Quick Take: a decaf espresso martini delivers all the indulgent flavor and sophistication of the classic cocktail without the late-night caffeine hit.
What Is a Decaf Espresso Martini?
A cocktail made with vodka, coffee liqueur, and decaf espresso.
The decaf espresso martini is the elegant solution for those who crave the ritual of an espresso martini but don’t want to be staring at the ceiling at 2 a.m. It swaps regular espresso for a decaf shot while keeping the silky texture, frothy crema, and bittersweet balance intact.
Why Choose Decaf for This Cocktail?
To enjoy the drink at night time without caffeine worries.
A classic espresso martini is essentially a caffeine cocktail, which can wreak havoc on sleep and stress levels. Using decaf espresso (see our decaf brewing methods) gives you the same roasted coffee depth without the buzz. If you’ve already explored our decaf espresso guide, you know good decaf can be indistinguishable from the real thing when brewed right.
Core Recipe: Decaf Espresso Martini
Shake vodka, coffee liqueur, and decaf espresso with ice.
Ingredients (serves 1):
- 50 ml vodka (chilled)
- 30 ml coffee liqueur (e.g., Kahlúa or a decaf-friendly syrup alternative)
- 30 ml freshly brewed decaf espresso
- Ice cubes
- Coffee beans (for garnish)
Method:
- Brew a fresh shot of decaf espresso and let it cool slightly.
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add vodka, coffee liqueur, and espresso.
- Shake vigorously for 20–25 seconds until the shaker feels icy cold.
- Strain into a chilled martini glass.
- Garnish with three coffee beans.
Pro tip: the crema comes from shaking hard with fresh espresso, don’t skimp on the shake.
Variations to Try
Swap ingredients for new flavors without losing the coffee backbone.
- Decaf Espresso Martini Mocktail: replace vodka with cold brew concentrate or seedlip (a non-alcoholic spirit alternative).
- Vanilla Decaf Espresso Martini: add 10 ml vanilla syrup for a dessert-like finish.
- Salted Caramel Twist: replace coffee liqueur with a salted caramel syrup to cut bitterness with sweet-salty balance.
- Dairy-Free Version: shake with a splash of oat milk for a creamier texture.
Choosing the Right Decaf Espresso Beans
Go for freshly roasted decaf with bold notes.
The secret to a good decaf espresso martini lies in the coffee base. Beans that lean toward chocolate, caramel, or nutty profiles work beautifully with vodka and liqueur. Avoid overly fruity or floral decafs. They can clash with the cocktail’s spirit-driven structure.
Brands with Swiss Water or Sugarcane EA processes are often recommended for their clean taste and rich mouthfeel.
When to Serve a Decaf Espresso Martini
Perfect for evenings, parties, or as a digestif.
Because it’s decaf, you can serve it after dinner without worrying about keeping guests awake. It also works well as a special-occasion drink (weddings, holiday parties) or simply at home when you want the vibe of a cocktail bar without caffeine side effects.
