Best Coffee Liqueur for Espresso Martinis | NORSE CODE Hel Above

Best Coffee Liqueur for Espresso Martinis

What Is the Best Coffee Liqueur for an Espresso Martini?

The secret to an exceptional Espresso Martini isn't the vodka, the shaker or even the espresso itself.

It's the coffee liqueur.

The best Espresso Martinis are built around a coffee liqueur that enhances fresh espresso rather than masking it with excessive sweetness.

At NORSE CODE, we created Hel Above specifically for Espresso Martinis. Developed by coffee professionals and crafted in Yorkshire using our unique cold-filter brew process, Hel Above delivers authentic coffee flavour, balanced sweetness and exceptional cocktail performance.

Shop Hel Above Coffee Liqueur

Why Coffee Liqueur Matters More Than Most People Realise

Many bartenders spend time choosing premium vodka and high-quality espresso, only to use a coffee liqueur that dominates the drink with sweetness.

A great Espresso Martini should showcase coffee.

The coffee liqueur should provide:

Depth and body
Natural sweetness
Coffee aroma
Texture and mouthfeel
Balance between bitterness and sweetness

When the coffee liqueur is right, the cocktail becomes smoother, richer and more expressive.

Designed Specifically for Espresso Martinis

Unlike many coffee liqueurs that are designed primarily for sipping or sweet serves, Hel Above was developed with Espresso Martinis in mind.

Its lower sugar recipe and coffee-forward profile allow fresh espresso to remain the star of the cocktail.

Benefits include:

Rich coffee flavour
Balanced sweetness
Less cloying finish
Excellent integration with fresh espresso
Exceptional foam retention
Consistent cocktail performance

Created by Award-Winning Coffee Professionals

Most coffee liqueurs are created by spirit producers.

Hel Above was created by coffee professionals.

Co-founder Gordon Howell has spent decades working in specialty coffee and is recognised as one of the UK's most experienced coffee professionals.

UK Brewers Cup Champion
UK Coffee in Good Spirits Champion
International competition finalist
SCA trainer and educator
Coffee competition judge

This coffee expertise influences every stage of production, from coffee selection through to brewing and blending.

Cold-Filter Brewed for Better Coffee Flavour

Our proprietary cold-filter brew method was developed to capture sweetness, aroma and complexity while reducing unwanted bitterness.

The result is a cleaner, smoother and more authentic coffee flavour than many traditional coffee liqueurs.

Learn more about our cold-filter brew process.

Hel Above vs Traditional Coffee Liqueurs

Feature	Hel Above	Many Traditional Coffee Liqueurs
Built for Espresso Martinis	✓	Varies
Created by Coffee Professionals	✓	Rarely
Cold-Filter Brewed	✓	✗
Coffee-Forward Profile	✓	Often Sweet-Forward
Balanced Sugar Content	✓	Often High

The Perfect Espresso Martini Recipe

Ingredients

50ml vodka
25ml NORSE CODE Hel Above
25ml freshly brewed espresso
Ice

Method

Allow espresso to cool slightly.
Add all ingredients to a shaker filled with ice.
Shake hard for 15–20 seconds.
Fine strain into a chilled coupe glass.
Garnish with three coffee beans.

The result is a balanced Espresso Martini with rich coffee flavour, excellent texture and a long, smooth finish.

Used by Bartenders Who Care About Coffee

As coffee culture has evolved, expectations around Espresso Martinis have changed.

Modern bartenders increasingly want coffee liqueurs that complement specialty coffee rather than overpowering it.

Hel Above was developed to meet those expectations.

Its coffee-first approach allows bars, restaurants and cocktail enthusiasts to create more balanced and flavour-driven Espresso Martinis.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best coffee liqueur for Espresso Martinis?

For coffee-forward Espresso Martinis with balanced sweetness, NORSE CODE Hel Above was specifically developed for the role and offers authentic coffee flavour created by award-winning coffee professionals.

Why is Hel Above good for Espresso Martinis?

Its lower sugar recipe, coffee-forward flavour profile and cold-filter brew process allow fresh espresso to remain the focus of the cocktail.

What strength is Hel Above?

Hel Above is bottled at 22% ABV.

Where is Hel Above made?

Hel Above is crafted in Yorkshire, England using specialty coffee and our proprietary cold-filter brew process.

Discover a Better Espresso Martini

If you're looking for the best coffee liqueur for Espresso Martinis, Hel Above offers a genuine coffee-first alternative to traditional coffee liqueurs.

Crafted in Yorkshire. Created by coffee professionals. Built for Espresso Martinis.

Shop Hel Above today

Also explore our England's Best Coffee Liqueur and Yorkshire Coffee Liqueur guides.

THE COFFEE SPIRIT COMPANY

Born from the fusion of coffee and vodka, the Coffee Spirit Company was established in Yorkshire with a single mission: to craft coffee liqueur to impeccable standards.

Driven by a passion for premium, artisanal coffee and meticulously balanced spirits, Gordon and Yan bring decades of expertise at the very pinnacle of their crafts. Over more than 30 years, they’ve competed globally against the industry’s best, earning numerous prestigious accolades along the way.

This unrivalled mastery and shared dedication to quality has led to a natural and inevitable collaboration, delivering coffee liqueurs that are bold, refined, and distinctly Yorkshire.

COFFEE PEDIGREE

Our journey begins with Gordon Howell, legendary brewmaster and head of coffee at Norse Code. Gordon has represented the UK in global coffee competitions, including 2015 WBrC (7th place) and 2013 WCIGS (3rd place), and has served as a sensory judge for the UKBC (2013 & 2014) and UK CIGS (2014 & 2015).

For over a decade, he was an SCA-accredited trainer, teaching barista skills and brewing mastery. Today, he focuses on one-to-one mentoring, helping coffee professionals gain intermediate and professional accreditation. His expertise spans daily coffee shop operations, competition judging, and advanced brewing techniques.

Gordon also contributes to World Coffee Events, has been a Dalla Corte Pro, and co-founded Tone Brewing Equipment, innovating in coffee technology worldwide. Every Norse Code product benefits from his precision, experience, and unparalleled skill.

THE DRINKS INDUSTRY

Over the past decade, Yan has shaped the UK craft beer and hospitality sector. He has pioneered award-winning venues like The Euston Tap, introduced first pours from breweries such as Stone, Thornbridge, Odell, Sierra Nevada, Dogfish Head, and Cantillon, and collaborated with emerging brands like BrewDog, Camden, Beavertown, and Magic Rock.

He has also worked on distribution for Sipsmith in the north, developed bespoke beverages distribution for iconic bands like Madness and Spandau Ballet, and introduced exclusive imports to the UK. Yan’s expertise ensures Norse Code is built on innovation, quality, and deep industry insight, supporting both trade and consumer excellence.

DANELAW, ROASTING & OUR BEANS

Thanks to Dave Jameson, founder of Dane Law Coffee Roasters in Holmfirth, Yorkshire, we only use speciality-grade beans with full traceability.

Hel Above and Below Coffee Liqueur features beans with Medium roast blend of washed and natural coffees from Latin America.

Dave’s credentials are remarkable:

Two-time UK Coffee in Good Spirits Champion
Q-Arabica Grader (licensed professional coffee taster)
Coach of the 2017 World Coffee in Good Spirits Champion
Judge at the World Barista Championship and master of ceremonies for coffee events across Europe
World Coffee Events AllStar, with experience spanning five continents
Responsible for coffees that have won over 50 Great Taste Award stars

Every bottle of Norse Code coffee liqueur reflects this expert craftsmanship and dedication to flavour.

WHY THE HEL?

In Norse mythology, Hel is the goddess of the underworld, balancing life and death. Her story intertwines with the history of modern-day York, founded on the Viking settlement of Jorvik. Archaeology, folklore, and city heritage still reflect her influence.

Adding another layer of resonance, our coffee is crafted on the former site of Erik Bloodaxe’s palace in York, blending ancient myth and local history with modern craftsmanship. Every sip of Hel’s Coffee Liqueur is a journey through legend, heritage, and exceptional flavour.