Espresso Martini (with an Oat Milk Variation)

Tips, storage & swaps

Why it foams: the crema comes from the fresh espresso’s oils and dissolved gases, not from egg, so a classic espresso martini is naturally egg-free. Freshly pulled espresso gives the best head; cold brew concentrate works but foams less.

Oat milk: a barista oat milk keeps the foam stable; ordinary oat drinks can make it thin. Check oat milk is labelled gluten-free if needed.

Coffee liqueur: most clear coffee liqueurs contain no animal ingredients, but cream-style coffee liqueurs contain dairy. Check the label or the producer’s website.

Non-alcoholic: replace the vodka and liqueur with 60 ml cold brew and 15 ml vanilla or demerara syrup.

Bartender’s note on vegan spirits: most distilled spirits contain no animal products. Problems are more likely with cream liqueurs (dairy), honey liqueurs, some red bitters and aperitifs that were historically coloured with carmine (E120), and wines, beers and fortified wines fined with isinglass, gelatin, casein or egg white. Check labels and producers’ statements; see our guides to isinglass and wine fining on itsvegan.org/is-it-vegan.