Dreamy Coconut Espresso Martini Cocktail in 5 Minutes
Let me tell you about the cocktail that changed my vacation—and my cocktail game—forever. I was sitting at this tiny beachside bar in Thailand, sweating from the heat but craving my usual espresso martini. The bartender grinned and said, “Try something better.” What came next was magic—a Coconut Espresso Martini that blended rich coffee with creamy coconut in the most refreshing way imaginable.
Now it’s my go-to drink when I want to feel fancy but relaxed. The espresso gives you that perfect pick-me-up, while the coconut cream makes it feel like a tropical escape in a glass. Trust me, once you try this twist on the classic, you’ll never look at regular espresso martinis the same way again. It’s like vacation in a sip!
The Exact Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what makes my Coconut Espresso Martini cocktail so dreamy—no shortcuts! You’ll need:
- 1 oz espresso (freshly brewed and cooled—trust me, hot espresso melts the ice too fast)
- 1.5 oz vodka (I use plain vodka, but coconut-flavored works if you want extra tropical vibes)
- 1 oz coconut cream (pack it tight in your measuring spoon—none of that loose, runny stuff)
- 0.5 oz coffee liqueur (this balances the bitterness—adjust to your sweet tooth)
- Large ice cubes (small ones dilute your drink while shaking—been there, cried over that)
- Coconut flakes (for garnish—toasted if you’re feeling fancy)
That’s it! Simple ingredients, unforgettable flavor. Pro tip: Use real coconut cream, not sweetened cream of coconut—they’re totally different beasts.
How to Make a Coconut Espresso Martini Cocktail
Okay, let’s get shaking! This cocktail comes together in minutes, but a few key steps make all the difference between “meh” and “wow.” Follow along—I’ll walk you through each part to ensure your Coconut Espresso Martini is pure perfection.
Chilling the Glass
First things first—pop your martini glass in the freezer while you prep everything else. I know, I know, you want to skip this step. But hear me out! A frosty glass keeps your drink icy-cold and prevents those precious sips from getting watered down too fast. I usually toss mine in when I start gathering ingredients—just 5 minutes makes all the difference.
Mixing and Shaking
Now the fun part! Add your cooled espresso, vodka, coconut cream, and coffee liqueur to a shaker. Here’s my secret: pack that coconut cream in tight—it likes to cling to the spoon. Fill the shaker with big ice cubes (small ones melt too quickly), then shake like you mean it! I count to 15—that full-body shake blends the coconut cream smooth and gives that gorgeous frothy top. You’ll feel when it’s ready—the shaker gets frosty and the sound changes to a deeper “whoosh.”
Garnishing Tips
Strain into your chilled glass—ahh, listen to that satisfying pour. For garnish, I love a sprinkle of coconut flakes. If you’ve got an extra minute, toast them lightly in a dry pan first. The nutty aroma takes this cocktail next-level. Just watch them—they go from golden to burnt in seconds! Now take a sip… See? Worth every shake.
Why You’ll Love This Coconut Espresso Martini Cocktail
Let me count the ways this drink will steal your heart:
- Perfect balance—the espresso’s boldness plays off the coconut’s creaminess, while the coffee liqueur adds just enough sweetness without being cloying
- Tropical escape—one sip transports you to beachside lounging, even if you’re actually in your tiny apartment
- Quick & easy—ready in 5 minutes flat (faster than most coffee shop orders!)
- Crowd-pleaser—friends always ask for seconds when I serve these at gatherings
- Versatile—equally delicious as an after-dinner treat or a brunch pick-me-up
Seriously—it’s like your favorite coffee drink and a tropical vacation had a delicious baby.
Coconut Espresso Martini Cocktail Variations
Want to mix things up? Here are my favorite twists on this tropical beauty:
- Lighter version: Swap coconut cream for light coconut milk or almond milk—still creamy but with half the fat
- Decaf delight: Use decaf espresso if you’re sipping late (I won’t tell!)
- Spiked coconut: Try coconut rum instead of vodka for extra island vibes
- Chocolate lover’s dream: Add a drizzle of chocolate syrup before pouring—trust me, it’s divine
The best part? This cocktail forgives experimentation beautifully—just keep shaking!
Equipment You’ll Need
Here’s the short list of tools that’ll make your Coconut Espresso Martini shine:
- Cocktail shaker (a Boston shaker works best for that vigorous 15-second shake)
- Fine mesh strainer (to catch any rogue coconut bits)
- Chilled martini glass (the wider the rim, the better the coconut flake garnish sticks)
That’s it! No fancy gadgets needed—just these three essentials for cocktail magic.
Serving Suggestions
This cocktail shines brightest when paired with desserts that complement its rich flavors. Try it alongside:
- Dark chocolate truffles (the bitterness plays off the coconut beautifully)
- Vanilla bean panna cotta (creamy meets creamy—heaven!)
- Coconut macaroons (double down on tropical vibes)
For brunch? Serve with fresh pineapple—the acidity cuts through the richness perfectly.
Coconut Espresso Martini Cocktail FAQs
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are the things people ask me most about making this tropical delight:
Can I use instant espresso? Yes—in a pinch! Dissolve 1 tsp instant espresso in 1 oz hot water, then cool completely. Fresh-brewed tastes better, but we’ve all been desperate at 11pm.
How should I store leftover coconut cream? Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Give it a good stir before using—it separates like crazy.
Why does my drink taste watery? You probably didn’t shake hard enough or used small ice cubes. Next time, channel your inner bartender—that vigorous shake makes all the difference!
Nutritional Information
Let’s be real – we don’t drink cocktails for their health benefits! But since you’re curious, here’s the scoop on my Coconut Espresso Martini. One serving comes in around 220 calories with about 10g of sugar (mostly from the coffee liqueur and coconut cream). Exact numbers will vary based on your brands – especially that coconut cream, which can range from light to super rich.
For what it’s worth, I figure the espresso’s caffeine boost cancels out some of the indulgence – at least that’s what I tell myself when I’m enjoying a second one!
Share Your Coconut Espresso Martini Cocktail
Made this tropical treat? Snap a photo and share it with me! Tag me on Instagram—I love seeing how you garnish your Coconut Espresso Martini. Cheers to shaking up something delicious!
PrintDreamy Coconut Espresso Martini Cocktail in 5 Minutes
A refreshing Coconut Espresso Martini cocktail combines espresso, coconut flavor, and vodka for a tropical twist on the classic drink.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Total Time: 5 mins
- Yield: 1 cocktail 1x
- Category: Cocktail
- Method: Shaken
- Cuisine: International
- Diet: Low Lactose
Ingredients
- 1 oz espresso (cooled)
- 1.5 oz vodka
- 1 oz coconut cream
- 0.5 oz coffee liqueur
- Ice cubes
- Coconut flakes (for garnish)
Instructions
- Chill a martini glass.
- Add espresso, vodka, coconut cream, and coffee liqueur to a shaker.
- Fill the shaker with ice cubes.
- Shake vigorously for 15 seconds.
- Strain into the chilled martini glass.
- Garnish with coconut flakes.
Notes
- Use freshly brewed espresso for the best flavor.
- Adjust sweetness by adding more or less coffee liqueur.
- Shake well to blend coconut cream smoothly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cocktail
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
