The Espresso Martini is itself a riff, by its creator, on his earlier Vodka Espresso. Indeed, the Espresso Martini is a cocktail that lends itself to variation with alternative spirit bases and/or sweet ingredients used in place of some or all of the coffee liqueur.

Firstly, before the variations I should say that my Espresso Martini recipe is "adapted" from Dick Bradsell's original Espresso Martini.

Some folk prefer to keep things simple with a three equal parts Espresso Martini recipe.

20 best riffs on an Espresso Martini

Affogato Cocktail
With: Grappa, coffee liqueur, brown crème de cacao, espresso coffee, and vanilla ice cream.
We say: An after-dinner cocktail based on the eponymous classic Italian dessert.

Aged Grappa Espresso Martini
With: Aged grappa, espresso coffee, coffee liqueur, muscovado sugar syrup, saline solution.
We say: The best Espresso Martini I've tried to date.

Black Diamond
With: Light white rum, crème de cacao and espresso coffee.
We say: This flavoursome mix of coffee and chocolate is further enhanced if vanilla-infused rum is used.

Chocolate Orange Espresso Martini
With: Orange vodka, crème de cacao, coffee liqueur, espresso coffee, and saline solution.
We say: As the name suggests, an orange and chocolate flavoured Vodka Espresso.

Double Black
With: Cacao & coffee spiced rum, coffee liqueur, espresso coffee, and chocolate bitters.
We say: Dark bitter chocolate and rich espresso with delicate spice.

Espress Ya'self
With: Blanco tequila, coffee liqueur, mezcal, espresso coffee, agave syrup, vanilla extract, xocolatl mole bitters, and chili tincture.
We say: An Espresso Martini boozed-up and spiced.

Espresso Daiquiri
With: Gold rum, espresso coffee, sugar syrup, saline solution.
We say: One of many rum-based Espresso Martini riffs. Perhaps lacks lime but tasty.

Espresso Martiki
With: Gold rum, espresso coffee, sugar syrup, and saline solution.
We say: A rum-based twist on the ubiquitous and very tasty Espresso Martini.

Espresso Rumtini
With: Gold rum, espresso coffee, coffee liqueur, and saline solution.
We say: Works well with a lightly aged or well-aged rum.

Flying Frenchman (Absinthe Espresso Martini)
With: Absinthe, coffee liqueur, and espresso coffee.
We say: An "energy drink" on steroids.

Grappa Espresso Martini
With: Unaged grappa (preferably Moscato), espresso coffee, espresso liqueur, muscovado sugar syrup, and saline solution.
We say: Grappa is just made to go with coffee.

Hot Cross Bun Martini
With: Vanilla vodka, calvados, espresso coffee, and cinnamon syrup.
We say: Vanilla and apple brandy with a touch of cinnamon spice.

Italian Chocolate Martini
With: Espresso coffee, amaro, and coffee liqueur.
We say: Chocolaty without chocolate in the recipe.

Jalisco Espresso
With: Blanco tequila, espresso coffee, coffee liqueur, and saline solution.
We say: A tequila-laced tasty wake-up call.

Jolt'ini
With: Vanilla vodka, coffee liqueur, espresso coffee, and vanilla syrup.
We say: A vanilla-flavoured Espresso Martini.

Lazarus
With: Vodka, cognac, coffee liqueur, and espresso coffee.
We say: A splash of brandy adds an extra dimension to this riff on an Espresso Martini.

Lotus Espresso
With: Vodka, coffee liqueur, maple syrup, and espresso coffee.
We say: Coffee to the fore but with complex, earthy bittersweet notes.

Mocha Martini
With: Bourbon, espresso coffee, Irish cream liqueur, dark crème de cacao, and cream.
We say: A richly flavoured balance of sweet and bitter.

Spanish Espresso Martini
With: Vodka, spiced vanilla liqueur and espresso coffee.
We say: With rich vanilla and delicate herbal notes.

Turkish Coffee Cocktail
With: Green cardamom, vodka, espresso coffee, and sugar syrup.
We say: Coffee is often made with cardamom in Arab countries and this vodka-based coffee cocktail harnesses the aromatic eucalyptus and citrus notes in cardamom.