At just 1g net carb and ultra (ultra!) frothy, this keto espresso martini is a super simple and delicious sugar free cocktail.
Sugar Free & Keto Espresso Martini 🍸
Ultra (ultra!) frothy
Let’s cut to the chase: the secret to ultra frothy espresso martinis? Using freshly brewed (i.e. still steamy hot) espresso. Yup, that’s it!
You shake it with some vodka, a simple syrup (love me some allulose here) and ice.
OK, so if not sugar free you would also throw in a coffee liqueur such as Kahlúa (and perhaps leave out the simple syrup in that case), but for the sake of simplicity we’re leaving it out without much detriment to the actual cocktail.*
You see, we’re subbing it with a touch of vanilla extract for a little extra oomph. So perhaps in the end this is what one might call a vanilla espresso martini. #supreme
*If you really do want to go the extra mile and whip up an impromptu coffee liqueur: add 1 oz of rum and a dash of espresso powder to the mix.
The sweetener
As you long term readers know, I’m partial to using allulose syrup in keto drinks of all sorts, because no aftertaste, zero GI, and blends like a charm. i.e. allulose acts like a true sugar free simple syrup in cocktails.
But you can use any granular sweetener of your choice really (and maple syrup if paleo), I would just be sure to dissolve it with a tablespoon or two of hot water before mixing in the rest.
The booze
Traditionally espresso martinis are whipped up using vodka (and the little rum thats in the coffee liqueur), but feel free to be creative. Say, this past year I indulged in one with a smokey scotch and a touch of orange, adding a wonderful twist to the classic.
Just be sure to remember that even though hard liquors are all void of carbs, booze can hit you way harder while in ketosis. Like for real, you’ve been warned!
Looking for more sugar free and keto boozy drinks?! Be sure to check out my strawberry margaritas ‘n irish cream liqueur.
And… the video story!
(Ultra Frothy!) Sugar Free & Keto Espresso Martini
Ingredients
For the keto espresso martini
- 1 shot espresso freshly brewed
- 2 ounces vodka
- 1/2-1 tablespoon allulose syrup or sweetener of choice, to taste (I do 1/2 TBSP)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup ice to shake
To serve
- 1 martini glass chilled
- 3 coffee beans totally optional, to garnish
Instructions
- My top tip: its of supreme importance that your espresso be freshly brewed (you know, still steamy hot) when you shake it with the ice to get the frothy creamy head, so be sure to have everything prepped and ready to shake 'n serve.
- Add espresso, vodka, sweetener of choice (see notes if using a powdered sweetener), vanilla extract and ice to a mason jar (or cocktail shaker) and shake vigorously until very well chilled and frothy.
- Strain onto a chilled glass, garnish with three coffee beans and serve.
What if I don’t own an espresso machine? Can I still make this?
Joan have you heard of the Italian Bialetti?! They’re this tiny (and inexpensive) stove top espresso maker. It doesn’t come out with the ‘crema’ (as it lacks the pressure), but it’ll surely get the job done for an espresso martini. xo!
It worked!! I tried last summer to make an espresso martini with cold brew (many recipes recommend it), but it didn’t come out frothy. Is it really just using hot espresso? Unbelievable!
I have the same question, is it really just the temperature of the espresso? I’d followed a recipe previously that asked you to allow the coffee to come to room temperature and, needless to say, it didn’t work. I initially thought it was the lack of sugar that was the issue…
This was delicious Paola! My fiance, who isn’t keto, thought this was a regular cocktail and was even surprised that I left out the Kahlua.
Okay. So i just HAPPENED to have some of the awesome Keto Bailey’s Irish Cream that you recipe-ated us a few months ago. And I just HAPPENED to try mixing some in with this espresso martini. And the result is simply amazing. A cocktail marriage made in heaven. A little like a White Russian only better. A sweet treat perfect for Valentines Day. (Or just Monday.) I used a ration of about 1 part Keto Baileys to 3 parts Espresso Martini. Seriously yum!
Call me crazy but that’s one sexy looking cocktail 🍸🤩