Espresso martini is trending right now, but these are the 5 'less-known' twists you have to try

When a classic espresso martini just won't do, look no further with these genius recipe spin-offs.

There’s no better cocktail for a special occasion than an espresso martini. A sophisticated cocktail that makes you look like you “know your stuff” while keeping you caffeinated. 

The origins of espresso martini, the world’s most famous coffee cocktail

How to make espresso martini

The espresso martini was invented in London in the 80s by bartender Dick Bradsell when someone came up to him and asked for a drink that would “wake them up and get them tipsy” (note: we’ve worded this in a much more appropriate way).

Now the drink is enjoyed globally, and in an age when most would choose a cocktail over a beer, the espresso martini is more popular than ever.

Just this week, it’s trending on Google and we have seen various iterations of this cocktail go viral on our socials, so it’s safe to say it’s still loved in 2025.

How do you make an espresso martini?

This cocktail’s classic recipe comprises vodka, sugar and espresso – shaken not stirred to get that signature foam.

READ MORE:

How to make a classic espresso martini recipe in just 1 minute

The best espresso martini dessert you’ll ever taste

But here at taste, we love to SHAKE things up: so here are five espresso martini spin-offs that Aussies will be making this party season.

5 twists on a classic espresso martini recipe

1. Espresso martini affogato

In terms of alcoholic espresso-based desserts nothing beats the simplicity of an affogato. However, if you want something a little extra special (and less-known), our affogato espresso martini is the perfect dessert to wow your guests.

This version is simply a classic espresso martini poured over a scoop of ice-cream – basically, the best of both worlds. 

2. Caramilk espresso martini

If you’re not much of a coffee drinker and find the OG martini quite bitter then this Caramilk espresso martini will be right up your alley.

Caramilk adds a wonderfully creamy and rich texture to this classic, taking our Caramilk and espresso martini obsessions to the next level!

3. Upside-down espresso martini

You’ll love this cocktail if you’re a fan of the creamy foam on an espresso martini. This cocktail features a creamy base of milk, vodka and Baileys. Then, it’s topped with a coffee whip made from coffee granules, caster sugar and boiling water – seriously delicious (and ALMOST too pretty to drink).

4. Milkybar espresso martini

Milkybar lovers this one’s for you. We took Nescafe’s White Milkybar Mocha and shook it up with espresso, vodka and Kahlua for the ultimate Friday night pick-me-up.

To make this cocktail extra indulgent, we served each cocktail with a bar of Milkybar. Because why not?

5. Marble espresso martini

Cadbury’s Marble chocolate and an espresso martini are a match made in heaven. Not only does this cocktail taste oh-so-good, but it’s visually stunning too! The cocktail comprises a white chocolate-vodka mixture and a Marble chocolate-espresso mixture that creates a marbled effect when poured into the glass.

Cadbury marble espresso martini

Bonus recipe! Meet the frozen espresso martini

It might be a little too cold to drink a frozen cocktail right now, but our foodies are raving about our new frozen espresso martini recipe. Recipe mastermind Elisa Pietrantonio told us: “It was a no-brainer that freezing our coffee in an ice-cube tray would be the secret to creating the most perfect texture for this well-loved cocktail.”

The verdict? “Everything just tastes better in slushie form – and this frozen espresso martini is no exception!” she says.

frozen-espresso-martini

READ NEXT: the 30 best martini recipe of all time (including French martini, pornstar martini and more!) >>

Originally published as Espresso martini is trending right now, but these are the 5 'less-known' twists you have to try