Between brewing a fresh shot, waiting for it to cool so it doesn’t melt your ice, and adding a syrupy coffee liqueur to mask bitterness, the “shaken-not-stirred” dream often ends in a messy kitchen and a sugar-heavy drink.
In 2026, the best home bars are moving toward a more streamlined, better-for-you approach. Here’s how to make a bar-quality Espresso Martini using one bottle that does the work of two.
The Estate 98 Advantage: Two Ingredients in One
Traditional Espresso Martini recipes require both a freshly pulled espresso shot and a coffee liqueur—often resulting in drinks with over 15g of sugar.
Estate 98 replaces both. By using a high-potency, low-sugar espresso liqueur, you get the concentrated extraction of Salvadoran Arabica beans and the necessary sweetness in a single pour.
- Low Sugar: Less than 1g of sugar per oz (vs. 15g+ in traditional liqueurs)
- The “Kick”: A comparable caffeine profile to a standard espresso shot
- The Crema: Real coffee oils create a thick, velvety foam—no $1,000 espresso machine required
The “Signature 98” Espresso Martini Recipe
This recipe uses a dry shake technique to incorporate natural honey, resulting in a perfectly balanced, café-quality cocktail.
Ingredients
- 2 oz Estate 98 Espresso Liqueur
- 1 oz Base Spirit (Vodka, Tequila, Rum, or Whiskey)
- 0.25 oz Honey (or Agave)
The Process
- The Dry Shake: Combine Estate 98, your base spirit, and honey in a shaker. Shake for 5 seconds without ice to fully integrate the honey.
- The Cold Shake: Add plenty of ice and shake vigorously for 15 seconds. This aeration is what creates the signature frothy foam.
- The Strain: Double-strain into a chilled martini or coupe glass.
- The Garnish: Drop three espresso beans onto the foam—symbolizing health, wealth, and happiness.
Why This Version Wins
1. Zero Brew Time
The biggest barrier to a late-night Espresso Martini is coffee prep. Estate 98 is shelf-stable and ready to pour the moment the craving hits.
2. Comparable Caffeine, Dramatically Less Sugar
Most coffee liqueurs are essentially coffee-flavored syrups. Estate 98 is spirit-first—delivering authentic Salvadoran coffee energy without the sugar spike.
3. Total Flavor Control
Because Estate 98 is dry (low sugar), the nuances of the coffee shine through. Expect notes of dark chocolate and toasted nuts—not just sweetness.
FAQ: Espresso Martini with Estate 98
Do I need to add coffee liqueur if I use Estate 98?
No. Estate 98 is designed to replace both the espresso shot and traditional coffee liqueur—streamlining your bar setup.
How much sugar am I saving?
By eliminating traditional coffee liqueurs and simple syrups, you reduce the sugar content of your cocktail by approximately 70–80%.
Does this recipe work with tequila?
Yes. Using 1 oz of Reposado Tequila with 2 oz of Estate 98 creates a “Jalisco Espresso Martini”—one of the top-trending variations of 2026.
Will it still have foam without fresh espresso?
Absolutely. The natural oils in our single-estate Salvadoran Arabica beans emulsify when shaken, creating a thick, persistent crema.
Ready to upgrade your home bar?
Shop Estate 98 Espresso Liqueur and make the last Espresso Martini recipe you’ll ever need.
