How To Make An Espresso Margarita (Easy & Quick Recipe)
Ever tried mixing coffee with tequila? Sounds wild, right? But trust me, it works.
A few years ago, I stumbled upon this recipe while experimenting with coffee-based cocktails, and it instantly became one of my favorites.
I love a good espresso martini, but sometimes I crave something with a little more zing. Something that brings together bold coffee flavors with a citrusy and refreshing twist.
That’s when the espresso margarita came into my life. It’s rich, smooth, slightly sweet, and has just the right kick to make any occasion feel special.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make the perfect Espresso Margarita, from the ingredients and step-by-step method to expert tips for customizing it to your taste. So let’s start brewing!
What is an Espresso Margarita?
If you love coffee and cocktails, an Espresso Margarita is about to become your new favorite drink.
It takes the bold, rich flavors of espresso and blends them with the tangy, smooth kick of a classic margarita. As a result, you get a cocktail that’s refreshing, energizing, and pretty delicious.
What makes the drink great is the contrast between sweet, bitter, and smooth tequila and lime. The deep notes of coffee balance out the bright lime zest.
It’s not just another after-dinner drink. I mean, it’s the kind of cocktail that gets people talking. I enjoy this drink after a long day or getting ready for a fun night out; an Espresso Margarita always hits the spot.
How To Make An Espresso Margarita (Easy & Quick Recipe)
Equipment
- Espresso machine or coffee maker To brew a fresh shot of espresso (or use instant coffee as a substitute).
- Cocktail Shaker A must-have for mixing the ingredients properly and chilling the drink.
- Jigger or Measuring Tool To ensure precise measurements of tequila, coffee liqueur, and other ingredients.
- Strainer: Helps achieve a smooth pour without excess ice or foam.
- Citrus Juicer Makes squeezing fresh lime juice easier and ensures you get the best flavor.
- Rimming Dish or Small Plate For adding salt or sugar to the rim of your glass.
- Margarita or Coupe Glass The perfect glass for serving this stylish cocktail.
Ingredients
- 1 shot espresso (freshly brewed)
- 1.5 oz tequila blanco (I love using Fortaleza Blanco—it’s smooth, slightly citrusy, and pairs perfectly with espresso)
- 0.75 oz coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa)
- 0.5 oz simple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 0.5 oz lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- Ice (for shaking)
- Salt or sugar (for rimming the glass)
- Lime wedge or coffee beans (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Your Glass: Rim a chilled margarita or coupe glass with salt or sugar. (I usually go for sugar, as it complements the coffee flavors nicely.) Set the glass aside while you mix the cocktail.
- Brew the Espresso: Pull a fresh shot of espresso and let it cool slightly. If it’s too hot, it’ll melt the ice in the shaker too quickly and water down the drink. (Pro tip: I sometimes use a double shot for extra richness.)
- Shake the Cocktail: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add tequila, coffee liqueur, simple syrup, lime juice, and espresso. Then shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until the shaker feels icy cold.
- Strain and Serve: Strain the cocktail into your prepared glass. Garnish with a lime wedge or a few coffee beans on top for a sleek finish.
Video
Notes
Tips & Variations for the Best Espresso Margarita
Once you’ve mastered the classic recipe, it’s time to have fun. Over the years, I’ve tweaked this cocktail in so many ways. Some turned out amazing, and others were not great. So here are my favorite tips and variations:
1 – Use Quality Tequila
The tequila makes or breaks this drink. Two of my favorites? Fortaleza Blanco and Casamigos Blanco.
- Fortaleza has this clean, slightly peppery finish that balances the espresso’s boldness perfectly.
- Casamigos has a smoother, slightly vanilla-like sweetness that blends beautifully with coffee liqueur.
Either way, using a solid blanco tequila will elevate your cocktail to another level.
2 – Adjust Sweetness
Some days, I want my Espresso Margarita to have that perfect sweet-tart balance and other times, I crave something richer.
If you like it sweeter, bump up the simple syrup or swap it for honey syrup for a warmer taste. If you prefer more tang, cut back on the sweetener and add an extra splash of lime juice.
3 – Try a Flavored Rim
Salt or sugar is classic, but why stop there? Cinnamon sugar adds a warm, cozy vibe, while a cocoa powder-sugar mix enhances the chocolatey notes in the coffee liqueur. If I’m feeling adventurous, I’ll even mix in a little smoked sea salt for a bold, savory twist.
4 – Experiment With Liqueurs
Kahlúa is the standard, but there’s room to play. Amaro Averna adds a herbal, slightly bitter complexity, while Baileys or Licor 43 brings in a creamy, vanilla-like smoothness.
If you’re a chocolate lover, swap the coffee liqueur for Mozart Dark Chocolate Liqueur. It turns this cocktail into an indulgent dessert in a glass.
Last Thoughts
Now, I want to hear from you! Did you try this recipe? Did you put your twist on it? Drop your tips, tweaks, or favorite tequila choices in the comments below and with that voilà!
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