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Feature image for an espresso martini mocktail. Two glasses of virgin espresso martinis sit on a countertop next to the ingredients used to make them.

Espresso Martini Mocktail (Alcohol Free Espresso Martini)

Lindsey Neumayer
This recipe for an espresso martini mocktail, or a virgin espresso martini, is the perfect stand-in when you’d rather not have alcohol but you still want to have a fun and fancy drink.
5 from 1 vote
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Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Brunch, Coffee, Mocktail
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 1
Calories 81 kcal

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Equipment

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

Note: If you are strictly avoiding alcohol, or serving these drinks to someone who is, make sure to use a brand of vanilla extract that is noted as being alcohol-free.
 

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. 😛

Nutrition

Calories: 81kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 0.1gFat: 0.1gSaturated Fat: 0.1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gSodium: 27mgPotassium: 83mgSugar: 21gVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 7mgIron: 1mg
Did you make this?! 👀Let everyone know how it was! 💕
Keyword: espresso, espresso martini, mocktail, The Balancing Act, The Oomph