Craving that iconic espresso martini buzz without the booze? This non-alcoholic espresso martini recipe is your new best friend! A sophisticated twist on the beloved classic, this espresso martini mocktail combines Lyre’s award-winning non-alcoholic coffee liqueur and white rum alternative with freshly pulled espresso and a kiss of vanilla. The result? A rich, velvety, bittersweet beverage that’s both indulgent and will instantly light you up. Whether you’re the designated driver, embracing a sober lifestyle, or simply want to enjoy a late-night cocktail without the alcohol, this virgin espresso martini mocktail delivers all the flavours with none of the hangover. Topped with three glossy coffee beans for that Insta-worthy pic, this alcohol-free espresso martini proves you don’t need spirits to feel spirited!
INGREDIENTS
For the Mocktail:
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45 ml (1.5 oz) Lyre’s Coffee Originale - This non-alcoholic coffee liqueur brings deep, roasted coffee notes with hints of caramel and vanilla
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15 ml (0.5 oz) Lyre’s White Cane Spirit - A smooth non-alcoholic white rum alternative that adds subtle sweetness and depth
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45 ml (1.5 oz) Fresh Espresso - Freshly brewed and slightly cooled (must for that signature froth!)
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7.5 ml (0.25 oz) Premium Vanilla Syrup - Adds subtle sweetness and rounds out the bitter coffee notes
For Garnish:
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3-5 whole coffee beans - For the classic three-bean garnish (the icons of health, wealth, and happiness!)
Equipment Needed:
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Cocktail shaker
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Hawthorne strainer or fine mesh strainer
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Chilled martini or coupe glass
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Jigger for measuring
METHOD
Step 1: Get Everything Ready
Pull a fresh shot of espresso, then let it hang out for a couple of minutes, just enough time for it to cool off a bit. You don’t want it melting your ice and watering down your drink. While that’s happening, pop a martini glass in the freezer so it’s nice and frosty when you’re ready to pour.
Step 2: Shake It Up (No Ice Yet)
Grab your cocktail shaker and pour in the Lyre’s Coffee Originale, Lyre’s White Cane Spirit (that’s your non-alcoholic rum), the cooled espresso, and a splash of vanilla syrup. Seal it tight and shake like you mean it, about 15-20 seconds. No ice yet, just air. This is how you get that silky foam on top.
Step 3: Now Add Ice and Shake Again
Open up your shaker and drop in a handful of ice cubes. Seal it again and give it another good shake, maybe 10-15 seconds. You’ll know it’s ready when your hands can barely hold onto the cold metal, and you hear that sharp rattle.
Step 4: Strain and Pour
Grab your chilled glass. Using a Hawthorne strainer, pour your espresso martini mocktail in, slow and steady. Let the foam settle on top, it’s all about that creamy finish.
Step 5: Finish with a Garnish
Take a few coffee beans, three if you want to keep it classic, and float them right in the center of the foam. It looks sharp and adds a little extra coffee aroma.
Step 6: Drink Up
Don’t wait around. This drink is at its best right now, with the foam still thick and the flavours fresh. Take your time and enjoy every smooth, velvety sip.
FOOD PAIRING SUGGESTIONS
Elevate your non-alcoholic espresso martini experience with these complementary food pairings:
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Vegetarian Pairing: Caramelized onion and mushroom tart with fresh thyme
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Meat-Friendly Pairing: Beef carpaccio with arugula and parmesan shavings
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Cheese/Dairy Pairing: Triple cream brie with dark chocolate and sea salt crackers
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Snack Pairing: Salted dark chocolate almonds or espresso-dusted pecans
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Dessert Pairing: Tiramisu or dark chocolate mousse with raspberry coulis
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS NON-ALCOHOLIC ESPRESSO MARTINI
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All the Sophistication, Zero Alcohol - Enjoy cocktail culture without compromising your wellness goals or morning-after clarity
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Caffeine Kick with Class - Perfect for late dinners, evening events, or when you want energy without the buzz
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Impressively Simple - Looks and tastes like a $18 cocktail bar drink but takes just 5 minutes to make at home
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Instagram-Worthy Every Time - That signature foam layer and coffee bean garnish photograph beautifully
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Budget-Friendly Indulgence - No need to pay premium prices at fancy mocktail bars when you can master this at home
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Inclusive Entertaining - Everyone at the party can enjoy this virgin espresso martini mocktail, from pregnant friends to designated drivers
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Versatile Timing - Unlike alcoholic versions, you can enjoy this mocktail recipe any time of day without the guilt
TIPS AND TRICKS
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The Dry Shake is Non-Negotiable - Don’t skip the dry shake, seriously, it’s what gives you that velvety foam on top. Without it, you lose the magic.
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Fresh Espresso is Key - Fresh espresso is everything, too. Brew your coffee and use it within half an hour for the best flavor and that perfect foam. Instant espresso? Forget about it.
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Temperature Matters - Let your espresso cool for a couple of minutes before mixing. If it’s too hot, it’ll just melt your ice; too cold, and the texture falls flat.
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Shake Like You Mean It - When you shake, really go for it. The more energy you put in, the better the texture gets. Don’t hold back.
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Double Strain for Perfection - Double straining makes a big difference. Use a Hawthorne strainer and a fine mesh one to catch all those tiny ice shards; nobody wants that in their drink
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Experiment with Syrups - Want to switch things up? Play around with alcohol-free espresso martini by syrups, like vanilla bean, caramel, hazelnut, whatever you’re into. It’s your drink.
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Make it Extra Creamy - For an extra creamy vibe, add about 15ml of oat milk or coconut cream before you shake. The texture gets even richer
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Prep Ahead for Parties -Hosting? Make things easier by batching the Lyre’s spirits and vanilla syrup ahead of time. When people show up, just add fresh espresso and shake.
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Glass Matters - A chilled glass keeps your mocktail colder longer and prevents the foam from losing too quickly.
FAQS
1. What else can I use instead of rum in a non-alcoholic martini?
You can substitute the Lyre’s White Cane Spirit with other non-alcoholic rum alternatives like Lyre's Dark Cane Spirit and Sans Bar Caribbean Getaway Non-Alcoholic Dark Rum Substitute. For a different variation of this mocktail recipe, try Lyre’s Dry London Spirit (a gin alternative) for botanical notes, or use any quality non-alcoholic vodka alternative if you prefer a more neutral base, only make sure measurements are the same!
2. Why isn’t there the same foam as a regular espresso martini?
Alcohol naturally helps foam stick around, so when you’re making a non-alcoholic espresso martini, you need to work a little harder. That’s where the dry shake comes in, shake everything really hard without ice first, then again with ice. This builds up a thick, creamy foam, even without the booze. Use fresh espresso, not something that’s been sitting out forever. If you want even more foam, some bartenders toss in a splash of aquafaba (that’s the liquid from canned chickpeas), but honestly, with good shaking, you don’t need it.
3. What are the three main ingredients in an Espresso Martini?
The classic trio is vodka, coffee liqueur, and fresh espresso. For the espresso martini non alcoholic, swap in Lyre’s White Cane Spirit (which stands in for white rum, not vodka), Lyre’s Coffee Originale (for the coffee liqueur), and, of course, fresh espresso. The rum alternative brings a smoother touch that really works with the coffee. It’s a simple twist, but it makes the drink feel just right, even without the alcohol.
4. Can espresso martinis be made virgin?
Absolutely! This recipe proves that virgin espresso martini mocktails can be just as delicious and sophisticated as their alcoholic counterparts. With quality non-alcoholic spirits at Sans Drinks, you get the complex flavours, the ritual of cocktail making, and that gorgeous presentation-all without the alcohol. Perfect for anyone looking for an espresso martini alcohol-free option that doesn’t compromise on taste or experience!
