Removing vodka and coffee liqueur also removes body, aroma, and bitterness. A good zero-proof version rebuilds those parts instead of serving sweet shaken coffee.
Ingredients
- 40 ml (1.35 oz) fresh espresso
- 20 ml (0.7 oz) strong chilled black tea
- 10-15 ml (0.35-0.5 oz) simple syrup
- 10 ml (0.35 oz) water or white verjus
- Optional: 1-2 drops alcohol-free aromatic bitters
Tools
- Shaker
- Jigger
- Fine strainer
- Chilled coupe
Method
- Chill the tea and serving glass.
- Brew fresh espresso.
- Add all ingredients to a shaker full of firm ice.
- Shake hard for 12-15 seconds.
- Double-strain and serve immediately.
Rebuild structure, not alcohol flavor
Strong tea gives the drink a dry middle and longer finish. It should support the coffee, not announce itself as iced tea.
Keep sweetness restrained
Without alcohol, syrup can dominate quickly. Begin at 10 ml and increase only if the espresso is sharply bitter.
Foam still depends on technique
Fresh espresso and a forceful short shake create the best temporary foam. Serve immediately.
This drink may contain significant caffeine. Choose decaf if caffeine affects sleep or health.
What goes wrong and how to fix it
- Tastes like sweet coffee: reduce syrup and strengthen the tea.
- No foam: use fresh espresso and a harder shake.
- Watery: use firm ice and stop once cold.
- Too bitter: reduce tea strength before increasing sugar.
Substitutions
- No black tea: use a small amount of cold-brew concentrate for body.
- No verjus: use water; avoid lemon juice because it can make coffee taste sharply sour.
- Want no caffeine: use decaf espresso and caffeine-free roasted-grain tea.
Cost, time, and difficulty
About US$0.75-3 per serving.
FAQ
Can an Espresso Martini be alcohol-free?
Yes, but the recipe must replace the body and bitterness that alcohol and liqueur normally provide.
How do I get foam?
Use fresh espresso, enough ice, and a hard short shake.
Can I make it caffeine-free?
Use decaf espresso and a caffeine-free tea or roasted-grain infusion.
Why not just omit vodka?
The result becomes thin and sweet unless body and bitterness are rebuilt.