Short answer: a classic espresso martini carries about 70 mg of caffeine — essentially one shot of espresso. Spark Plug's canned nitro espresso martini runs about 40–50 mg per 3.5 oz serving, or 80–100 mg in a full 200ml can — roughly one cup of coffee. Here's the side-by-side.
Spark Plug vs. a classic espresso martini
The caffeine in any espresso martini comes from one place: the coffee. Spark Plug uses real Arabica, so the lift is the same kind you'd get from a bar pour — just portioned into a can.
| Classic bar recipe | Spark Plug | |
|---|---|---|
| Caffeine | ~70 mg per drink | ~40–50 mg per 3.5 oz serving |
| Per full pour | ~70 mg (one drink) | ~80–100 mg per 200ml can (two servings) |
| Source | Fresh espresso + a trace from coffee liqueur | Real Arabica coffee — natural, never added |
| Roughly equal to | One shot of espresso | About one cup of coffee per can |
| ABV | ~18–22% | 20% |
So a single serving of Spark Plug is actually a touch less caffeine than a classic drink, and a whole can lands at about one coffee's worth. It's a lift, not a jolt — and it's dairy-free, with the crema coming from nitrogen rather than cream. Here's how the nitro crema actually works.
Where the caffeine comes from
Almost all of it is the espresso. The vodka contributes none, and the coffee liqueur adds only a little:
| Ingredient | Amount | Caffeine |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh espresso | 1 shot (~1 oz) | ~64 mg |
| Coffee liqueur (Kahlúa) | 1 oz | ~6 mg |
| Vodka | 1.5 oz | 0 mg |
| Total | ~4.5 oz | ~70 mg |
Figures from standard nutrition data: a single espresso shot ~63–75 mg caffeine; Kahlúa ~6 mg/oz; vodka contains none. Spark Plug's ~80–100 mg per can is from its real Arabica coffee.
How it compares to your other drinks
| Drink | Caffeine |
|---|---|
| Cup of brewed coffee (8 oz) | ~95 mg |
| Spark Plug (full 200ml can) | ~80–100 mg |
| Espresso martini (classic) | ~70 mg |
| Spark Plug (3.5 oz serving) | ~40–50 mg |
| Can of cola (12 oz) | ~34 mg |
A note on caffeine and alcohol
Spark Plug's caffeine is simply what's in the real coffee — there's no added stimulant and it is not an energy drink. That said, it is a full-strength 20% ABV cocktail. Caffeine can make it harder to feel how much alcohol you've had, so the coffee lift is never a reason to drink more. Enjoy it the way you'd enjoy any good cocktail: slowly, and responsibly. 21+ only.
Espresso martini caffeine — quick answers
How much caffeine is in an espresso martini?
About 70 mg in a classic bar recipe — roughly one shot of espresso. Spark Plug's canned version is ~40–50 mg per 3.5 oz serving, or ~80–100 mg in a full can.
Does Spark Plug have added caffeine?
No. All of the caffeine comes naturally from the real Arabica coffee — nothing is added, and it's not an energy drink.
Is that a lot of caffeine?
No — a can is about one cup of coffee, and a single serving is less than a shot of espresso. It's a gentle lift, not a jolt.
Can you drink an espresso martini at night?
It has roughly one coffee's worth of caffeine per can, so if an evening coffee tends to keep you up, plan accordingly. Many people enjoy one after dinner without issue.
How many calories go with that caffeine?
Spark Plug is 150 calories per serving and 8 g of sugar — lighter than a classic bar pour. Here's the full calorie breakdown.
Want the full-strength espresso martini experience — real coffee, real crema, about one coffee's worth of lift — in a can? Order Spark Plug's canned nitro espresso martini → Shipped to 44 states. Explore 12 seasonal espresso martini recipes, an honest comparison of the best canned espresso martinis, and our full guide to coffee cocktails.