The Keto Espresso Martini. Smooth, creamy, and so full of rich espresso flavor, this cocktail will make you feel like you’re indulging in a fancy night out even if you’re cozy on the couch. And the best part? It’s totally keto-friendly and sugar-free, meaning you can enjoy it without stressing over the carbs or the sugar spikes.
Now, let’s get real: finding a keto cocktail that doesn’t taste like a compromise isn’t exactly easy. Most cocktails are loaded with syrups and sugars, and even the espresso martini is usually made with coffee liqueurs and simple syrups that would knock you right out of ketosis. But after a little testing, I found the perfect combination of ingredients to get all the flavor of a traditional espresso martini with none of the sugar. If you’re ready to upgrade your cocktail game, let’s get into the details.
Why a Keto Espresso Martini?
The question isn’t why you would, it’s why you wouldn’t. You get the bold coffee kick, the velvety texture, and the perfect balance of bitterness and sweetness—all without added sugar. It’s the cocktail that feels indulgent, tastes luxurious, and still fits your macros. Plus, the combination of espresso and a hint of alcohol feels like a sweet, late-night secret—one you won’t feel guilty about.
How Do You Make It Keto?
To keep the carbs low, we have to make some clever swaps. In a traditional espresso martini, the typical suspects—like Kahlua and simple syrup—are packed with sugar. Here’s how we give this drink a keto makeover:
- Sugar-Free Coffee Liqueur: There are some sugar-free coffee liqueurs on the market, but you can also make your own (more on that below!).
- Vodka: Good old vodka is already keto-friendly, so no need to switch things up here.
- Espresso: Freshly brewed espresso brings that rich coffee flavor. If you want to avoid too much caffeine at night, you can use decaf.
- Low-Carb Sweetener: A touch of keto-friendly sweetener like stevia or monk fruit can balance out the bitterness without adding sugar.
- Optional Ingredients: If you want to add a frothy top, a tiny splash of heavy cream or unsweetened almond milk works wonders.
Ready to shake up your new favorite cocktail? Here’s everything you need to make a Keto Espresso Martini!
Ingredients
Here’s the magic mix that will give you that rich, indulgent espresso martini taste without any sugar:
- 2 oz vodka – Any good-quality vodka will work.
- 1 oz sugar-free coffee liqueur – If you can’t find any, we’ve got an easy DIY option below!
- 1 oz espresso – Freshly brewed and chilled (go decaf if needed).
- 1/2 tsp keto-friendly sweetener – Use a liquid form if possible; otherwise, powdered monk fruit or erythritol will do.
- Optional: A dash of heavy cream or unsweetened almond milk for a bit of creaminess.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s walk through each step so you get that perfect Keto Espresso Martini every time:
Step 1: Brew the Espresso
You’ll want to brew a shot of espresso first so that it has a chance to cool down before mixing. The espresso is key here; it brings a richness that coffee just can’t match. Once it’s brewed, let it chill in the fridge for a few minutes or, if you’re in a rush, pop it in the freezer for a quick cool-down.
Step 2: Get Your Shaker Ready
In a cocktail shaker, add the vodka, sugar-free coffee liqueur, espresso, and keto-friendly sweetener. If you’re going for a creamier drink, add a dash of heavy cream or almond milk.
Step 3: Shake It Like You Mean It
The secret to a good espresso martini lies in the shake! You want that shaker filled with ice and ready to go. Shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds—this gets it nice and frothy.
Step 4: Pour and Garnish
Strain the cocktail into a chilled martini glass. If you’re feeling fancy, garnish with three coffee beans for that classic espresso martini look. And there you have it—your very own Keto Espresso Martini, sugar-free and full of bold coffee flavor.
A DIY Sugar-Free Coffee Liqueur Recipe (Optional)
If you can’t find a store-bought sugar-free coffee liqueur, don’t worry! Here’s an easy recipe to make your own. It’ll take a little extra time, but the flavor payoff is worth it.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup vodka
- 1/2 cup brewed coffee – Strong coffee is best.
- 1/4 cup keto-friendly sweetener – Powdered monk fruit or allulose works well here.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Combine the vodka, coffee, sweetener, and vanilla extract in a clean glass jar.
- Stir well, seal the jar, and let it sit for at least 24 hours. The longer it sits, the richer the flavor.
- Store it in the fridge, and it’ll be ready to add to your espresso martinis anytime!
Tips for the Best Keto Espresso Martini
Making cocktails at home is fun, but here are a few extra tips to take your Keto Espresso Martini to the next level:
- Chill Everything: A cold espresso martini is a good espresso martini. Chill your glass in the freezer, chill your vodka, and don’t forget to let that espresso cool before adding it to the shaker.
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: With so few ingredients in this cocktail, quality matters. Go for a good vodka and freshly brewed espresso, and don’t skimp on the sweetener if it helps round out the flavors.
- Adjust Sweetness to Taste: Everyone’s taste buds are different. If you like your martinis on the sweeter side, add a touch more keto-friendly sweetener.
- Experiment with Dairy Alternatives: Heavy cream adds richness, but unsweetened almond or coconut milk can work if you’re keeping it dairy-free. Just keep it light to avoid overpowering the espresso.
- Go Decaf if Needed: If you’re sensitive to caffeine but still want to enjoy this drink at night, use decaf espresso. You’ll get all the flavor without any jitters!
Fun Pairings for Your Keto Espresso Martini
When it comes to sipping an espresso martini, you don’t need food to make it complete. But if you’re in the mood for a little something on the side, here are a few keto-friendly treats that would pair nicely:
- Dark Chocolate (90% cacao or higher): The slight bitterness of dark chocolate enhances the coffee notes in the martini.
- Cheese Plate: A mix of sharp cheddar, brie, and blue cheese can add a savory element that contrasts beautifully with the espresso martini’s flavor.
- Keto Brownies or Cookies: If you have a sweet tooth, a sugar-free chocolate treat makes the perfect partner.
Conclusion
There you have it: a sugar-free, keto-friendly espresso martini that will make you wonder why you ever drank the sugary version. With just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes, you can shake up a sophisticated cocktail that fits your keto lifestyle.
So next time you’re craving something decadent, skip the dessert and opt for this Keto Espresso Martini. It’s the perfect drink to enjoy after dinner, during a Netflix binge, or whenever you’re in the mood to treat yourself—without the carb guilt. Cheers! 🥂
PrintKeto Espresso Martini – Your Perfect Sugar-Free Recipe
A rich, sugar-free Keto Espresso Martini that’s low in carbs and big on flavor. Perfect for anyone on the keto diet looking to enjoy a creamy, coffee-flavored cocktail without breaking their carb goals.
- Author: Jane Summerfield
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 servings 1x
- Category: Drink
- Method: Shaken
- Cuisine: American, Keto, Low-Carb
Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz sugar-free coffee liqueur (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 oz freshly brewed espresso, chilled
- 1/2 tsp keto-friendly sweetener (liquid stevia or monk fruit recommended)
- Optional: A dash of heavy cream or unsweetened almond milk for extra creaminess
- Ice cubes for shaking
- Coffee beans for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Brew the espresso and allow it to cool. For quicker cooling, place it in the fridge or freezer for a few minutes.
- In a cocktail shaker, add the vodka, sugar-free coffee liqueur, chilled espresso, and sweetener. If desired, add a dash of heavy cream or almond milk for a creamier texture.
- Add ice to the shaker, then shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until well-chilled and frothy.
- Strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with three coffee beans if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- For a dairy-free option, substitute heavy cream with unsweetened almond or coconut milk.
- If you don’t have sugar-free coffee liqueur, you can make a simple homemade version (combine vodka, brewed coffee, keto sweetener, and a splash of vanilla).
- Using decaf espresso is a good choice if you’re sensitive to caffeine, especially for a nightcap.
Please note: The recipe or ingredients shown in the video might vary slightly from what’s listed here. Use the video as an illustration, but for the best results, stick to the recipe provided in this article.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 100-120 (approximate, depending on ingredients) Sugar: 0g Sodium: 5mg Fat: 0g (with cream, ~1-2g) Saturated Fat: 0g (with cream, ~0.5-1g) Unsaturated Fat: 0g Trans Fat: 0g Carbohydrates: ~1-2g (net carbs) Fiber: 0g Protein: 0g Cholesterol: 0mg (with cream, ~5mg)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this drink dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap the heavy cream for unsweetened almond or coconut milk. Both will give you a nice creamy texture without the dairy.
Is this Keto Espresso Martini gluten-free?
Yes, as long as your ingredients are labeled gluten-free. Most vodkas are gluten-free by default, but check the label to be safe!
How many carbs are in a Keto Espresso Martini?
The carbs can vary depending on the specific ingredients you use, but generally, this recipe should be under 2 grams of net carbs per serving.
What’s the best type of sweetener for this recipe?
A liquid keto sweetener like liquid stevia or monk fruit works best since it blends easily, but powdered erythritol or monk fruit can work too. Just be careful with measurements; powdered sweeteners are usually more concentrated.