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This Espresso Martini Slushie is everything you love about a classic espresso martini — bold coffee flavor, smooth vodka, and a creamy texture — blended into the ultimate summer or brunch slushy cocktail. Made in the Ninja Slushi machine (or similar slushy machine), it’s rich, refreshing, and dangerously easy to sip on a hot day.
If you’ve ever wanted your favorite coffee cocktail to drink like a frozen café treat, this recipe is it.
A Frozen Twist on the Classic Espresso Martini
Classic espresso martinis are already one of the most popular cocktails for entertaining, but turning one into a frozen slushie somehow makes it even better. The icy texture softens the bitterness of the coffee while still keeping that bold espresso flavor front and center.
This version is specifically balanced for the Ninja Slushi machine, meaning the sugar and alcohol ratios are adjusted so it freezes properly while still tasting like a real cocktail — not a watered-down frozen drink.
My favorite way to serve this is for BRUNCH! Seriously, it’s the perfect time to enjoy a nice jolt of caffeine in a frosty cocktail form.
Move over mimosas, there’s a new brunch favorite cocktail in town!
Table of Contents
Why This Recipe Works
- Specifically designed for the Ninja Slushi machine alcohol settings (or similar slushy machine).
- Balanced sugar and alcohol levels for proper slush texture. The ratio has been perfected for the ultimate slushy experience!
- Uses simple ingredients easy to find at most grocery or liquor stores.
- Rich coffee flavor without needing fresh espresso.
- Great make-ahead cocktail for parties and summer entertaining.
Ingredients for Espresso Martini Slushie
- Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate: Trader Joe’s cold brew concentrate works great here, but any smooth cold brew concentrate will work. This is a tip I learned from a bartender. Most restaurants use cold brew concentrate (if they don’t have their own espresso machine, which most do not!)
- Vodka: Use a clean, neutral vodka.
- Coffee Liqueur: Use whatever you have (or will use again). I use Kahlúa because I always have it on hand. You can also use Baileys (or a cream-based coffee liqueur) for a more creamy version.
- Simple Syrup: Important for both sweetness and helping the slushie freeze properly.
- Vanilla Extract: For flavor (see options below for alternatives)
- Cinnamon and Salt: Just a small pinch
Substitutions
- Swap a Vanilla simple syrup (like Torani) instead of the simple syrup + vanilla combo.
- For creamer versions: Add heavy cream or flavored coffee creamer (1-2 tablespoons at a time).
Best Coffee for an Espresso Martini Slushie
Cold brew concentrate gives the strongest coffee flavor without adding bitterness. Regular brewed coffee can work, but the flavor will be more diluted once frozen.
Choosing the Right Coffee Liqueur
Mr Black Coffee Liqueur creates a less sweet, more coffee-forward cocktail, while Kahlúa makes a sweeter, dessert-style frozen drink. Baileys (or cream-based coffee liqueur) if you want a thicker, creamier version.
Preparation
- Chill all ingredients before mixing when possible. It just makes it quicker for the machine to slush the beverage.
- Make simple syrup ahead of time and refrigerate.
- Stir the mixture together in a pitcher or container before adding to the Ninja Slushi machine to ensure the sugar is fully dissolved.
How to Make an Espresso Martini Slushie
- Prep Ingredients: In a large pitcher, combine all ingredients. Stir thoroughly until fully combined.
- Slush: Pour the mixture into the slushie machine, close the lid tightly, then select the “SPIKED SLUSH” setting, or whatever your manufacturer suggests for alcohol slush drinks, to start the process. The machine will run and set itself to the proper temperature.
- Wait: Let the magic happen. Depending on your machine (or what portion you choose), it can take anywhere from 15-30 minutes to reach the perfect slush texture and temperature.
- Serve & Enjoy: Pour into chilled coupe or martini glasses. Garnish with coffee beans or a light dusting of cocoa powder or cinnamon if desired.
Expert Tip
Don’t skip the sugar balance. The Ninja Slushi machine relies on the correct ratio of sugar and alcohol to freeze properly. If the mixture seems too thin, add a small splash of simple syrup. If it won’t slush and stays liquid, reduce the alcohol slightly or add additional cold brew concentrate or 1/4 cup of water.
Espresso Martini Slushie Variations
The recipe above is a great standard espresso martini slushie recipe based on the classic cocktail. To jazz it up, try out the following additions.
Creamy Espresso Martini Slushie
- Add 1 to 2 ounces of oat milk, half-and-half, or flavored creamer for a richer frozen coffee cocktail.
Mocha Espresso Martini Slushie
- Add 1 ounce chocolate syrup or crème de cacao for a mocha-inspired version.
Salted Vanilla Espresso Slushie
- Increase vanilla slightly and finish with flaky sea salt for a more dessert-style cocktail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Blend the mixture with ice in a high-powered blender until smooth. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious. Don’t add any water since the ice will dilute the mix.
Vodka is traditional, but you can also use bourbon, dark rum, or reposado tequila for different flavor profiles.
The alcohol or sugar balance is likely off. Too much alcohol prevents freezing, while too little sugar can create an icy texture. If it’s not freezing, add some water or more coffee to dilute it.
If it’s too thick, turn the settings down to the lowest setting to allow it to thaw a bit.
Yes. Mix the liquid ingredients up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate until ready to slush.
No. Using cold brew concentrate and a coffee-forward liqueur keeps the drink balanced and not overly sugary. If you want a sweeter version, just increase the simple syrup or use a coffee sweetener to add more sweetness.
Related Frozen Slushie Recipes
We have a growing list of delicious slushie recipes on Vindulge, including the following:
- Pumpkin Spice Latte Slushie
- Aperol Spritz Slushie
- Rosé Wine Slushie
- Spiced Apple Cider Slushie
- Watermelon Frosé Slushie
If you have a slushie recipe we haven’t tried, leave a comment and we’ll get to work on one 🙂
Tools Used
- Ninja Slushi Machine
- Cocktail jigger
- Mixing pitcher
- Coupe glasses
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About Vindulge
Mary (a certified sommelier and recipe developer) and Sean (backyard pitmaster) are co-authors of the critically acclaimed cookbooks — Fire + Wine and Fire + Wine Backyard Pizza — and have been creating content for the IACP-nominated website Vindulge since 2009. They live in Oregon on a farm just outside Portland.
Espresso Martini Slushie (Ninja SLUSHi Machine)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 10 ounces cold brew concentrate
- 3 ounces vodka
- 3 ounces coffee liqueur
- 2 ounces simple syrup
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 ounces cold water
- tiny pinch of salt
- tiny pinch of cinnamon
Instructions
- PREP: In a large pitcher, combine all ingredients and stir well.
- SLUSH: Pour the mixture into the slushie machine, close the lid tightly, then select the "SPIKED SLUSH" setting, or whatever your manufacturer suggests for alcohol slush drinks, to start the process. The machine will run and set itself to the proper temperature.
- WAIT: This can take anywhere from 15-30 minutes to reach the perfect slush texture and temperature, depending on your machine.
- SERVE & ENJOY: Pour into chilled coupe or martini glasses. Garnish with coffee beans or a light dusting of cocoa powder or cinnamon if desired.
Notes
- For a sweeter cocktail, use Kahlúa.
- For a stronger coffee flavor, use Mr Black.
- If the mixture is too thin, add a small amount of additional simple syrup or more water.
- Chill ingredients ahead of time for the best texture.
- This recipe is meant for 4 cocktails. For large batch versions, just use the exact ratios and double the recipe.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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