocoa for that perfect pick-me-up.

FAQs

Yes! You can use instant espresso powder or strong french press coffee if you don’t have an espresso maker. Both will give you that bold coffee flavor needed to balance the booze. Cold brew concentrate also works, but it creates a smoother, less bitter espresso martini. It’s great if you like a mellower coffee flavor, but keep in mind it won’t taste exactly like the traditional espresso martini made with fresh espresso.

I love Tito’s for a GF option because it’s smooth, neutral, and lets the coffee flavor shine. Grey Goose vodka is another favorite if you want a more premium sip with a super clean finish. You can also use a flavored vodka like vanilla or espresso vodka, which adds another layer of flavor and makes your espresso martini taste extra cozy. Just keep in mind that some flavored vodkas lean sweet, so you may want to adjust how much simple syrup or sweet liqueur you add to keep that perfect balance.

Absolutely! Using oat milk or almond milk (or just skipping cream) makes this version dairy-free. If you want to keep it keto-friendly, just choose a low-sugar coffee liqueur or sugar-free substitute and go easy on sweeteners.

Keep any extra espresso coffee in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll hold up for iced coffee drinks or another round of martinis.

You can go classic for this cocktail with maple syrup, a sugar free coffee liqueur or syrup, or even craftmix packets if you want something pre measured and easy. I also love making simple syrup at home. It is just hot water and sugar in equal parts, let it cool, then store in a mason jar with a tight lid in the fridge.

If you use maple syrup or any sweeter alternative, start with a smaller amount so the sweetness does not overpower the coffee and vodka.

This skinny twist on the classic espresso martini is such a special treat, lighter, frothier, and full of that bold espresso flavor we all crave. Whether you’re shaking this up as a dinner drink, a dessert cocktail, or just because it’s been a long day, this is the best espresso martini recipe to have in your back pocket.

This frothy espresso martini is guaranteed to be your next perfect pick. Cheers, babes! 🍸✨

Thank you for being an amazing reader of The Savvy Spoon! If you loved this post, I would so appreciate you rating it below and/or leaving a comment! Be sure to follow me on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook for more recipes and twin mom lifestyle content!

Skinny Espresso Martini

A lightened up, non-dairy version of a silky smooth, slightly sweet espresso martini!
4.58 from 38 votes
Prep Time 2 minutes
Total Time 2 minutes
Course Drinks
Cuisine American
Servings 1 cocktail

Equipment

  • cocktail shaker

Ingredients
  

  • 2 oz. vodka I use GF Tito's
  • 1.75 oz. Kahlua
  • 1 oz. espresso can sub extra dark/french roast coffee
  • 1 tbsp. vanilla almond milk like Mooala
  • ¼ tsp. unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ¼ tsp. vanilla extract
  • ground cinnamon for dusting

Instructions
 

  • Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice.
  • Shake for 20-30 seconds. Pour in a cold martini glass and sprinkle on cinnamon!
Keyword cocktail, coffee, espresso, martini
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