The Ultimate Margarita Recipe: How to Make It + Best Cocktail Spots in Amsterdam & Beyond
Updated October 2026 | By WOGO Cocktail Walk Team
Quick Recipe Summary Prep Time: 3 minutes Flavor Profile: Rich, velvety, bittersweet, and energizing Key to Success: Freshly brewed, hot espresso and hard ice for that iconic thick foam layer Looking for a night out? Discover top-rated cocktail bars serving world-class drinks on our self-guided WOGO Cocktail Walk Routes.
Whether you are prepping for a night out or hosting friends before a weekend bar crawl, learning how to craft the perfect Espresso Martini is an essential skill for any cocktail lover.
First created in London during the late 1980s, the Espresso Martini has taken nightlife culture by storm—and the Dutch cocktail scene is no exception. From sleek speakeasies in Amsterdam to hidden gems in Rotterdam, Utrecht, Groningen, and Delft, this iconic drink remains a menu staple.
Here is the ultimate step-by-step recipe to make a bar-quality Espresso Martini at home, plus where to drink the best ones across the Netherlands.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To get that smooth texture and rich balance, stick to high-quality ingredients and precise measurements:
Vodka: 50 ml (1.75 oz) – Choose a clean, smooth vodka.
Coffee Liqueur: 20 ml (0.75 oz) – Kahlúa or Tia Maria work great.
Fresh Espresso: 30 ml (1 oz) – Must be hot and freshly brewed for maximum foam.
Sugar Syrup (Simple Syrup): 5 to 10 ml (0.25 oz) – Adjust based on your sweet tooth.
Garnish: 3 whole coffee beans (representing health, wealth, and happiness).
Ice: Fresh, hard ice cubes.
How to Make the Perfect Espresso Martini Step-by-Step
1. CHILL GLASS ➔ 2. BREW ESPRESSO ➔ 3. SHAKE VIGOROUSLY ➔ 4. DOUBLE STRAIN
Chill Your Glass: Fill a coupe or martini glass with ice water while you prepare the ingredients.
Brew the Coffee: Pull a single shot of fresh espresso. Pro Tip: Keep it hot! The temperature difference between the hot coffee and cold ice creates the signature silky foam head.
Combine & Shake: Pour the vodka, coffee liqueur, sugar syrup, and fresh espresso into a cocktail shaker filled with plenty of ice.
Shake Hard: Seal the shaker and shake vigorously for 12 to 15 seconds. You need maximum agitation to build a thick foam layer.
Strain and Garnish: Dump the ice water from your chilled glass. Fine-strain the cocktail into the glass, top with 3 floating coffee beans, and enjoy immediately!
Pro Bartender Tips for That Iconic Creamy Foam
Why is my foam weak? If your drink lacks a rich foam top, either your coffee wasn't fresh or you didn't shake hard enough. The natural oils in fresh coffee emulsify with air when shaken rapidly with ice.
Want a Dutch Twist? Substitute 25 ml of vodka with an aged Dutch Genever (Oude Genever). It adds complex malty, botanical notes that complement coffee beautifully.
Non-Alcoholic Version (Mocktail): Swap the vodka and liqueur for a zero-proof dark spirit and non-alcoholic coffee syrup with fresh espresso.
🍹 Skip the Dishes & Explore the City! Don't feel like cleaning up cocktail shakers tonight? Let us handle your evening plans! Explore hidden cocktail bars, trendy hot spots, and unique craft drinks with a self-guided WOGO Cocktail Walk!
Where to Try the Best Espresso Martini in the Netherlands
Planning a night out with friends? Here is where to experience top-tier cocktail craftsmanship across our favorite Dutch cities:
1. Amsterdam: The Speakeasy Standard
Amsterdam’s cocktail scene is world-famous. Whether you’re tucked away in a hidden bar along the Jordaan canals or sipping cocktails in the buzzing Centrum, local mixologists take their coffee cocktails seriously—often infusing house-made vanilla syrups or specialty roasted beans.
2. Rotterdam: Modern & Experimental
Rotterdam’s nightlife is known for cutting-edge mixology. Head to the city center or the vibrant Witte de Withstraat district to sample Espresso Martinis made with nitrogen-infused cold brew or local artisan roasters.
3. Utrecht: Cozy Canalside Vibe
Nestled along the picturesque Oudegracht, Utrecht’s bar scene offers cozy, intimate settings perfect for an evening drink. Enjoy dark chocolate-noted coffee cocktails paired with great ambiance.
4. Groningen: Vibrant Energy
With its thriving student and nightlife culture, Groningen offers lively cocktail bars that stay open late. Expect bold twists on the classic recipe, perfect for kicking off a big night out.
5. Delft: Historic Charm & Date Night Spots
Looking for something a bit more relaxed? Delft offers charming historic bar settings where you can enjoy classic cocktails with an artisanal focus.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make an Espresso Martini without an espresso machine?
Yes! You can substitute fresh espresso with high-quality cold brew concentrate or strong espresso powder dissolved in hot water.
Why do you put 3 coffee beans on an Espresso Martini?
The traditional garnish of three coffee beans represents health, wealth, and happiness—a tradition carried over from classic Italian Sambuca serving customs.
What is a Cocktail Walk?
A Cocktail Walk is a self-guided bar crawl experience where you explore a city's best cocktail spots at your own pace, enjoying signature drinks and discovering hidden gems along the route.
Ready for Your Next Cocktail Night Out?
Gather your crew, choose your city, and let WOGO Cocktail Walk guide you to the best bars in town!
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