The Guinness Espresso Martini

The Bold Irish Twist on a Modern Classic

At first, the idea sounded… questionable.

Beer in an Espresso Martini? That can’t be right? Right?

When we first saw this recipe from fellow home bartender Sean Briggs (aka itscocktailhour_) on Instagram, we were skeptical. The classic Espresso Martini is already perfect — rich coffee, smooth vodka, and that beautiful creamy foam. So why would you add Guinness?

But curiosity got the better of us.

We tried it.

And wow… it works.

The deep roasted notes of Guinness blend beautifully with the espresso and coffee liqueur, creating a drink that’s richer, creamier, and somehow even more indulgent than the original. It adds depth, a subtle malty sweetness, and an incredible frothy texture that elevates the whole cocktail.

Now it’s one of our favorite drinks to serve at Worthington’s Bar. We love handing one to guests and asking them to guess the secret ingredient. The reactions are priceless when they realize that magical foam and flavor comes from a splash of Guinness.

Sometimes the weirdest cocktail ideas turn out to be the most delicious.

The Inspiration Behind This Guinness Espresso Martini

We first discovered this recipe thanks to Sean Briggs, a fellow home bartender who shares incredible cocktail ideas on Instagram under the name itscocktailhour_.

His Guinness Espresso Martini immediately caught our attention. It looked incredible, but we couldn’t help thinking:

“Beer… in an espresso martini?”

But once we tried it, we completely understood the idea behind it. Guinness already has natural coffee and chocolate notes, so pairing it with espresso and coffee liqueur actually makes perfect sense.

It’s one of those cocktails that sounds strange at first, but once you taste it, you wonder why you hadn’t tried it sooner.

Why Guinness Works in an Espresso Martini

Natural Coffee & Chocolate Notes

Guinness isn’t just any beer. The roasted barley used in brewing creates natural flavors of coffee, cocoa, and toasted malt, which makes it surprisingly compatible with espresso-based cocktails.

Instead of clashing with the espresso, it enhances those roasted flavors and gives the drink more complexity.

A Creamier, Dreamier Foam

One of the best parts of an Espresso Martini is the foam. And when you add Guinness, something magical happens.

The nitrogen and proteins in the stout create an extra creamy, velvety foam that sits beautifully on top of the cocktail. It’s thicker, richer, and incredibly satisfying.

A Subtle Irish Twist

The Guinness doesn’t overpower the cocktail. Instead, it adds a subtle malty depth that rounds out the sweetness of the coffee liqueur and balances the intensity of the espresso.

The result is bold, smooth, and dangerously drinkable.

The Ingredients That Make This Cocktail Shine

Great cocktails rarely rely on just one star ingredient. What makes the Guinness Espresso Martini so special is how each component contributes something unique to the final drink. From roasted malt to bold espresso and silky sweetness, every ingredient plays an important role in building the flavor and texture of this cocktail.

Let’s break down what makes each ingredient shine.

Guinness – The Unexpected Star

At first glance, adding Guinness to an Espresso Martini sounds unusual. Beer and cocktails don’t always mix well, especially when coffee is involved. But Guinness is not just any beer.

The famous Irish stout is brewed using roasted barley, which gives it its distinctive dark color and rich flavor profile. Those roasted grains naturally produce tasting notes that are remarkably similar to coffee and chocolate. That’s why Guinness often has subtle hints of espresso, cocoa, and toasted malt, even when you’re drinking it on its own.

When added to this cocktail, Guinness does three important things.

First, it enhances the roasted flavors already present in the espresso and coffee liqueur. Instead of competing with them, it deepens those flavors and makes the drink feel richer and more layered.

Second, it adds a malty smoothness that rounds out the sharper edges of the espresso. This creates a more balanced drink where the bitterness of coffee and the sweetness of the liqueur meet perfectly in the middle.

And finally, Guinness contributes something visually spectacular: foam. Thanks to the nitrogen used in Guinness, it produces a creamy, velvety froth that works beautifully in shaken cocktails. The result is a thick, luxurious foam layer that makes this espresso martini feel extra indulgent.

It’s the ingredient no one expects, and the one everyone ends up loving.

Vodka – The Clean Backbone

While the Guinness brings personality to the cocktail, the vodka provides the structure that holds everything together.

Vodka is often used in cocktails because of its neutral flavor profile, which allows other ingredients to shine without interference. In an Espresso Martini, vodka acts as the clean backbone of the drink, providing strength and body while staying mostly in the background.

Without vodka, the cocktail would feel more like a coffee dessert than a balanced drink. The alcohol helps carry the flavors across the palate and gives the cocktail that classic martini-style character.

For our version, we used Ejsberg Vodka, which has a smooth and clean profile that works perfectly in this cocktail. Because it’s neutral, it allows the espresso, Guinness, and coffee liqueur to take center stage while still giving the drink its signature kick.

It’s the quiet hero of the cocktail, not flashy, but absolutely essential.

Coffee Liqueur – Rich and Sweet

Coffee liqueur is what gives the espresso martini its signature sweetness and depth.

In our home bar, Kahlúa is the go-to choice. It’s one of the most widely used coffee liqueurs in the world, and for good reason. Made with rum, sugar, and Arabica coffee, it delivers rich coffee flavor along with notes of caramel, vanilla, and subtle chocolate.

When combined with fresh espresso, Kahlúa enhances the natural coffee character of the drink while softening the bitterness. It adds body, sweetness, and that unmistakable coffee liqueur warmth that makes espresso martinis so addictive.

It also helps bind the other flavors together. The roasted notes of Guinness, the bold espresso, and the clean vodka all meet in the middle thanks to the smooth sweetness of the coffee liqueur.

In short, it’s the ingredient that turns this drink from a strong coffee cocktail into dessert-level indulgence.

Fresh Espresso – The Heart of the Martini

If the Guinness is the surprise ingredient, the espresso is still the heart of the cocktail.

A proper Espresso Martini always relies on freshly brewed espresso. The intense coffee flavor and natural crema are essential for both taste and texture.

Fresh espresso delivers bold roasted bitterness that balances the sweetness of the coffee liqueur, while also contributing natural oils that help create that iconic foamy top when the drink is shaken.

Another important detail is temperature. Warm espresso actually helps create better foam when shaken with the other ingredients, especially when combined with Guinness.

The result is a cocktail that feels rich, aromatic, and deeply satisfying, like a perfect after-dinner coffee, but with a spirited twist.

Chocolate Bitters – The Finishing Touch

Bitters are often the smallest ingredient in a cocktail, but they can make a surprisingly big difference.

In this recipe, we add two dashes of Angostura Cocoa Bitters, which bring subtle cocoa and spice notes that tie the entire drink together.

Chocolate and coffee are natural partners, so these bitters help enhance both the espresso and the roasted notes from the Guinness. They add just enough complexity to make the drink feel more refined, without overpowering the other ingredients.

Think of bitters as the seasoning of the cocktail world, a small touch that elevates everything around it.

Together, these ingredients create a cocktail that feels rich, creamy, complex, and just a little bit unexpected.

And once you’ve tasted how well Guinness works in an Espresso Martini, it becomes very hard not to make another one.

Why Guinness and Coffee Work So Well Together

At first glance, adding Guinness to an Espresso Martini feels unexpected. Beer and coffee aren’t exactly the first combination most people think of when mixing cocktails.

But when you take a closer look at Guinness itself, the pairing actually makes perfect sense.

The Power of Roasted Barley

Guinness gets its deep color and signature flavor from roasted barley. During the brewing process, the barley is roasted at high temperatures, creating complex flavors that are remarkably similar to roasted coffee beans.

That’s why Guinness naturally carries tasting notes of espresso, cocoa, toasted malt, and dark chocolate. These flavors are already very close to what you find in coffee-based cocktails.

When combined with fresh espresso, the two ingredients don’t clash, they amplify each other.

A Natural Match for Coffee Cocktails

Coffee cocktails often rely on ingredients that complement roasted flavors. Chocolate, vanilla, caramel, and cream are all classic companions to coffee.

Guinness fits right into that flavor family.

The stout adds subtle bitterness and malt sweetness, which helps balance the sugar from the coffee liqueur and the intensity of the espresso. Instead of making the drink taste like beer, it deepens the coffee flavor and adds complexity.

That Creamy Guinness Foam

Another reason Guinness works so well in this cocktail is its famous creamy texture.

Unlike many beers, Guinness is served with nitrogen, which creates its iconic smooth mouthfeel and cascading foam. When shaken in a cocktail, that nitrogen helps create an incredibly thick, velvety froth on top of the drink.

The result is an Espresso Martini with an even more luxurious foam layer than the classic version, and that’s something every coffee cocktail lover can appreciate.

The Flavor Profile – Bold, Creamy, and Indulgent

This Guinness Espresso Martini is everything you want in a dessert-style cocktail.

The espresso delivers bold coffee intensity, while the coffee liqueur adds sweetness and richness. Guinness brings roasted malt, subtle chocolate notes, and a creamy texture that makes the drink feel fuller and more luxurious.

Then there’s the foam.

Thanks to Guinness, the frothy top is thick, smooth, and velvety, one of the most satisfying espresso martini textures we’ve ever had.

It’s rich without being too heavy, indulgent without being overly sweet, and dangerously easy to drink.

Serving & Presentation Tips

A great Espresso Martini is all about presentation.

Serve this cocktail in a chilled coupe or martini glass to show off that beautiful creamy foam. Three coffee beans on top always add that classic espresso martini look.

Because of the Guinness, the foam tends to hold longer than a traditional espresso martini, which means it looks amazing in photos and even better in person.

It’s a fantastic drink to serve after dinner, at parties, or anytime you want a cocktail that feels a little extra special.

Why This Cocktail Works for Irish Week

This drink fits perfectly into our Irish Week lineup.

It combines one of Ireland’s most iconic drinks, Guinness, with the beloved modern classic Espresso Martini, creating a cocktail that feels both familiar and surprising.

Alongside drinks like the Irish Maid, Jameson Ginger & Lime, and the playful Baby Guinness Shot, this cocktail adds a richer, more indulgent option to the menu.

It’s bold, creamy, and just a little unexpected, which makes it perfect for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day.

Irish Week at Worthington’s Bar

This Guinness Espresso Martini is part of our Irish Week celebration, where we explore some of our favorite Irish-inspired drinks leading up to St. Patrick’s Day.

From refreshing highballs to playful party shots and rich dessert cocktails, the goal of Irish Week is simple: celebrate Irish flavors while having a lot of fun behind the bar.

Here are the other drinks featured in our Irish Week lineup.

Jameson Ginger & Lime (JGL)

One of the easiest and most refreshing Irish whiskey cocktails you can make.

The Jameson Ginger & Lime combines Jameson Irish Whiskey, ginger ale, and fresh lime to create a crisp, bright highball that’s perfect for parties and casual gatherings, or just whenever you feel like it! This is absolutely on of our go to drinks in our home bar.

It’s light, refreshing, and proof that whiskey cocktails don’t always have to be heavy.

👉 Find the Jameson Ginger & Lime recipe here.

Irish Maid

Elegant, fresh, and dangerously drinkable.

The Irish Maid combines Irish whiskey, elderflower liqueur, fresh lemon juice, cucumber, and sugar syrup for a cocktail that feels light, floral, and incredibly refreshing.

It’s a modern classic that shows just how versatile Irish whiskey can be. If you like cucumber in your drinks, this is the perfect one for you!

👉 Find the Irish Maid recipe here.

Baby Guinness Shot

Despite the name, the Baby Guinness doesn’t actually contain Guinness.

This legendary party shot layers coffee liqueur and Irish cream to create a tiny drink that looks exactly like a miniature pint of Guinness.

This one will for sure impress your guests!

It’s sweet, creamy, and one of our absolute favorite shots to serve at Worthington’s Bar.

👉 Find the Baby Guinness recipe here.

The Drunken Leprechaun

Bright, fruity, and full of St. Patrick’s Day energy.

The Drunken Leprechaun leans into the playful side of Irish celebrations, delivering a colorful cocktail that’s easy to drink and perfect for lively parties.

We think that not every St. Paddy’s day cocktail should be green but you do need at least one of them! And this is the perfect one. It’s fruity, fresh and tropical.

👉 Find the Drunken Leprechaun recipe here.

Irish Lemonade

If you love the classic Tom Collins, you’ll absolutely love this Irish twist on a spiked lemonade.

Irish Lemonade swaps gin for Irish whiskey, creating a refreshing cocktail with bright citrus, sparkling soda, and just enough whiskey warmth to keep things interesting.

Perfect for those warmer spring days!

👉 Find the Irish Lemonade recipe here.

The Pot of Gold Mocktail

Not every festive drink needs alcohol.

The Pot of Gold mocktail delivers bright citrus flavor of blood orange, refreshing bubbles, and a beautiful golden color that fits perfectly with the St. Patrick’s Day theme. 

It’s festive, refreshing, and perfect for anyone who wants to join the celebration alcohol-free.

👉 Find the Pot of Gold mocktail recipe here.

Together, these drinks create a fun and varied Irish-inspired cocktail lineup, from simple highballs to layered shots and indulgent dessert martinis.

🇮🇪☕️ The Guinness Espresso Martini 🇮🇪☕️

Recipe from @itscocktailhour_

Ingredients

• 60 ml Guinness
• 30 ml Coffee Liqueur
• 30 ml Vodka
• 30 ml Espresso
• 2 dashes of Chocolate Bitters

Garnish with 3 coffee beans

Instructions

1. Add ice cubes to your shaker.
2. Add all ingredients.
3. Shake well.
4. Strain into your chilled coupe glass.
5. Garnish with 3 coffee beans.
6. Enjoy!

Drink responsibly, don’t spill any! 😉

📸 Don’t forget to capture the magic of your Guinness Espresso Martini creation and share it with us using #WorthingtonsBar. We can’t wait to see the joy and zest you bring to this Irish inspired drink! Cheers to the perfect balance of flavors and the timeless pleasure of a well-crafted cocktail! 🌟✨

Final Thoughts – The Secret Ingredient Surprise

The Guinness Espresso Martini is proof that sometimes the most unexpected ingredients create the best cocktails.

What started as skepticism quickly turned into one of our favorite drinks to serve at Worthington’s Bar. Watching guests try to guess the secret ingredient is half the fun, and the reactions when they hear “Guinness” are always priceless.

If you love coffee cocktails, rich dessert drinks, or simply trying something new behind the bar, this one is absolutely worth a shake.

Pour, sip, and let your guests guess the secret.

Sláinte. 🍀

Guinness Espresso Martini FAQ

Does Guinness really work in an Espresso Martini?

Yes, and surprisingly well. Guinness naturally contains roasted barley flavors that resemble coffee and chocolate, which makes it a perfect match for espresso cocktails. It adds depth, creaminess, and a richer foam texture.

Does the cocktail taste like beer?

Not really. Guinness enhances the roasted coffee flavors rather than making the drink taste like a beer cocktail. Most people can’t even identify it as the secret ingredient until you tell them.

What vodka works best for an Espresso Martini?

A clean, neutral vodka works best so the coffee flavors stay in the spotlight. We used Ejsberg Vodka, but any smooth vodka will work perfectly.

Can I use cold brew instead of espresso?

You can, but fresh espresso produces a thicker foam and more intense coffee flavor. If you do use cold brew, make sure it’s strong.

Why is the foam so thick in this cocktail?

The foam comes from a combination of fresh espresso, shaking technique, and the nitrogen in Guinness, which helps create a thicker, creamier froth than a traditional espresso martini.

If you want to see the video tutorial on this drink, check it out here on our Instagram page! We would love to connect with you and hear about what recipe we should make next. 😁