1
Serving
Café de Olla Martini
The cocktail comes together in just five minutes, making it ideal for an after-dinner drink, a small gathering, or any moment when you want a polished coffee cocktail without a complicated process. Shaking the ingredients well with ice helps create the chilled texture and foamy top that make this drink feel elegant and complete.
5 minutes
5 minutes
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About This Café de Olla Martini
The Café de Olla Martini is designed for coffee lovers who want a cocktail that is bold, lightly sweet, and full of aroma. Freshly brewed espresso gives the drink its deep coffee base, while Kahlua adds a smooth coffee liqueur layer. Vodka keeps the cocktail crisp and classic, and café de olla simple syrup brings in the warm, spiced sweetness that makes this version stand out from a traditional espresso martini.
Because the recipe uses only a few ingredients, each one matters. Chilling the espresso before shaking helps keep the cocktail cold without over-diluting it too quickly. A strong shake is also important because it blends the syrup evenly, chills the drink, and creates the signature foam on top. The star anise garnish adds a beautiful finishing touch and reinforces the spiced character of the drink.
Equipment
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Cocktail shaker
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Jigger or small measuring cup
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Cocktail strainer
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Martini glass
Ingredients
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1½ ounces vodka -
1 ounce Kahlua -
1 ounce freshly brewed espresso, chilled -
½ ounce café de olla simple syrup, adjust to taste -
Ice -
Star anise, for garnish
Instructions
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Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the vodka, Kahlua, chilled espresso, and café de olla simple syrup.
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Shake vigorously for about 30 seconds, or until the mixture is very cold and a rich foam forms.
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Strain the cocktail into a chilled martini glass for a smooth, clean pour.
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Garnish with star anise, serve immediately, and enjoy while the drink is cold and foamy.
Notes
- For the best foam, use freshly brewed espresso that has cooled slightly before shaking. Espresso that is too hot can melt the ice quickly and soften the texture of the cocktail.
- Adjust the sweetness by increasing or reducing the café de olla simple syrup. Start with the amount listed, then add a little more only if you prefer a sweeter espresso martini.
- Chill the martini glass before serving. A cold glass helps the drink stay crisp and gives the cocktail a smoother presentation.
- If you want a creamier finish, add a small splash of cream liqueur before shaking. This will soften the coffee flavor and create a richer texture.
- Serve this Café de Olla Martini right away. The foam is at its best immediately after shaking, and the flavor is brightest while the cocktail is well chilled.
This recipe is easy to scale if you are preparing more than one drink, but it is best to shake each cocktail in small batches so the espresso, syrup, and spirits blend evenly. A strong shake is the key to the drink’s texture, so do not rush that step. The final cocktail should taste smooth, balanced, and aromatic, with the espresso leading and the café de olla syrup adding warmth in the background.
Like this Café de Olla Martini? Leave a comment below!
Share how you served it, whether you adjusted the syrup, or if you added a creamier touch.