Smooth & Bold Espresso Martini Mocktail

Are you craving a drink that feels wickedly decadent? This espresso martini mocktail recipe has a bold flavor with sweet undertones. It’s perfect for the cooler months when you want to cozy up by a fire.

With just three ingredients, you will have a delicious pick-me-up in your hand in no time. Espresso martinis were created in the early 1980s. A patron reportedly told the bartender she wanted a drink to “wake me up, then f*** me up.” The bartender was agitated by the coffee machine nearby as there were grounds all over the place, so he decided to make use of coffee in a new drink. It’s been popular ever since, with a recent resurgence in 2021.

Of course, this espresso martini mocktail is not going to fulfill the second half of the young lady’s request, but it will deliver a frothy jolt of caffeine with a bit of vanilla sweetness underneath.

What is a Non-alcoholic Espresso Martini?

A traditional martini is made with vodka and/or gin. It’s almost purely alcohol and can be hard to replicate as a mocktail, but a nonalcoholic martini done well gives all the flavor with none of the headaches or questionable choices. Use nonalcoholic spirits to get the taste and warm burn, and be comfortable knowing you are making a healthier drink.

But if a Martini is Pure Alcohol, What’s the Point of a Nonalcholic Martini?

I’ve discussed in other posts my own decisions for reducing my alcohol intake during the Covid-19 pandemic. It’s a personal choice that people make for a variety of reasons, including lifestyle and health. People reducing their alcohol consumption is on the rise, and a well-stocked mocktail bar will give your guests the best of both worlds.

One of the biggest reasons for creating alcohol free drinks, is so guests know they are all welcome at your events. They can feel comfortable no matter their drinking preferences.

When you decide to cut back on alcohol, it can be hard to maintain social rituals. Everyone wants to know why you’re just drinking orange juice or soda instead of a cocktail. With mocktails, everyone blends in and no one needs to know whether you are drinking alcohol-free drinks or not. Younger kids and pregnant people can be included in the party if mocktails are on the menu.

When to Serve an Espresso Martini Mocktail

Although they can be served anytime, espresso martinis are usually served as an after-dinner drink. This mocktail has bold coffee flavors but is also milky, creamy, and sweet. Serve it alongside dessert for a lavish final course or have your mocktail be the dessert itself.

Tips about Ingredients

This recipe is so simple, but if you’ve never used alcohol-free spirits before, these tips will help you make the best espresso martini mocktail.

Strykk Vanilla Not Vodka

Based in the U.K., Strykk recently released a new product called Vanilla Not V*dka. It is infused with Madagascar vanilla beans which leave you with a sweet caramel and toffee aroma and hints of warm pepper. You can leave out the alcohol replacement, but then your mocktail just tastes like iced coffee. Using a vodka substitute gives a more authentic flavor.

LaColombe Draft Canned Coffee

Yes, it’s true mocktails are alcohol-free and are technically fine to give to children. I leave it to your best judgment, though, if you want to give kids a coffee drink. Just because it is alcohol-free does not mean it is caffeine-free.

La Colombe canned coffee is perfect for this simple espresso martini mocktail. It tastes silky and smooth. It is sweet, but not overpowering.

Each can contains the equivalent of two shots of espresso with 115 mg of caffeine as well as 12 grams of sugar. When shaken together with the other ingredients, it makes a deliciously frothy drink.

I used La Colombe brand for this recipe, but you can check out the other best canned coffees of 2022 as well.

Lyre’s Nonalcoholic Coffee Liqueur

Give your nonalcoholic martini a bigger jolt of coffee flavor with a nonalcoholic coffee liqueur. Check out my 2 ingredient espresso martini mocktail recipe for the version without it. This coffee liqueur alternative is available in most supermarkets and online retailers.

Supplies Needed

With just three simple ingredients, you don’t need very many supplies. Having a few key staples in your mocktail bar, though, provides a more festive atmosphere and feelings of sophistication.

Cocktail Shaker

If you’ve been following me for a while and still don’t have a cocktail shaker – what are you waiting for? Shakers effectively mix your ingredients and also keep ingredients cool. While you’re waiting for yours to arrive, though, you can also use a mason jar with a lid.

Glasses

For this mocktail, use a traditional martini or coupe glass. The martini has a sharper v-shape, while the coupe has rounder edges. Either style works perfectly well. If you’re prone to spills, though, the coupe glass is a better choice as the rounded edges will keep your drink from splashing out.

How to Garnish a Nonalcoholic Espresso Martini

For ultimate ambiance, be sure to garnish your glasses. Rim the glass with syrup or honey and then dip it in cocoa powder or ground coffee. Top with whipped cream if desired.

Most importantly, drop three coffee beans on top. These are said to represent wishes for health, wealth and happiness. If you don’t have that you can purchase some chocolate covered coffee bean candy instead.

If you love martini mocktails with a twist, try this Fresh and Fun Matcha Mocktail. Other classic mocktails to try include:

• Mango Old Fashioned
• Moscow Mule
• French 75

When you need a drink that will wake you up but NOT F*** you up, this nonalcoholic espresso martini is sure to please. Let me know what you think in the comments.