Coco Loco Espresso Martini
The espresso martini is Australia's most-ordered cocktail, and the recipe hasn't really changed since Dick Bradsell invented it in the 1980s. Espresso, vodka, coffee liqueur, shake, pour. It works. But it can be better.
This version swaps the usual soda or sugar syrup for Coco Loco Piña Colada, brewed alcoholic coconut water with real pineapple juice. The coconut water gives the drink a cleaner, lighter finish, the pineapple adds a tropical note that pairs surprisingly well with coffee, and the natural carbonation creates a crema that's airier than the traditional version.
Still recognisably an espresso martini. Just taken somewhere more interesting.
What You Need
Glass: Coupe or martini glass
Ice: Cubed (for shaking)
Serves: 1
Est. standard drinks: ~2.5
Ingredients
- 150ml Coco Loco Piña Colada, chilled
- 45ml vodka
- 30ml fresh espresso, cooled for about a minute
- 15ml coffee liqueur (Mr Black or Kahlúa)
- 3 coffee beans, for garnish
Method
- Pull a shot of espresso and let it cool for a minute or two. Still warm is fine. Boiling hot is not.
- Add the espresso, vodka, coffee liqueur, and about 100ml of the Coco Loco Piña Colada to a cocktail shaker.
- Fill with ice and shake hard for 15 seconds. The crema depends on this step, so commit to it.
- Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
- Top with the remaining Coco Loco Piña Colada, pouring gently down the side of the glass to preserve the crema.
- Place three coffee beans on top.
Tasting Notes
Coffee hits first, rich and roasted, then the pineapple and coconut water soften the finish into something tropical and unexpected. The coffee liqueur adds depth without extra sugar, and the vodka gives the drink the spine every good espresso martini needs. The crema is lighter than the traditional version because the seltzer's natural carbonation aerates the shake differently. Same drink, different destination.
When to Make It
After dinner on a Saturday. The drink that says the evening isn't over, but it doesn't need to get louder.
Without the Spirits
Drop the vodka and coffee liqueur entirely. Shake the espresso with ice until frothy, strain into a glass, and top with Coco Loco Piña Colada. It's a coconut cold brew with sparkle, and it's a genuinely good one-standard-drink serve.