The espresso martini is a cold, coffee-flavored cocktail built on vodka and coffee liqueur — one of the most-ordered drinks at bars over the last several years, and one most people never attempt at home because it seems to require pulling a fresh espresso shot to order. Here, the capsule replaces that step entirely.
What Makes This Espresso Martini Different
The drink is widely credited to London bartender Dick Bradsell in the 1980s, built around the idea of putting real coffee flavor into a cocktail rather than relying on a coffee-flavored liqueur alone. That means the coffee element still needs to taste like actual coffee, not an afterthought — which is where most home versions fall short, using instant granules or skipping the coffee shot altogether. Dropping a full capsule directly into the shaker gives the drink real coffee character without needing a machine on hand, and Never Lost in Milk's dark roast profile holds up against the vodka and liqueur instead of getting lost.
How to Make an Espresso Martini at Home
Ingredients
— 1 ZIPURE capsule (Never Lost in Milk)
— 1.5 oz vodka
— 0.5 oz coffee liqueur
— Ice
Steps
1. Add the vodka, coffee liqueur, and ice to a cocktail shaker.
2. Drop the capsule in.
3. Shake hard for 15 seconds.
4. Strain into a chilled martini glass.
The hard shake is doing two jobs at once — chilling the drink and building the foam cap an espresso martini is known for.
Tips for a Better Espresso Martini
— Chill your glass ahead of time. A cold glass keeps the drink colder for longer and helps the foam hold its shape.
— Shake harder than feels necessary. A weak shake won't build the signature foam layer — commit to the full 15 seconds.
— Garnish with coffee beans. Three coffee beans on top of the foam is the traditional finish, and it's also a visual cue the drink was made properly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an espresso machine to make an espresso martini?
No — that's the point of using a capsule here. It dissolves directly into the shaker with the vodka and liqueur, no machine or separate brewing step required.
What can I use instead of coffee liqueur?
Kahlúa and Mr Black are common choices; if you skip it entirely, add a touch of simple syrup instead, since the liqueur also contributes sweetness.
Why does the recipe say to shake instead of stir?
Shaking is what creates the foam layer on top, which is a defining feature of the drink — stirring would chill it but leave it flat.
How strong is an espresso martini compared to other cocktails?
It's a spirit-forward drink — 1.5 oz of vodka plus coffee liqueur puts it in similar strength territory to a classic martini, despite drinking easily because of the coffee flavor.
