Salted Caramel Espresso Martini

The holiday season is the perfect excuse to indulge in a cocktail that feels both luxurious and festive, and a salted caramel espresso martini hits all the right notes. It’s rich, smooth, and has just the right amount of sweetness balanced with a touch of salt to make each sip irresistible. Whether you’re unwinding after a busy day of gift shopping or serving drinks at a cozy holiday gathering, this cocktail is guaranteed to impress.

Unlike a classic espresso martini, this version adds a decadent twist with salted caramel, making it a true standout among holiday espresso martini options. The creaminess of the caramel pairs beautifully with the bold espresso, creating a drink that’s both energizing and indulgent. I love that it works as both a celebratory toast and a little personal treat after dinner.

One of my favorite things about this drink is how easy it is to make at home. With just a few simple ingredients, you can craft a cocktail that tastes like it came straight from a high-end bar. It’s the perfect espresso martini to keep on hand during festive parties or to enjoy quietly by the fire while holiday tunes play in the background. And because it’s a salted caramel drink, it feels extra special without requiring any complicated techniques.

This salted caramel espresso martini isn’t just for cocktail enthusiasts either. Even friends who normally stick to wine or classic cocktails often find themselves reaching for a glass. The combination of coffee, caramel, and vodka is universally comforting, yet elegant enough to serve at a holiday gathering. It’s one of those caramel cocktails that manages to feel both festive and sophisticated at the same time, making it a new favorite for Christmas and winter celebrations.

Why You’ll Love It

• Decadent and creamy: This cocktail combines smooth espresso with velvety caramel, creating a creamy espresso martini that feels indulgent without being overly sweet. Each sip is like a mini dessert in a glass.
• Perfect for the holidays: With its rich flavor and festive salted caramel twist, it’s a holiday espresso martini that instantly elevates any gathering. Guests will think you spent hours crafting it, even if it only takes a few minutes.
• Energizing with a kick: The espresso gives a subtle caffeine boost, while the vodka adds a gentle warmth—making it the perfect espresso martini to enjoy after a long day of holiday prep or at a festive brunch.
• Versatile and crowd-pleasing: Whether you’re hosting a Christmas party, a cozy evening by the fire, or just treating yourself, this salted caramel drink appeals to both coffee lovers and cocktail enthusiasts alike.
• Simple yet impressive: With minimal ingredients, you can create a caramel cocktail that looks and tastes like a bar-quality drink. It’s one of those recipes that feels fancy without requiring fancy skills.

Ingredient List

For the Cocktail:

• 2 oz vodka
• 1 oz coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa)
• 1 oz freshly brewed espresso, cooled
• 1 oz salted caramel syrup
• ½ oz heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
• Ice cubes

For Garnish:

• Caramel drizzle
• Sea salt flakes
• Coffee beans (optional, for a fancy touch)

Ingredient Notes

• I always use freshly brewed espresso—it makes a huge difference in flavor and aroma. Instant coffee just won’t give that rich, bold kick.
• Don’t skip the salted caramel syrup! It’s what transforms this into a true salted caramel drink rather than just a regular espresso martini.
• For a creamy espresso martini, adding a splash of heavy cream makes it feel extra indulgent, almost dessert-like.
• Coffee liqueur is key for depth—Kahlúa or a similar brand gives the perfect balance of sweetness and coffee flavor.
• A little sea salt on top isn’t just pretty; it enhances the caramel notes and rounds out the sweetness beautifully.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Cocktail shaker – Essential for mixing the espresso, vodka, and caramel syrup evenly; I love using my stainless steel shaker because it keeps everything cold fast.
• Measuring jigger – For accurate pours; I always use a double-sided jigger to make sure each drink is perfectly balanced.
• Espresso machine or coffee maker – To brew fresh espresso; I swear by my espresso machine for that rich, bold flavor.
• Strainer – Optional, but great if you want a super smooth, frothy top.
• Martini glass – For serving in style; chilled glasses make the drink feel extra fancy.
• Small spoon or drizzle bottle – Perfect for adding caramel drizzle as garnish.

Instructions

1. Brew and Chill the Espresso

• Brew 1 oz of fresh espresso using your espresso machine or coffee maker.
• Let it cool for a few minutes at room temperature, or pop it in the fridge for 5–10 minutes.
  Pro tip: Fresh espresso is key—it gives a bold flavor that cuts through the sweetness of the caramel. Avoid instant coffee for this one.

2. Prep Your Martini Glass

• Chill your martini glass by filling it with ice water while you make the cocktail.
• Just before serving, discard the ice water and pat the glass dry.
  Pro tip: A chilled glass keeps your creamy espresso martini cold longer and looks extra fancy.

3. Mix the Cocktail

• In a cocktail shaker, add: 2 oz vodka, 1 oz coffee liqueur, cooled espresso, 1 oz salted caramel syrup, and ½ oz heavy cream if you want it extra creamy.
• Fill the shaker about halfway with ice cubes.
• Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds.
  Pro tip: Shake hard enough to get a frothy top—that little foam makes it feel like a bar-quality drink.

4. Strain and Pour

• Using a strainer, pour the cocktail into your pre-chilled martini glass.
• Make sure the foam floats on top nicely; this adds to the creamy espresso martini experience.

5. Garnish

• Drizzle caramel over the top in a zigzag pattern.
• Sprinkle a few sea salt flakes on top to enhance the salted caramel flavor.
• Add 1–2 coffee beans for a polished, Instagram-worthy touch.

6. Serve and Enjoy

• Hand it over to yourself or a lucky friend and savor every sip!
• This cocktail is perfect for relaxing by the fire, celebrating a holiday, or impressing guests with a festive treat.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Shake vigorously for a frothy top—this is what makes your espresso martini feel creamy and luxurious.
• Always use freshly brewed espresso; it gives the cocktail a bold coffee flavor that pairs perfectly with the salted caramel.
• Chill your martini glass ahead of time to keep the drink cold and classy.
• Don’t skimp on the salted caramel syrup—this is what turns a classic espresso martini into a salted caramel drink.
• Adjust the cream based on your preference: more for an indulgent dessert-like feel, less for a lighter, coffee-forward cocktail.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

• Vodka: You can use flavored vodka like vanilla or caramel for an extra festive twist.
• Coffee liqueur: Try a sugar-free or lower-alcohol version if you want a lighter cocktail.
• Salted caramel syrup: Homemade caramel sauce works, just add a pinch of salt.
• Espresso: Cold brew concentrate can substitute if you don’t have an espresso machine.
• Cream: Swap for coconut cream or oat cream for a dairy-free, creamy espresso martini alternative.

Serving Suggestions

• I love serving this salted caramel espresso martini alongside a small plate of chocolate truffles—it’s the perfect little indulgence.
• Pair it with buttery shortbread cookies for a festive holiday espresso martini experience.
• Serve it after a rich holiday dinner as a creamy espresso martini digestif—it’s a sweet and satisfying way to end the meal.
• This cocktail is amazing with a slice of pecan pie or caramel cheesecake—it highlights the salted caramel notes beautifully.
• For a cozy night in, I enjoy it on its own by the fire, wrapped in a warm blanket with a good book—it feels like a mini holiday treat just for me.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

• Make ahead: You can mix the vodka, coffee liqueur, and caramel syrup ahead of time and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours—just shake with ice before serving.
• Espresso: Brewed espresso can be stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours; reheat gently if desired, but it’s best served cooled.
• Pre-mixed cocktail: Avoid freezing the cocktail—it can affect the texture and creaminess.
• Leftovers: If any is left in the glass, cover and store in the fridge for a few hours; shake gently before drinking to revive the froth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this cocktail without alcohol?

Absolutely! You can skip the vodka and coffee liqueur and make a salted caramel coffee mocktail instead. Use extra espresso and a splash of cream or milk to keep it creamy.

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce instead of syrup?

Yes! Just add a tiny pinch of salt to turn it into a salted caramel drink, and adjust sweetness to taste.

How do I get a frothy top on my espresso martini?

Shake the cocktail vigorously with ice for 15–20 seconds. The vigorous shaking creates a smooth, frothy layer that makes the drink feel bar-quality.

Can I prepare this ahead of time for a party?

You can mix the vodka, coffee liqueur, and caramel syrup up to 24 hours in advance. Just shake with ice and add espresso right before serving for best results.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Definitely! Swap the heavy cream for coconut cream or oat cream. It keeps your creamy espresso martini texture without the dairy.

What’s the best garnish for presentation?

Caramel drizzle, a sprinkle of sea salt, and a couple of coffee beans make it look elegant and festive. They also enhance the flavor!

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Did you try this salted caramel espresso martini? Let me know in the comments how it turned out—I’d love to hear your favorite twist or serving idea!