Caramel Espresso Martini

brass martini glass with cream, espresso beans, and cinnamon stick sticking out

At Ajpal, I add lots of tips in all of my recipes – because I am a home cook without any formal training, and I find I am more confident making dishes when I understand why it works, and what each ingredient means to the flavor of a recipe. My goal is for even the most beginner home cook to feel empowered in the kitchen.

Classy Caramel Espresso MArtini

This caramel topped espresso martini is loaded with flavor and SO delicious – perfect for a cozy night at home with a little bit of a coffee kick!

We’re loading this drink with caramel, vanilla, cinnamon, and coffee flavor – it is rich and indulgent, without being too heavy.

If you want to take a bit of the caffeine buzz off, you can use decaf, so this drink doesn’t keep you up all night.

I hope you love this boozy, buzzy drink as much as I do!

How to Make Espresso Martini Frothy

Espresso martinis are known for a light, fluffy, creamy texture on top.

To get this – instead of the darker, thin looking espresso I posted below, you need to shake it vigorously.

brass martini glass with coffee beans and cinnamon sticks in it — If your Espresso Martini isn’t frothy, like above, you need to shake, shake, shake, shake some more! Since we’re topping with whipped cream, however, you can always shake a bit less and let the cream add to the frothy texture.

To Make This Caramel Espresso Martini Recipe You’ll Need:

Vodka (1 1/2 ounces) – adds a smooth and clean base that enhances the bold flavors of the espresso and caramel.
Coffee liqueur (Kahlúa 3/4 ounce) – brings a rich, deep coffee sweetness that complements the espresso’s intensity.
Crème de cacao (white 1/4 ounce) – lends a touch of velvety chocolate flavor, balancing the bitterness of the coffee.
Espresso (hot or chilled 4 oz) – provides the robust, aromatic coffee essence that defines the martini’s bold character.
Ice (1 – 1 1/2 cups) – chills the ingredients while shaking, creating a frothy, well-blended cocktail with a smooth finish.
Whipped cream – adds a luscious, creamy layer that softens the drink’s bold flavors with a hint of indulgence.
Caramel sauce (1 tbsp) – drizzled inside the glass enhances the cocktail with a rich, buttery sweetness.
Cinnamon stick – serves as a fragrant garnish, adding warmth and spice to each sip.

What Vodka To Use For Caramel Espresso Martini:

You can use any vodka you like for this cocktail – but we love adding different flavored vodkas in this mixed drink to add different notes.

I am calling for Smirnoff Kissed Caramel vodka – but you can use vanilla, whipped cream, cake, or or just plain vodka, too!

Other Delicious Drinks You’ll Love

If you love this hot espresso martini, check out some of our other favorite drinks!

Our Israeli cardamom coffee can also be used in this recipe for a bit of an earthy, herbal kick!

Pumpkin Old Fashioned

The Best Homemade Lemonade

Easy Peach Margaritas

French Martini Cocktail Recipe

Easy Champagne Fizz Cocktail

Holiday Drinks

Feuerzangenbowle Flaming German Rum Punch

Simple Eggnog Recipe

brass martini glass with cream, espresso beans, and cinnamon stick sticking out, Smirnoff in the background

Recipe FAQ’s

To get a light foamy top on an espresso martini, you need to shake it vigorously.
Top with whipped cream for an extra indulgent kick!

Yes, but espresso is recommended for the best flavor. If using instant coffee, dissolve a strong teaspoon of coffee in a small amount of hot water to concentrate the flavor.

Vodka is traditional for an espresso martini, but you can substitute it with dark rum or bourbon for a different depth of flavor.

Allow the espresso to cool naturally, or speed up the process by placing it in the fridge or freezer for a few minutes before shaking.

Either works! Store-bought caramel sauce is convenient, but homemade caramel sauce gives a richer, fresher flavor.

Use a spoon or squeeze bottle to drizzle caramel sauce inside the glass in a swirling motion before pouring the martini.

It’s best served fresh, but you can mix the ingredients (except ice) ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Shake with ice just before serving.

Whipped cream, a cinnamon stick, coffee beans, or a light dusting of cocoa powder or cinnamon complement the flavors beautifully.

For a sweeter drink, add a bit more caramel sauce or a dash of simple syrup. To reduce sweetness, decrease the coffee liqueur or use unsweetened espresso.

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Questions

How can I make my espresso martini foamy on top?

To get a light foamy top on an espresso martini, you need to shake it vigorously. Top with whipped cream for an extra indulgent kick!

Can I use instant coffee instead of espresso?