The Best Espresso Martini Variations We've Tasted

The classic espresso martini is perfect as it is — but that hasn't stopped creative bartenders from pushing it further. After years of ordering variations across the globe, these are the riffs that genuinely improve on the original (or at least make a compelling argument).

Salted Caramel Espresso Martini

This is the most common variation and the one most likely to disappoint — a saccharine caramel syrup drowning the coffee. Done well, though, it's a revelation. The key is restraint: a few drops of high-quality sea salt and a caramel that's genuinely bitter rather than sweet.

We had the best version of this at a bar in Copenhagen where they used a house-made salted butterscotch tincture instead of caramel syrup. Two drops changed the whole character of the drink.

Cold Brew Espresso Martini

Using cold brew concentrate instead of espresso sacrifices the foam but gains something in return: a smoother, more rounded coffee flavour with lower acidity. It's a different drink — less dramatic, more approachable.

This version works better for people who find the classic too sharp. It's also far easier to make at home since you don't need an espresso machine.

White Espresso Martini (Vanilla Bean)

Replace the standard coffee liqueur with a white coffee liqueur and add freshly scraped vanilla bean, and you get something that looks like nothing — clear, golden — but tastes extraordinary. The coffee flavour is there but transformed: lighter, almost floral.

This is the variation that surprises the most first-time drinkers. It challenges the assumption that an espresso martini must be dark and bitter.

Mezcal Espresso Martini

Replace the vodka with a smoky mezcal and suddenly you're in new territory. The smoke plays extraordinarily well with the roasted coffee notes, and a reposado tequila works almost as well. This isn't a variation for everyone, but if you enjoy mezcal, it's worth seeking out.

We first encountered this at a bar in Mexico City where the bartender used a light, grassy mezcal and Mr Black liqueur. It was one of the best cocktails we've had — period.

The Classic Still Wins

For all the creativity, the original formula endures because it's balanced perfectly. These variations are worth exploring, but always come back to the foundation: freshly pulled espresso, quality vodka, and a shake that would concern a passing cardiologist.