Espresso martini vs White Russian: what's the difference?
Both are vodka and coffee liqueur, but an espresso martini adds fresh espresso and is shaken frothy and served up, while a White Russian adds cream over ice, sweeter and milkier.
Espresso martini
EasyBoozy
TartSweet
Not bitterBracing
Cold, foamy coffee with a kick, sweet but with real espresso bite.
What does Espresso martini taste like?White Russian
EasyBoozy
TartSweet
Not bitterBracing
Coffee milkshake energy: creamy, sweet and mellow.
What does White Russian taste like?The real difference
An espresso martini shakes vodka, coffee liqueur and a fresh shot of espresso until a creamy foam forms on top, then strains it into a coupe. A White Russian builds vodka and coffee liqueur over ice and floats cream on top. One tastes like strong coffee, the other like sweet coffee with milk.
Side by side
Espresso martiniWhite Russian
In itVodka, coffee liqueur, espressoVodka, coffee liqueur, cream
ServedShaken, up, three coffee beansOn the rocks, cream on top
TastesRoasty, bittersweet, frothyCreamy, sweet, mellow
Which to order
- Order an espresso martini if you want dessert and a pick-me-up in one.
- Order a White Russian if you want something creamy, sweet and laid back.
Quick questions
- Does an espresso martini have caffeine?
- Yes. A real shot of espresso usually goes in, plus a little from the coffee liqueur, so expect about as much as a single espresso.
- What is a Black Russian?
- A White Russian without the cream: just vodka and coffee liqueur over ice. It's darker, stronger-tasting and less sweet.