The Espresso Martini has become one of the fastest‑growing cocktails in America—and for good reason. It’s bold yet smooth, indulgent yet energizing. But if you’ve ever searched how to make the perfect Espresso Martini, you already know the truth:

A great Espresso Martini is only as good as its ingredients.

In honor of National Espresso Martini Day, Weber Ranch Vodka and Segafredo have teamed up to raise the standard for this modern classic—starting with what matters most.

What Makes the Perfect Espresso Martini?

While there are countless variations online, the best Espresso Martinis all share three essential principles:

1. High‑quality vodka with a clean, smooth finish
2. Real espresso, freshly brewed—not coffee liqueur doing all the work
3. Proper balance between richness, sweetness, and texture

When any one of these falls short, the cocktail does too.

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Start With Better Vodka

Vodka is the backbone of an Espresso Martini , yet it’s often treated as an afterthought. Weber Ranch Vodka changes that.

Distilled from 100% Blue Weber Agave, Weber Ranch Vodka is the only verified additive‑free vodka and is naturally carb‑ and gluten‑free. Our premium ingredient and slow distillation process made exclusively in copper yields an ultra‑smooth, clean profile with subtle vanilla notes that complement espresso rather than compete with it.

This clean finish is critical—especially in a cocktail where every flavor shows up.

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Use Real Espresso (and It Matters Which One)

If you want a rich crema and full‑bodied flavor, fresh espresso is non‑negotiable.

Segafredo’s Extra Strong Espresso brings generations of Italian espresso expertise to the glass, delivering bold dark chocolate, caramel, and subtle raspberry notes, finished with a rich, velvety crema. Those natural flavors are what give a great Espresso Martini its signature depth and luxurious texture.

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The Perfect Espresso Martini Recipe

This recipe highlights premium ingredients and lets them do the work.

Ingredients

• 1.5 oz Weber Ranch Vodka
• 1 oz freshly brewed Segafredo Extra Strong Espresso
• 1 oz coffee liqueur
• 0.25 oz agave syrup (optional, to taste)
• 3 espresso beans, for garnish

How to Make an Espresso Martini

1. Combine all ingredients in a shaker and fill with fresh ice.
2. Shake vigorously to chill and combine.
3. Strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass.
4. Garnish with three espresso beans.

Pro tip: A hard shake is the secret to that thick, velvety crema on top.

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Why Ingredient Quality Changes Everything

When you pair Weber Ranch Vodka with Segafredo espresso, you’re not masking flaws—you’re showcasing flavor. The vodka’s smooth agave‑based character enhances the espresso’s natural richness, creating a cocktail that’s balanced, energizing, and unmistakably premium.

This is the Espresso Martini the way it was meant to be made.

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A Brief History of the Espresso Martini

The Espresso Martini was created in the late 1980s by legendary London bartender Dick Bradsell, who famously crafted the drink at the request of a London fashion model asking for something that would “wake me up, and then f*** me up.” Originally called the Vodka Espresso, the cocktail blended vodka with freshly pulled espresso and sugar, shaking it hard to create the now-iconic crema. Over time, it evolved into the Espresso Martini  we know today—an elegant balance of energy and indulgence—and has since become a global staple, prized most when made with quality vodka and real espresso.

Celebrate National Espresso Martini Day

Whether you’re celebrating National Espresso Martini Day or simply upgrading your at‑home cocktail game, the formula is simple:

Better ingredients. Better Espresso Martini.

From the vodka to the coffee, taste the difference higher standards make.

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Looking for more cocktail inspiration? Browse all Weber Ranch Cocktail Recipes.

‍Ever wish you had a bartender in your back pocket?

Text us #SaddleUp to 1-940-400-1902 to meet Tex, your Weber Ranch AI Mixologist. Tex recommends cocktails, works with the ingredients you have on hand, and adapts just like your favorite bartender. From snapping a photo of your fridge to planning a party menu or naming a custom cocktail, Tex is on call 24/7 with bartender-level advice. Just ask Tex!

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