Cocktails
Chili's Espresso Martini
Are you ready to shake up your cocktail routine with a zesty twist on a classic favorite? For those adventurous souls yearning to explore beyond traditional boundaries, the new Chili's Espresso Martini offers a delightful blend of bold and smooth flavors guaranteed to tantalize your taste buds.
Recipe reviewed 29 Sep 2026. How we test recipes.
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WHAT YOU NEED
Ingredients
METHOD
How to make it
- Brew Your Espresso: Begin by brewing a strong shot of espresso. A strong coffee could work if you don’t have an espresso machine, but the richer the better. Allow it to cool to room temperature.
- Chill Your Glass: Place your martini glass in the freezer while the espresso cools. A chilled glass ensures the cocktail stays cool longer, enhancing the drinking experience.
- Mix Your Cocktail: In a shaker, add the tequila, spiced rum, cooled espresso, and agave syrup. Fill the shaker with a handful of ice.
- Shake It Up: Secure the lid on your shaker and give it a vigorous shake for about 10-15 seconds. You’re aiming to chill the concoction and achieve a little foam from the espresso.
- Strain and Serve: Remove your chilled glass from the freezer and strain the mixture into it, ensuring a smooth pour without ice.
- Garnish: Complete your masterpiece by garnishing with a few espresso beans on top. This looks professional and intensifies the coffee aroma with each sip.
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More in this article 4 sections
Made in Chili's creative kitchens, this Espresso Martini isn't just any cocktail; it's a fusion of vibrant cultures and unique ingredients that will have you savoring every sip. Tequila replaces vodka for an unexpected kick, spiced rum adds a hint of mystery, and the smoothness of fresh espresso rounds it out perfectly.
Copycat Chili's Espresso Martini Recipe
Chili's Espresso Martini is a cocktail offered at the restaurant chain Chili's. It's a variation of the classic espresso martini, which typically combines vodka, espresso, coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa), and a touch of simple syrup.
Tips for the Perfect Espresso Martini:
- Quality Matters: The better the ingredients, particularly the tequila and espresso, the more refined your drink will taste.
- Experiment with Tequila: Chili's uses a reposado tequila; try different reposados to find the one that best suits your palate.
- Achieving the Perfect Froth: Vigorous shaking is crucial. It’s not just about cooling; it’s also about aerating the espresso to achieve that characteristic frothy top.
- Closest to Chili's: Chili's lists Owen's Espresso Martini Mix, a sweetened coffee mixer, in its version. For the closest match, use 2 oz of that mix and reduce the agave to 1/4 oz. Fresh espresso plus agave, as written here, is a less sweet homemade alternative.
- Adjust to Taste: If you prefer your martini a bit sweeter, don’t hesitate to adjust the agave syrup to taste. Conversely, experiment with adding a bit more espresso for a stronger coffee flavour.
What to serve with
Espresso martinis suit rich, savory bites such as sharp cheeses with nuts and honey, smoked salmon canapés or a charcuterie board. For dessert, choose chocolate or tiramisu, which echo the coffee.
Ingredients Substitutes
The Espresso Martini is a coffee-flavored cocktail made with a few key ingredients: vodka, coffee liqueur, espresso, and sometimes sugar syrup for added sweetness. If you're looking to make a version of Chili's Espresso Martini at home but you're missing some ingredients, here are some substitutes you can use:
Tequila:
Substitute: Blanco tequila works but tastes sharper than reposado; mezcal adds a smoky note.
Spiced Rum:
Substitute: Dark rum plus a pinch of cinnamon is a close stand-in.
Espresso:
Substitute: Not everyone has an espresso machine at home. Use 1 ounce of cold brew concentrate or double-strength brewed coffee instead.
Agave Syrup:
Substitute: Simple syrup (1:1 sugar and water) or maple syrup both work; maple adds a little more flavor.
Final Thoughts
Remember, substitutions will alter the final taste from the original recipe, but experimenting can also lead to delightful new variations of a classic cocktail like Chili's Espresso Martini.
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