Espresso Martini Mocktail

• fresh espresso
  45 ml (1.5 oz)

  Freshly brewed and slightly cooled for best foam and flavor
• cold brew concentrate
  30 ml (1 oz)

  Adds body and extra coffee depth without dilution
• simple syrup
  25 ml (0.75 oz)

  Use rich simple syrup for a fuller mouthfeel if desired
• non-alcoholic coffee liqueur alternative
  30 ml (1 oz)

  Optional but highly recommended for complexity
• aquafaba
  15 ml (0.5 oz)

  Optional; creates a thick, creamy foam similar to a classic Espresso Martini
• ice
  30 ml (1 oz)

  For shaking; not served in the drink

• Cocktail shaker
• Jigger
• Fine mesh strainer
• Hawthorne strainer
• Espresso machine or strong coffee maker
• Coupe or martini glass

1. 1

   Chill your coupe or martini glass first. A cold glass helps the mocktail stay crisp and gives it that polished cocktail-bar presentation.

2. 2

   Brew fresh espresso and let it cool for a minute or two. You want it warm rather than piping hot so it shakes properly without melting too much ice.

3. 3

   Add the espresso, cold brew concentrate, simple syrup, non-alcoholic coffee liqueur alternative, and aquafaba to a cocktail shaker.

4. 4

   If using aquafaba, dry shake first without ice for about 10 seconds. This helps build a stable, velvety foam.

5. 5

   Add ice to the shaker and shake hard for 15 to 20 seconds. Really go for it—the vigorous shake is what creates the signature frothy top.

6. 6

   Double strain through a Hawthorne strainer and fine mesh strainer into your chilled coupe. This gives the drink a smooth texture and a refined finish.

7. 7

   Let the drink sit for 10 to 15 seconds so the foam cap settles beautifully on top, then garnish and serve immediately.

• It has the bold, rich flavor of fresh espresso with the elegance of a classic cocktail.
• The frothy crema-like top makes it feel bar-quality and visually impressive.
• It’s alcohol-free, so it works for brunch, dinner parties, and mindful drinking occasions.
• It comes together quickly with simple ingredients and minimal prep.
• It satisfies both coffee lovers and mocktail fans in one glass.

The original Espresso Martini was created in the 1980s by legendary bartender Dick Bradsell in London, inspired by a guest who wanted a drink that would 'wake me up and then mess me up.' Built with vodka, espresso, and coffee liqueur, it quickly became a modern classic. The mocktail version is a natural evolution of that idea: all the drama, aroma, and rich coffeehouse character of the original, but reimagined for drinkers who want a zero-proof option. As alcohol-free cocktails have become more refined, the Espresso Martini Mocktail has earned a place on menus by proving that a spirit-free drink can still feel luxurious, grown-up, and undeniably stylish.