Brew your espresso first to give it time to cool slightly. This prevents it from melting the ice too quickly when shaken and preserves the cocktail’s texture. A strong, aromatic espresso shot works best to highlight the coffee flavor.

In a cocktail shaker, add the vodka, coffee liqueur, hazelnut liqueur, simple syrup, and espresso. Fill the shaker with ice for a well-chilled drink. The ice is essential for both cooling and frothing the espresso, which creates the creamy foam layer characteristic of a classic Espresso Martini.

Give the mixture a vigorous shake for about 15-20 seconds. Shaking the espresso hard with the ice gives it a foamy texture and aerates the drink, giving it a smooth and frothy top layer.

Using a strainer, pour the cocktail into a chilled martini glass. A fine-mesh strainer helps achieve a silky finish, filtering out any small ice shards for a pure, smooth experience.

Top off your Espresso Martini with a few whole coffee beans or a light dusting of cocoa powder to add a visual and aromatic appeal.