Nothing’s worse than pouring ingredients into the Ninja Slushi machine and ending up with error messages instead of a drink. I’ve been there, and that’s exactly why I created this Espresso Martini recipe. The mix is balanced just right so the machine churns out a smooth, frosty slush instead of fighting with you. I have done all of the testing for you and here I share my tips and tricks to ensure yours comes out perfectly!
You will also love my Ninja Slushi Apple Cider Slush, Ninja Slushi Margarita, Ninja Slushi Daiquiri, and Ninja Slushi Piña Colada Slush.
Espresso Martini Ingredients
- Vodka – This is the backbone of the martini. It’s smooth, clean, and lets the coffee flavors shine without overpowering them.
- Coffee Liqueur or Irish Cream – This is where the magic happens. Coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa) doubles down on that rich coffee flavor, while Irish cream gives you a creamier, slightly sweeter vibe.
- Espresso or Cold Brew Coffee – You need that bold coffee punch to balance out the booze and sweetness. Fresh espresso gives you a stronger, more intense flavor, while cold brew keeps it smooth and mellow. Both work, so it’s really up to your taste and what you have on hand. Cold brew espresso works great.
- Water – It might sound boring, but trust me, it’s key. The Ninja Slushi machine needs it to process the slushi because alcohol does not freeze. If you don't add water to the machine, you will get errors.
How to Fix Error Messages Related to Alcohol
If you've tried making a margarita, piña colada, or any frozen cocktail in this machine, you might have run into error messages, improper freezing, or inconsistent texture. Trust me, I understand. It happened to me several times when I created this recipe. Here’s why and how to fix it.
- Alcohol Doesn’t Freeze Well – Since alcohol has a much lower freezing point than water, high-proof spirits can prevent proper slush formation. Too much alcohol in the mix can cause the machine to fail to shave properly or not dispense the slush at all.
- Wrong Liquid Ratios – The Ninja Slushi Machine needs the right balance of water-based liquids and alcohol for proper freezing. Too little liquid = slushie won’t form. Too much liquid = the drink won’t get thick enough.
- Thick Syrups & Juices Can Cause Issues – Using thick fruit juices, syrups, or creamy ingredients can make the machine work harder and sometimes lead to clumping or uneven freezing.
- Overfilling the Machine – The Ninja Slushi Machine has a minimum and maximum fill line for a reason. Overfilling it can cause it to struggle with freezing and dispensing.
How to Make The Best Cocktails in the Ninja Slushi Machine
If a drink exceeds the maximum alcohol, temperature control lights will flash one at a time in ascending order starting with the bottom LED, preset LEDs will flash, and the unit will beep every minute for 15 minutes. If this happens you need to add more water or something like sparkling water.
- Stick to 1-1.5 oz alcohol per serving – Any more and the drink won’t freeze properly.
- Dilute with extra water, juice, or mixer – Helps create a smooth, thick slush.
- Use pre-chilled ingredients – This helps the machine freeze the mix faster and prevents melting.
- Avoid thick syrups or creamy ingredients – If using, mix well with water or juice to thin them out.
- Don’t overfill the machine – Stick to the fill line (64oz) for best results.
How to Make Ninja Slushi Espresso Martinis
Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
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- Brew the coffee or if you're like me, BUY THE COFFEE: Make espresso or use cold brew coffee. Let it cool slightly before using it or chill it first. This machine likes cold liquids. It speeds up the processing time.
- Pour into the Ninja Slushi Machine: Add the chilled mixture to the Ninja Slushi machine and start the slush cycle.
- Let the machine do its work: The machine will freeze and churn until the martini turns into a smooth, icy slush. It can take anywhere from 15-45 minutes. Mine took about 30 minutes.
- Serve and enjoy: Pour the frozen martini into a martini glass.
- Optional: Garnish with coffee beans or a dusting of cocoa powder for a classic espresso martini finish.
Frequently Asked Questions and Pro Tips
Nope, make sure it’s cooled down first. Hot liquid will melt the ice and prevent the mixture from freezing properly. Brew your espresso and let it chill in the fridge for a few minutes before using.
Yes, you will get an error message if you don't use it. Alcohol does not freeze the water helps the machine process the slush.
Absolutely. Swap in decaf espresso or cold brew if you want the flavor without the caffeine kick.
It depends on your taste. Coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa) gives you a stronger coffee flavor, while Irish cream makes it creamier and sweeter. Both work perfectly in the recipe.
Yes! Leave out the vodka and liqueur, then double up on cold brew or espresso and add a splash of flavored coffee syrup (like vanilla or caramel). It’ll taste like a frozen coffeehouse treat.
For sure. Just scale up the ingredients and keep the liquid chilled in a pitcher. Pour into the Ninja Slushi machine in batches so it doesn’t overflow.
It’s got the same kick as a regular martini, but the slush texture makes it go down easy. If you want it lighter, just use less vodka and add a little extra water.
Usually around 25-30 minutes, but it could take up to 45 minutes.
Classic espresso martinis are served with 3 coffee beans on top, but you can also dust with cocoa powder, shaved chocolate, or even a caramel drizzle.
Substitutions and Variations
- Mocha – Add a splash of chocolate liqueur (like Godiva or crème de cacao) or a spoonful of chocolate syrup before freezing for a rich mocha vibe.
- Vanilla – Swap in vanilla vodka or add a few drops of pure vanilla extract to soften the coffee flavor and add a little sweetness.
- Caramel – Stir in a drizzle of caramel sauce or use a caramel-flavored liqueur to make it taste like your favorite coffee shop treat.
- Spiked Irish Coffee – Use Irish cream instead of coffee liqueur for a creamier, sweeter martini that tastes almost like a frozen Irish coffee.
- Hazelnut – Add a splash of Frangelico (hazelnut liqueur) for a nutty twist that pairs beautifully with coffee.
- Coconut – Use coconut rum in place of vodka, or add a splash of coconut milk, for a tropical spin on the classic.
- Peppermint – A splash of peppermint schnapps turns this into a frosty holiday martini with cool, minty notes.
- Decaf Espresso Martini – Use decaf espresso or cold brew if you want the flavor without the caffeine kick—still delicious and slushy.
More Cocktail Recipes
Jungle Juice
Hennessy Margarita Recipe
Tequila Cranberry Cocktail
Watermelon Margarita on the Rocks
Ninja Slushi Espresso Martini
Want to save this recipe for later?
I'll email it to you, so you can come back to it later! You will also get our free digital cookbook with 30-Minute One-Pot Recipes and weekly recipes and tips.
Equipment
Ingredients
- ½ Cup Vodka
- ¾ Cup Coffee Liqueur (like Kahlúa) or Irish Cream
- 3 Cups of Espresso or Cold Brew coffee
- 2 Cups of Water
Instructions
- Brew the coffee or if you're like me, BUY THE COFFEE: Make espresso or use cold brew coffee. Let it cool slightly before using it or chill it first. This machine likes cold liquids. It speeds up the processing time.
- Add the chilled mixture to the Ninja Slushi machine and start the slush cycle.
- The machine will freeze and churn until the martini turns into a smooth, icy slush. It can take anywhere from 15-45 minutes. Mine took about 30 minutes.
- Pour the frozen martini into a martini glass.
- Optional: Garnish with coffee beans or a dusting of cocoa powder for a classic espresso martini finish.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition Data
Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.
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