Espresso Martini Recipe – with Herbal Cream Liqueur

The espresso martini has a famous origin story: London, the 1980s, a top model asks bar legend Dick Bradsell for a drink that would "wake me up and mess me up". It's been one of the world's most-ordered cocktails ever since – almost always made with off-the-shelf coffee liqueur.

We do it differently. Our Leverings Sahnelikör – a herbal cream liqueur – brings something no Kahlúa in the world can match: the 47 carefully selected herbs of the original Leverings Kräuterlikör, folded into finest cream. Those herbs do something remarkable with the espresso – the drink turns creamier, warmer, and you can taste that there's more in the glass than sugar and flavouring. German herbal liqueur tradition from the Sauerland meets Italian coffee culture: an espresso martini with character.

The recipe

Ingredients

• 1 shot of freshly brewed espresso (approx. 4 cl), slightly cooled
• 5 cl Leverings Sahnelikör
• 2 cl vodka
• Ice cubes
• 3 coffee beans to garnish

Method

1. Brew the espresso and let it cool for 1–2 minutes – piping hot, it melts the ice too fast.
2. Add espresso, Sahnelikör and vodka to a shaker with plenty of ice.
3. Shake until the shaker frosts over – that's when the famous crema forms.
4. Double-strain into a chilled martini glass or coupe.
5. Float three coffee beans on the foam. Traditionally they stand for health, wealth and happiness.

Why herbal liqueur works instead of coffee liqueur

Coffee and herbs are closer relatives than you'd think: roasted notes, gentle bitterness, sweetness. The cream in the Sahnelikör delivers the texture that sugar syrup would otherwise provide, and the herbs give the finish a spiced depth that classic espresso martinis often lack. If you like, add 1 cl of Pitters Coffeeshot on top – for a double dose of coffee.

FAQ

Can I use cold espresso or cold brew?

Yes – cold brew makes the drink softer and less bitter. Just don't use old, stale coffee: the espresso aroma carries half the drink.

Does the espresso martini work without vodka?

Absolutely. Without vodka it's milder and creamier – almost an espresso flip. The 2 cl of vodka gives the drink structure and that "martini moment".

Why won't my foam set?

Usually the shake was too short or used too little ice. Full shaker, 15–20 hard seconds – the crema is only stable once the metal frosts over properly.

More for long evenings

Please enjoy responsibly. Not for sale to anyone under 18.