Virgin Espresso Martini

If you’re a coffee lover, then you’re going to drool over this incredible Virgin Espresso Martini. It’s so tasty, it’s hard to believe that there’s no alcohol in it! (And it’s not just coffee.)

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About this Virgin Espresso Martini recipe

If you haven’t noticed, espresso martinis are the hottest cocktail right now. They’re the cocktail of every coffee lover’s dreams. But what if you’re looking for a delicious drink without an alcohol? You shouldn’t have to cut corners and have a drink that doesn’t live up to your standards!

Enter this espresso martini mocktail. It’s all the lovely coffee flavors and warming sugar syrup, just without alcohol. The taste is almost identical to the real thing — you probably won’t even miss the vodka! But it’s not just coffee, either — there’s a non-alcoholic coffee liqueur and a homemade syrup to really take it up a notch.

I’ve started to get really love making mocktails! Now when Sober October or Dry January roll around, I am set to enjoy cocktail hour without all the alcohol. This non-alcoholic espresso martini is a total winner, and my virgin margaritas are killer too.

If you’re hosting guests that prefer not to drink, whip up this delicious virgin martini instead of serving them soda or something else. And if you’re looking for fun ways to enjoy an evening without alcohol, then give this recipe a try!

More mocktail recipes: Apple Cider Mocktail • Virgin Strawberry Daiquiri • Virgin Mimosas

Why you’ll love this recipe

The lovely coffee flavor of this delicious espresso mocktail recipe is irresistable:

• This yummy mocktail is perfect to serve at parties so that those who don’t drink won’t feel left out! Sure, soda and punch is good, but it’s just extra hospitable to show you put extra thought into the non alcoholic beverages.
• It’s actually really easy to make this espresso mocktail. You’ll only need basic bar tools and a few special ingredients.
• A virgin espresso martini is super classy. Serve it at cocktail parties, bridal showers, weddings, corporate events and more!

Tools & glassware 

To make this mocktail, you’ll need some way to brew espresso or make strong drip coffee. Make sure you have a cocktail shaker on hand to mix the drink, as well as a jigger to measure each ingredients. You’ll also need coupe glasses for serving.

If you plan to make the syrup, make sure you have a saucepan, measuring cups and spoons, and a mixing spoon. Then you’ll need a jar or bottle to store. And that’s it!

Ingredients

Ready to make this delicious alcohol-free drink? Then make sure to grab these ingredients and have them on hand:

Cinnamon Vanilla Syrup

• vanilla bean, or vanilla extract
• cinnamon sticks
• water
• sugar

Virgin Espresso Martini

• zero-proof coffee liqueur, such as Lyre’s Coffee Originale
• fresh espresso or strong coffee
• cinnamon vanilla syrup (or plain simple syrup)
• whole coffee beans

Substitutions & variations

I use Lyre’s coffee liqueur for this recipe, but you can use whatever zero-proof coffee liqueur that you enjoy!

You can also use non alcoholic spirits like Ritual Zero Proof Whiskey or Seedlip Spice 94 in this delicious virgin drink.

Don’t have a zero-proof spirit on hand? Not to worry! Just use more coffee and add more simple syrup to taste.

While I highly recommend making this cinnamon vanilla syrup to use, you can use regular simple syrup in its place.

Cinnamon Vanilla Syrup

Follow these simple instructions to make the best cinnamon vanilla syrup! Then use that syrup and make the perfect virgin espresso martini:

Split the vanilla bean lengthwise and then scrape out the seeds. Add water, cinnamon sticks and vanilla seeds and the spent pods to a medium saucepan. (If using vanilla extract instead of a pod, wait to add it in a later step.)

Stir the mixture together over medium heat and bring to a simmer for 5 minutes.

Remove from heat and then stir in the sugar until dissolved. If you’re using vanilla extract instead of a vanilla bean, add it now.

Transfer the syrup to a glass jar and seal tightly with a lid. Use immediately or store in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.

Instructions

Now that we have our syrup, let’s make our cocktail! (And don’t worry, you can use regular simple syrup too.)

To a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add the zero-proof coffee liqueur, espresso and cinnamon vanilla syrup.

Shake vigorously until chilled and well combined.

Strain the mixture into a coupe glass. Then carefully garnish with three espresso beans arranged in a triangle shape.

Tips & tricks

Take a look at these few tips to see if these little nuggets of info can help you out in the kitchen:

• Don’t worry about using cooled or cold coffee — it’s totally fine if the coffee is hot! Just shake it well with the ice to chill it and even serving in a chilled cocktail glass will ensure the martini is extra cold.
• Make sure you don’t mix up this drink until just before serving so that it stays cold and that foam layer stays in tact. This is not really the best drink to make ahead of time.
• For the best flavor, use high quality coffee. A smooth and rich coffee will make the best espresso martini!

Food pairings

I love serving this virgin espresso martini with all of my favorite dessert treats with an underlying coffee flavor. It pairs so well with tiramisu trifle and Baileys chocolate chip cookies. Just like it is in hot coffee, homemade biscotti is also so tasty with this mocktail.

Believe it or not, this goes great with a cheese board too! Or serve it with another creamy favorite like baked brie.

For brunch, enjoy it with baked goodies like chai muffins and pumpkin bread.

FAQ

More coffee drinks

• Iced Brown Sugar Oat Milk Shaken Espresso
• Lavender Latte
• Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew