How many calories in a shot of Espresso Martini?

November 30, 2025 •

3 min read

A standard serving of Espresso Martini contains between 160 and 220 calories, depending on the ingredients and proportions used. Understanding the caloric breakdown of its components is key to managing intake.

Quick Summary

An Espresso Martini contains between 160 and 220 calories, mainly from vodka, coffee liqueur, and optional simple syrup. The calorie count varies based on the ingredients and serving size, with coffee liqueur being a significant contributor. Sugar-free liqueurs or skipping simple syrup can lower the calories.

Key Points

Calorie Range: A standard Espresso Martini contains 160–220 calories per serving, but this can vary widely based on the specific recipe and portion size.
Primary Calorie Source: The majority of calories come from the coffee liqueur and any added simple syrup, not the vodka or espresso itself.
Low-Calorie Options: To reduce calories, you can substitute traditional coffee liqueurs with sugar-free alternatives or omit simple syrup entirely.
Ingredient Impact: One ounce of coffee liqueur can add over 90 calories, while an unsweetened espresso shot contributes only 3-5 calories.
Health Considerations: The caffeine and alcohol combination can mask intoxication and affect heart rate, so responsible consumption is important.

Demystifying the Espresso Martini's Calorie Content

The Espresso Martini is a cocktail menu staple, but its rich flavor often has a significant caloric cost. Unlike a shot of liquor, this beverage is a mixture of several ingredients, each contributing to the final calorie count. The calorie information for a standard serving varies, with sources citing figures ranging from 160 to over 260, a difference that largely depends on preparation and portion size.

The Ingredient Breakdown: What Contributes Calories?

To understand the caloric makeup of an Espresso Martini, you must look at its core ingredients. This breakdown helps pinpoint where the calories originate and offers opportunities for modification.

Vodka: A standard 1.5-ounce (45 ml) shot of 80-proof vodka contains approximately 97 calories. Using a higher-proof vodka will increase this count, while the vodka itself contains no carbs or fat.
Coffee Liqueur: This is often the highest-calorie ingredient due to its sugar content. An ounce (30 ml) of a popular coffee liqueur like Kahlúa contains about 91 calories. A typical recipe uses between 0.5 and 1 ounce, significantly impacting the drink's total.
Espresso: A shot (30 ml) of freshly brewed, unsweetened espresso contains a negligible number of calories, usually 3-5 calories. It adds flavor and caffeine without adding significant caloric load.
Simple Syrup: Used to add extra sweetness and balance the flavors, simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water) is another source of calories. One tablespoon (half an ounce) can add around 50 calories.

By summing the calories of these components, it's clear why the final drink can exceed 200 calories easily, even if no single 'shot' of the finished cocktail is consumed.

Comparing Espresso Martinis to Other Popular Cocktails

When comparing alcoholic beverages, the Espresso Martini sits in the middle of the pack regarding its calorie count. Understanding its position can help inform drinking choices.


Cocktail	Typical Serving Size (oz)	Estimated Calories	Primary Calorie Sources
Espresso Martini	5-6	160-220	Coffee Liqueur, Vodka, Syrup
Margarita	4.5	200-250	Tequila, Triple Sec, Sweet & Sour Mix
Piña Colada	8	300+	Rum, Coconut Cream, Pineapple Juice
Mojito	6	140-170	Rum, Simple Syrup, Lime, Mint
Classic Martini	3	120-150	Gin or Vodka, Dry Vermouth
Vodka Soda	8	~96	Vodka

How to Reduce the Calorie Count of an Espresso Martini

For those who love the taste but want a lighter option, several modifications can drastically reduce the calorie content.

Substitute the Coffee Liqueur: Instead of a traditional, sugary coffee liqueur, use a sugar-free or low-calorie version. Some brands offer diet versions that can save a substantial number of calories.
Eliminate Simple Syrup: If you are using a sweeter coffee liqueur, you might not need simple syrup at all. Shaking with ice will dilute the drink slightly and can often balance the flavors sufficiently.
Use High-Quality Espresso: Fresh, strong espresso will have a richer flavor, meaning you won't need to compensate for a weak coffee taste with extra sugar.
Reduce Liqueur Portion: If a sugar-free liqueur isn't an option, simply using less of the traditional kind will lower the calorie count. Experiment with half the amount to see if you can still achieve a flavor you enjoy.
Consider a Coffee-Infused Spirit: Instead of using both vodka and coffee liqueur, some recipes suggest using a coffee-infused vodka to simplify the ingredients and reduce the sugar load.

The Health Implications of the Espresso Martini

Beyond calories, it's worth considering the other health impacts of this caffeinated cocktail. The combination of a stimulant (caffeine) and a depressant (alcohol) can mask the effects of alcohol, leading people to consume more than they realize. This can lead to increased heart rate and other issues. Moderation is key when enjoying this rich and potent drink.

Conclusion

While an Espresso Martini does not come in a single, standardized shot, its caloric profile can be easily calculated by examining its component parts. A typical serving can range from 160 to 220 calories, with coffee liqueur and any added simple syrup contributing the most to the total. Fortunately, by making smart substitutions and adjusting the recipe, you can still enjoy this popular cocktail while managing your caloric intake. It is also important to remember the health risks associated with the mix of alcohol and caffeine and to drink responsibly.

For more information on the effects of alcohol on weight management, you can consult resources from the National Institutes of Health.

Frequently Asked Questions

The coffee liqueur is typically the most caloric ingredient in an Espresso Martini due to its high sugar content, contributing around 91 calories per ounce.

You can make a low-calorie version by using a sugar-free coffee liqueur, replacing simple syrup with a zero-calorie sweetener, or using a coffee-infused vodka to eliminate the liqueur entirely.

Espresso Martinis are not a 'healthy' beverage due to the alcohol and sugar content. The combination of caffeine and alcohol can also increase your heart rate and mask the effects of intoxication.

No, a single shot (30 ml) of freshly brewed espresso contains a negligible number of calories, typically under 5.

No, the calorie count is not standard. It varies widely depending on the brand of vodka and coffee liqueur used, the amount of simple syrup added, and the overall serving size.

The Espresso Martini's calorie count (160-220) is typically higher than a classic martini (120-150) but lower than a piña colada (300+) or a margarita (200-250).

No, the caffeine itself contains no calories. However, it can affect your body by masking the sedative effects of alcohol, potentially leading to increased alcohol consumption.