If you love the bold, sophisticated flavor of an espresso martini but want to keep your carbs and sugar in check, you’re in the right place. The espresso martini is a favorite for coffee and cocktail lovers, but the classic recipe is loaded with sugary liqueur and syrup. Good news: you can enjoy that iconic taste, with real Kahlúa or coffee liqueur, while keeping things low-sugar and keto-conscious.
Read on for the ultimate better-for-you espresso martini recipe, including hacks for making it without an espresso machine.
Why Most Espresso Martinis Are High in Sugar
The traditional espresso martini calls for vodka, coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa), and often simple syrup. A standard pour of Kahlúa has about 11 grams of sugar per ounce, and with added syrup, a typical espresso martini can easily hit 15–20 grams of sugar.
Why You’ll Love This Keto Espresso Martini
- Low-Sugar & Keto-Friendly: Uses sugar-free alternatives to keep carbs in check.
- Classic Kahlúa Flavor: Retains the iconic coffee liqueur taste with keto-approved tweaks.
- Versatile: Includes a no-espresso-machine option for easy home mixing.
- Quick & Elegant: Ready in under 5 minutes, perfect for entertaining or solo sipping.
How to Make a Low-Sugar Espresso Martini (With Real Kahlúa)
Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka (your choice)
- 1 oz fresh espresso (or substitute—see below)
- 1/2 oz Kahlúa (or any coffee liqueur)
- 1/2 oz sugar-free simple syrup (monk fruit, stevia, or allulose syrup)
- Ice
- Coffee beans (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare espresso: Brew a fresh shot, or use one of the hacks below.
- Combine: Add vodka, Kahlúa, sugar-free syrup, espresso, and ice to a shaker.
- Shake: Shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds to create a beautiful crema on top.
- Strain: Dump the ice water from your glass, then strain the cocktail in.
- Garnish: Top with 3 coffee beans
Macros (Per Drink, Approximate)
- Calories: 130–150
- Net Carbs: 4–5g (from the small amount of Kahlúa)
- Sugar: 4–5g (vs. 15–20g in the classic version!)
No Espresso Machine? No Problem!
You can still achieve that rich coffee flavor and foam:
- Instant Coffee Espresso: Dissolve 1 tbsp quality instant coffee in 1.5 oz hot water.
- Cold Brew Concentrate: Use 1 oz for a strong, smooth kick.
- Moka Pot or Aeropress: Brew a concentrated shot for a near-espresso taste.
Our Tips: For the best foam, use hot coffee and shake extra hard with lots of ice!
Tips for a Guilt-Free Espresso Martini
- Keep the Kahlúa, but use less: Half an ounce is enough for flavor while slashing sugar.
- Balance with sugar-free syrup: Adds the sweetness you want, minus the carbs.
- Shake hard: A vigorous shake gives you that signature foamy top.
- Taste and adjust: Everyone’s sweetness preference is different. Start with less, then add more sugar-free syrup if needed.
Delicious Variations
- Mocha Martini: Add a dash of sugar-free chocolate syrup.
- Coconut Espresso Martini: Use coconut-flavored vodka for a tropical twist.
- Vanilla Espresso Martini: Add a splash of sugar-free vanilla syrup.
Final Sip
With this low-sugar espresso martini, you get all the bold, rich flavor you crave—plus the authentic taste of Kahlúa—with a fraction of the sugar and carbs. Perfect for keto, low-carb, or anyone looking for a lighter take on a favorite cocktail.
Ready for more guilt-free cocktail recipes? Click here to explore our best low-carb drinks!
The Best Alcoholic Drinks for Keto and Low-Carb Diets