10 Best Vodkas for An Espresso Martini Cocktail (2023)
Last Updated on September 14, 2023 by Lydia Martin
The vodka’s smoothness and the coffee’s robustness sets a remarkable espresso martini apart from the ordinary.
You may ask why the choice of vodka matters for espresso martinis. The right vodka can elevate your cocktail to a new level of indulgence.
I recently went on a thrilling series of blind tastings, pitting different vodkas against each other in the quest for the best vodka for Espresso Martini. Curious about the results? Read on.
Top 10 Vodkas For Espresso Martini
1. Beluga Noble Vodka
Average Price: Roughly $31.99 (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Nose: Delicate floral hints, subtle wheat, and inviting freshness
Palate: Intensely rich, harmonious complexity, with wheat’s gentle embrace
Star Rating: ★★★★★
Why We Like It: With its crystal-clear appearance, a bottle of Beluga sets the stage for elegance for the perfect Espresso Martini.
Its flavor profile boasts fresh and elegant notes, accentuated by the gentle fragrance of flowers and wheat. But what truly sets Beluga apart is how it transforms my espresso martini.
When mingled with the robustness of hot espresso, Beluga’s distinct palate profile brings about a harmonious union.
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2. Black Cow Vodka
Average Price: Roughly $36.14 (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Nose: Cream, grass with invitingly smooth and subtle notes of vanilla
Palate: Creamy embrace, velvety richness, and grassy undertones
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
Why We Like It: As seekers of unparalleled taste, we stumbled upon the enigmatic Black Cow– a true outlier in the world of spirits [1]. But what indeed captivates me is its exceptional versatility.
“We set out to make the world’s best vodka; that’s what we set out to do, basically,” -Jason Barber, West Dorset Dairy Farmer
Black Cow’s unique texture and flavor transcend expectations when integrated into an espresso martini. It is one of the best vodkas with a creamy embrace that effortlessly merges with the strong espresso coffee notes.
3. Boatyard Vodka
Average Price: Roughly $43.28 (Official Website)
Alcohol Content: 41% ABV
Nose: Crisp citrus, subtle grain, and maritime breeze
Palate: Smooth entrance, maritime character, and gentle warmth
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
Why We Like It: In the sea of vodka choices, Boatyard Vodka emerges as a hidden treasure that resonates with the connoisseur’s heart.
Yet, how it elevates the espresso martini experience truly captivates me. Introducing Boatyard Vodka to an espresso martini is impressive.
The delicate sweetness of the vodka harmonizes with the delicious coffee notes.
As each sip warms the palate, Boatyard’s gentle embrace sails you through layers of captivating refinement.
For the recipe, mix in coffee liqueur, vodka (gluten-free), and sugar or simple syrup in a cocktail shaker. Pour it into a martini glass and top it off with three coffee beans.
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4. Jeptha Creed Vodka
Average Price: Roughly $24.99 (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Nose: Inviting golden apple and subtle cake batter
Palate: White cherry, grass, citrus, green apple
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
Why We Like It: Jeptha Creed truly shines in the espresso martini.
Its clean and delicate palate is a canvas for white cherry and lavender notes, dancing in harmonious finesse with the espresso’s bold presence.
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5. Kalak Single Malt Vodka
Average Price: Roughly $27.99 (Total Wine)
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Nose: Creamy allure, vanilla embrace, and fruity freshness
Palate: Biscuit undertones, dark chocolate, creaminess caress, ripe fruit richness
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
Why We Like It: Among the spirits, a Kalak Single Malt Vodka bottle emerges as one of the best vodkas to make an Espresso Martini.
The vodka espresso entices creamy notes akin to freshly baked croissants, layered with vanilla’s embrace and the whisper of fruity freshness.
Kalak Single Malt Vodka proved itself a masterpiece, blending textures and tastes to create an unparalleled sensation in our pursuit of espresso martini perfection.
6. Ketel One Vodka
Average Price: Roughly $26.99 (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: %ABV
Nose: Hints of fresh citrus and sweet honey create an inviting freshness
Palate: Crisp, smooth, and zesty zing
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
Why We Like It: Ketel One Vodka’s clear citrus and honey notes offer a refreshing prelude. When added to an espresso martini, its crisp nature blends seamlessly, enhancing the cocktail’s depth.
With a crisp flavor profile, the vodka’s zesty elegance complements espresso’s robust notes.
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7. Konik’s Tail Vodka
Average Price: Roughly $64.89 (Wine Online Delivery)
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Nose: Subtle vanilla notes, gentle wheat, delicate sweetness
Palate: Smooth texture, layered complexity, a hint of spice, and depth
Star Rating: ★★★☆☆
Why We Like It: Konik’s Tail Vodka is a smooth vodka to combine with coffee liqueur to make an elegant beverage like an Espresso Martini.
Konik’s Tail gives out smoothness and unveils layered complexity. Each sip in my martini glass resonates with the vodka’s charm and espresso’s bold character.
Our exploration of espresso martini experiments made us appreciate Konik’s Tail as an understated marvel, enhancing each sip with its intriguing interplay of flavors.
8. Masons Espresso Vodka
Average Price: Roughly $39.42 (Official Website)
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Nose: Delicate coffee bean aroma with a subtle sweetness
Palate: Rich coffee infusion, velvety texture, nuanced smoothness
Star Rating: ★★★☆☆
Why We Like It: Mason’s Vodka Espresso is a testament to meticulous craftsmanship.
The slow distillation process of the vodka espresso yields unparalleled smoothness. Infused with the vapor of El Salvadoran coffee beans, it captures the essence of silky coffee.
The richness of coffee infusion unfolds on my palate. With each sip, the vodka elevates the espresso martini and dance with coffee in a cocktail drink.
9. Grey Goose Vodka
Average Price: Roughly $40.99 (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Nose: Delicately floral whispers, inviting and gentle.
Palate: Sweetly rounded essence, harmonious and satisfying.
Star Rating: ★★★☆☆
Why We Like It: Grey Goose Vodka is a smooth vodka that exemplifies the elegance of simplicity.
Grey Goose has a crystal-clear appearance that hints at the purity within. Mixing Grey Goose with coffee liqueur in a cocktail shaker is a new drink.
“Grey Goose whispers elegance into the heart of espresso martinis.”- Liquor Laboratory
Unlike other cocktails, Grey Goose has a sweet taste and rounded essence, a harmonious symphony of flavors that satisfies each sip.
10. Finlandia Vodka
Average Price: Roughly $9.99 (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Nose: Subtle grains and a hint of citrus
Palate: Delicate and subtle spice and barley undertones
Star Rating:★★★☆☆
Why We Like It: Finlandia Vodka’s delicate aromas and pristine palate captivate. When combined with espresso in a martini, the vodka’s smoothness enhances the coffee’s richness.
Finlandia’s pure essence elevated every sip, creating an invigorating and refined harmonious balance.
*Note: Average prices are based on Drizly and the official product websites. The star rating was determined based on a blind test, with 1 being the lowest and 5 being the highest. Every vodka was evaluated on its quality, flavor profile, complexity, smoothness, and enjoyment.
FAQs
Do you use rum or vodka for Espresso Martini?
We opt for a bottle of vodka in Espresso Martinis [2]. Its neutral nature lets coffee flavors shine. The smooth blend of a bottle of vodka creates a harmonious and indulgent experience.
Stay away from flavored vodkas if you want to make an Espresso Martini. Flavored vodkas may alter the taste of a good Espresso Martini.
What spirits are typically in an Espresso Martini?
An Espresso Martini typically features equal parts of vodka and coffee liqueurs like Kahlua.
In a cocktail shaker, shake it with hot espresso, instant coffee, cold brew, simple syrup, or sugar, and garnish with three coffee beans.
These spirits and other ingredients combine for rich, balanced, caffeine-infused cocktail drinks that delights the senses.
What’s the best liquor for an Espresso Martini?
Vodka is the best liquor for an Espresso Martini. Its neutral flavor complements the rich coffee notes while maintaining a balanced taste.
The smooth blend of vodka with coffee liqueur creates a harmonious and indulgent cocktail experience.
Final Thoughts
Vodka’s neutral elegance is the perfect backdrop, allowing the coffee’s intensity to shine in a perfect Espresso Martini.
The harmonious blend of vodka, coffee liqueur, and espresso creates a cocktail that’s not just a drink but a refined and indulgent experience for the senses.
Beluga Noble Vodka stands as the best vodka for Espresso Martinis. Its uniquely balanced tasting notes, with gentle notes of vanilla and honey, perfectly complement espresso’s robust character.
What’s your favorite vodka for Espresso Martini? Comment it down below.
References:
- https://www.forbes.com/sites/georgekoutsakis/2018/04/08/cows-milk-vodka-reaches-for-the-stars-of-hollywood/
- https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/espresso-martini
