Salted Caramel Espresso Martini
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.
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Measuring jigger
- Espresso machine or coffee maker
- Strainer
- Martini glass
- Small spoon or drizzle bottle
Ingredients
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
Instructions
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Notes
Nutritional Value (per serving, approximate)
- Calories: 250–280
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 3g
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Alcohol content: ~15–18% ABV