Tired of mocktails that feel “meh?” This espresso martini mocktail recipe is just like the classic cocktail, but without the booze. It’s full of flavor thanks to freshly brewed espresso, homemade demerara syrup, and a few drops of vanilla extract, which mimic the flavors from vanilla vodka in a classic espresso martini. It’s the perfect alcohol-free martini for any occasion!
As someone who has been creating home-crafted beverages for over 10 years, I’ve got more than a little experience with following beverage industry trends. This recipe was inspired by my many variations on the classic espresso martini, like this chocolate espresso martini or this rum espresso martini. Sometimes, you just aren’t in the mood to drink alcohol, but you want a fancy beverage.
The problem is…most recipes for an espresso martini mocktail out there on the internet look like glorified chocolate milk in a martini glass. 😳
A traditional espresso martini is not creamy or milky in appearance unless you are making a seasonal flavor or a variation (buuuuut even my pumpkin espresso martini isn’t creamy in appearance 💅🏻). It is rich, dark, and bold in appearance, with a nice layer of foam that can support the espresso beans as a garnish. This recipe fits the bill!!
👀 the secret sauce…
✨ the flavor: This recipe hits The Oomph and The Balancing Act, playing up perfectly paired notes of sweet syrup, rich vanilla, and bold espresso, just like your favorite cocktail!
🎯 the method: The key to this mocktail’s success is fresh brewed espresso. Combine all ingredients in a shaker, strain, garnish, serve, and stun!!!
🏆 the win: Just as easy to make as it is to customize, this mocktail will have you mixing up your own signature drinks in no time!
🛒 ingredients
See the recipe card for the exact quantities.
🍳 how to make an espresso martini mocktail
Step 1: Brew a double shot of espresso according to the manufacturer’s instructions on your machine. Set it aside to allow it to cool slightly.
Step 2: Fill your cocktail shaker with ice, and slowly pour in the cooled espresso.
Step 3: Add in the water to the cocktail shaker.
Step 4: Next, add in the simple syrup.
Step 5: Add the vanilla extract last.
Step 6: Shake vigorously for 30-60 seconds.
Step 7: Strain into your glass of choice.
Step 8: Garnish with 3 espresso beans to symbolize health, wealth, and happiness, and serve immediately.
Hint: Use larger ice cubes in the cocktail shaker to help dilute the drink a little bit and create lots of agitation for the nice, thick layer of foam!
💡tips & tricks for getting it right
🍽️ serving tips
- choose your glass – traditionally, espresso martinis containing alcohol are served in a coupe glass or small martini glass.
- frozen or over ice – You can also serve this zero-proof espresso martini over ice, though it’s not as traditional.
- get the garnish– Make sure to garnish each virgin espresso martini with three espresso beans, symbolizing health, wealth, and happiness. You can also garnish the rim of the glass by dipping it in simple syrup and then rimming the glass with vanilla bean sugar.
- pair with snacks – pair this bold espresso mocktail with classic Italian appetizers like marinated mozzarella, or more modern snacks like roasted cocktail sausages!
ℹ️ troubleshooting tips
Even though this is a simple-to-make cocktail, some things can go awry! If you run into problems, try these troubleshooting tips. You can also leave me a comment and I will help you troubleshoot to the best of my ability! 😘
- get the foam right – make sure to use large ice cubes in the shaker and shake your drinks for at least 30 seconds to get a thick, stable foam. This is the KEY that so many folks struggle with. Whether you use cold brew or espresso, the size of the ice cubes matters!
- bitter – if your drink is too bitter, you can add in some more simple syrup to balance the bitterness. Make sure you slowly pour your espresso over ice, and allow it to cool slightly before adding it to ice. You can also add a few drops of a homemade saline solution to cut the acidity or bitterness of the coffee.
- too sweet – if your mocktail is too sweet, you can add more water, or milk or cream to balance things out.
⚖️ scaling tips
Espresso martinis are known as perfect party drinks for good reason: they are easy to scale up for a crowd!
You can pre-mix everything into a pitcher, and then shake each drink individually as you serve them to get the frothy layer on the martinis.
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♻️ customize your espresso mocktails
- cold brew – you can use cold brew coffee or strongly brewed drip coffee if you don’t have an espresso machine at home.
- zero-proof spirit – you can use an alcohol-free spirit in place of the water in this Italian mocktail. Nowadays, there are many options on the market for non-alcoholic spirits like zero-proof vodka, rum, and gin. You can even use a non-alcoholic coffee liqueur!
- frozen – freeze your espresso into espresso ice cubes, then blend all the ingredients in a blender for a frosty, alcohol-free beverage.
- chocolate – you can add in chocolate syrup instead of simple syrup for a chocolatey take on this mocktail!
- creamy – do you prefer a creamy espresso martini? You can add in 1 ounce of milk or cream of your choice. It’s okay, I’ll only judge you a little. 😛
🧰 equipment needed & storage tips
🫙 can you store espresso martini mocktails?
This alcohol-free cocktail is best enjoyed right after it is mixed, but you do have a liiiittle wiggle room if you want to prep it ahead of a party.
You can prepare these drinks in a large batch ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to shake and serve it. Be sure to shake just before serving to get the most froth on each cocktail.
💬 q+a
Can you use a non-alcoholic spirit in this mocktail?
Absolutely! If you want to substitute any non-alcoholic spirit in place of water you can do so!
Do I need to use freshly brewed espresso for this drink?
No way! You can use cold brew or strongly brewed coffee. If you do use brewed coffee, make sure to let it cool before pouring it over ice. Not only will the ice melt super fast, but the coffee could taste bitter if cooled over ice too quickly.
If you make this recipe, please leave a review in the comments and a star rating!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I read every single comment, and each rating is helpful to other readers, too! 🥹
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Espresso Martini Mocktail (Alcohol Free Espresso Martini)
Wanna save this recipe for later? 📬
I’ll email this recipe post to you so you can have it for later!
Equipment
- 1 coupe glass
- 1 espresso machine
Ingredients
- 2 ounces espresso
- 2 ounces water
- 1 ounce simple syrup
- dash vanilla extract optional
Instructions
- Make espresso. Brew one double shot of espresso according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Set it aside to cool slightly.2 ounces espresso
- Prep shaker. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add ingredients. Slowly pour in the cooled espresso, filtered water, simple syrup, and vanilla extract.2 ounces espresso, 2 ounces water, 1 ounce simple syrup, dash vanilla extract
- Shake well. Seal and shake the cocktail shaker vigorously for 30-60 seconds. A stronger shake will give you a stronger foam.
- Strain. Strain the mocktail into a coupe glass, or other glass with at least a 6 – 7 ounce capacity.
- Garnish + serve. Garnish your mocktails with 3 espresso beans each, gently layered on top of the foam. Serve immediately.
Notes
ℹ️ troubleshooting tips
Even though this is a simple-to-make cocktail, some things can go awry! If you run into problems, try these troubleshooting tips. You can also leave me a comment and I will help you troubleshoot to the best of my ability! 😘- get the foam right – make sure to use large ice cubes in the shaker and shake your drinks for at least 30 seconds to get a thick, stable foam. This is the KEY that so many folks struggle with. Whether you use cold brew or espresso, the size of the ice cubes matters!
- bitter – if your drink is too bitter, you can add in some more simple syrup to balance the bitterness. Make sure you slowly pour your espresso over ice, and allow it to cool slightly before adding it to ice. You can also add a few drops of a homemade saline solution to cut the acidity or bitterness of the coffee.
- too sweet – if your mocktail is too sweet, you can add more water, or milk or cream to balance things out.
♻️ customize your espresso mocktails
- cold brew – you can use cold brew coffee or strongly brewed drip coffee if you don’t have an espresso machine at home.
- zero-proof spirit – you can use an alcohol-free spirit in place of the water in this Italian mocktail. Nowadays, there are many options on the market for non-alcoholic spirits like zero-proof vodka, rum, and gin. You can even use a non-alcoholic coffee liqueur!
- frozen – freeze your espresso into espresso ice cubes, then blend all the ingredients in a blender for a frosty, alcohol-free beverage.
- chocolate – you can add in chocolate syrup instead of simple syrup for a chocolatey take on this mocktail!
- creamy – do you prefer a creamy espresso martini? You can add in 1 ounce of milk or cream of your choice. It’s okay, I’ll only judge you a little. 😛
