5 Espresso Recipes for Brunch Cocktails at Home

1. Classic Espresso Martini

The Classic Espresso Martini is a staple brunch cocktail, blending the rich flavor of espresso with the sweet tones of coffee liqueur. Here's how you can craft this timeless favorite at home:

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 oz vodka
• 1 oz coffee liqueur
• 1 oz freshly brewed espresso
• 1/2 oz simple syrup

Combine vodka, coffee liqueur, freshly brewed espresso, and simple syrup in a shaker. Shake well and strain into a martini glass.

Garnish with coffee beans for a classic touch.

Tips

• Use a high-quality, flavorful espresso blend with chocolate notes for the best results.
• A freshly made espresso shot will preserve the crema, adding a velvety texture to your drink.

2. Honey Lavender Latte Cocktail

Unwind with a Honey Lavender Latte Cocktail that infuses calming lavender and soothing honey into the espresso martini base, creating a refreshing and aromatic experience.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 oz vodka
• 1/2 oz lavender syrup
• 1/2 oz honey
• 1 oz espresso
• 1 oz half-and-half

Mix vodka, homemade lavender syrup, honey, and espresso in a shaker. Add half-and-half, shake, and serve over ice with a lavender sprig.

Tips

• Lavender syrup can be store-bought or made at home by infusing sugar syrup with dried lavender buds.
• Raw, local honey can lend a unique flavor profile to this cocktail, so try different varieties for subtle changes in taste.

3. Spiked Iced Mocha

For those warmer brunch days, the Spiked Iced Mocha offers the ideal way to cool down while enjoying your caffeine and cocktails all in one.

Ingredients

• 1 oz chocolate liqueur
• 1 oz Irish cream liqueur
• 1 oz espresso
• 4 oz cold brew coffee

Layer chocolate and Irish cream liqueurs in a glass with ice, add cooled espresso and cold brew coffee, and stir. Top with shaved chocolate.

Tips

• Experiment with different chocolate liqueur options, such as dark, milk, or even chili-infused for a spicy kick.
• The type of Irish cream you use will significantly impact the overall flavor, so choose wisely.

4. Coconut Espresso Martini

The Coconut Espresso Martini brings a taste of the tropics to your brunch table, with the creamy, exotic fusion of coconut and rich espresso.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 oz coconut cream
• 1 1/2 oz vodka
• 1 oz espresso
• 1/2 oz coconut liqueur

Blend coconut cream, vodka, espresso, and coconut liqueur in a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a martini glass, garnish with toasted coconut flakes.

Tips

• For a lighter version, substitute coconut milk for the coconut cream, or use a coconut-flavored coffee creamer.
• Garnish with toasted coconut flakes for an extra textural element and a visual flourish that screams tropical elegance.

5. Espresso White Russian

The Espresso White Russian takes the classic cocktail and gives it an invigorating boost with the addition of espresso. This fusion is perfect for early afternoon sips.

Ingredients

Tips

• You can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version.
• Use vanilla-flavored vodka for an extra layer of sweetness.