Guinness Espresso Martini

A creamy twist on the classic Espresso Martini, this version blends rich stout with fresh espresso for a cocktail that tastes like an elevated Irish coffee meets dessert martini. The Guinness adds subtle roasted malt notes and a velvety texture that makes the drink extra smooth.

For the best result, use Guinness Draught. Its nitrogen carbonation creates a creamier texture and softer bitterness that blends beautifully when shaken with espresso and vanilla vodka. Guinness Extra Stout can work, but it’s slightly more bitter and roasted.

Watch Me Mix It

What Guinness Works Best?

For this cocktail, I recommend using Guinness Draught (the classic can with the nitrogen widget). It has a creamy texture and softer bitterness that blends well with espresso and vanilla vodka.

You can also use Guinness Extra Stout, but it’s more bitter and roasted, which can dominate the cocktail slightly.

If you want the smoothest finish, stick with Guinness Draught.

Make it With Me

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add Guinness, vanilla vodka, coffee liqueur, maple syrup (or vanilla bean syrup), and chilled espresso to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for about 15–20 seconds until the mixture is well chilled and slightly frothy.
4. Double strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass.
5. Garnish with three espresso beans or a light dusting of cocoa powder, and serve immediately.

Tips for the Best Foam

• Use fresh espresso whenever possible.
• Shake hard, this is what creates the signature Espresso Martini foam.
• The nitro texture of Guinness Draught adds a creamy finish that complements the foam beautifully.

Make Your Own Vanilla Bean Syrup

Making your own vanilla bean syrup at home is simple and adds a rich, warm sweetness to cocktails, coffee drinks, and desserts. The base recipe uses 1 part water and 1 part sugar, plus one split vanilla bean.

Add the water, sugar, and vanilla bean (split lengthwise to expose the seeds) to a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk until the sugar dissolves, then reduce to a gentle simmer.

After about a minute, remove from heat and let the vanilla steep as the syrup cools. Once cooled, remove the vanilla bean and transfer the syrup to a storage container.

Store in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 weeks. For an extra strong vanilla flavor, you can leave the bean in the syrup while it’s stored.

Looking for another riff?

Try this Chocolate Guinness Espresso Martini for a richer, dessert-style twist.

Instructions

Add the following to a cocktail shaker:

• 1½ oz vodka
• ¾ oz coffee liqueur
• ½ oz chocolate syrup
• 2 oz fresh espresso
• 2 oz Irish stout (like Guinness Draught)

Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously until well chilled and slightly frothy.

Double strain into a chilled coupe glass and garnish with freshly grated chocolate shavings and three espresso beans.

@join_jules

Who says you can’t make a Guinness Espresso Martini? Not me 👋🏼 I also didn’t realize it’s national espresso martini day? So here’s a new one to try that’s festive for St Patrick’s Day Also fun fact, I don’t drink beer but Guinness is the only beer I’ll drink. So for all my beer lovers out there here’s my best attempt at a beer cocktail 🤷🏼‍♀️ In a cocktail shaker add: 1.5 oz vodka 3/4 oz coffee liqueur 1/2 oz chocolate syrup Shot of espresso, about 2 oz 2 oz Irish stout, like Guinness Add ice & shake! Strain into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with fresh grated chocolate shavings & espresso beans! Xoxo, cheers! #joinjules #espresso #espressomartini #nationalespressomartiniday #irishstout #guinness #stpatricksday #cocktailrecipes #drinkrecipes

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