I’ve experimented with different types of coffee for making an Espresso Martini, and while regular coffee can certainly work in a pinch, it doesn’t quite give you that bold and intense flavor that you get from using proper espresso.
When I first tried making an Espresso Martini with regular coffee, I found that it lacked that rich and aromatic quality that you typically associate with this cocktail. Regular coffee tends to have a milder flavor profile and lacks the boldness and intensity that espresso brings to the table. It just didn’t have the same kick that I was looking for.
However, if you’re in a situation where you don’t have access to an espresso machine or freshly brewed espresso, regular coffee can still be a decent substitute. Just make sure to use a strong coffee blend and brew it as concentrated as possible. You want to extract as much flavor as you can to mimic the intensity of espresso.
To make a cocktail using regular coffee, I recommend using a dark roast coffee with a bold flavor profile. Grind the coffee beans finely and use a French press or a Moka pot to brew a concentrated coffee shot. This will give you a stronger coffee base to work with.
When it comes to the froth, you might not get the same level of creaminess and frothiness that you would get from using espresso. However, you can still create a frothy texture by shaking the cocktail vigorously with ice. The shaking action will create a nice layer of foam on top of the drink.
While regular coffee can be used as a substitute for espresso in an Espresso Martini, it won’t give you the same depth of flavor and intensity. If you have access to an espresso machine or can get your hands on some freshly brewed espresso, I highly recommend using that for the best results. But if you’re in a pinch, a strong and concentrated regular coffee can still make a decent cocktail. Cheers!