How to Make the Perfect Virgin Espresso Martini
American · Easy · 5 min · 1 servings
A bold and creamy alcohol-free version of the beloved espresso martini. Rich espresso and coffee syrup create a sophisticated mocktail with a beautiful frothy top.
Why this recipe works
This Virgin Espresso Martini recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 5 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 120 calories with 1g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 8 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 2 shots freshly brewed espresso cooled
- 2 tbsp coffee syrup or simple syrup
- 0.25 cup cold brew coffee concentrate
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 0.5 cup ice cubes
- 2 tbsp aquafaba for froth
- 3 whole coffee beans for garnish
- 1 pinch cocoa powder for garnish
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Brew and Cool Espresso
Brew two shots of strong espresso and allow them to cool to room temperature. You can speed this up by placing the espresso in the freezer for 5 minutes. Using hot espresso will melt the ice too quickly and dilute the final drink.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in Shaker
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes. Add the cooled espresso, cold brew coffee concentrate, coffee syrup, vanilla extract, and aquafaba. The aquafaba is the key ingredient that will create the signature frothy top on the mocktail.
Step 3: Shake Vigorously
Seal the shaker tightly and shake as hard as you can for at least 20 to 30 seconds. This is the most important step because vigorous shaking creates the foam and chills the drink perfectly. You should hear the ice crashing loudly inside.
Step 4: Strain into Glass
Strain the mixture through the cocktail shaker strainer into a chilled martini glass. Pour slowly and steadily so the foam rises naturally to the top. The drink should have a deep brown color with a thick pale foam layer on the surface.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Place three coffee beans on top of the foam in the center of the glass. Lightly dust the foam with a tiny pinch of cocoa powder for a finishing touch. Serve immediately before the foam begins to dissolve.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- aquafaba → egg white for a richer and more stable foam
- cold brew concentrate → strong brewed coffee cooled completely
- coffee syrup → caramel syrup for a sweeter variation
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Using hot espresso which melts ice too fast and results in a watery drink
- Not shaking long enough which means the foam does not form properly
- Using a warm glass which causes the foam to collapse almost immediately
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 120 calories, 1g protein, 28g carbs, 1g fat, 0g fiber.
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