Caramel Espresso Martini

5 from 1 vote
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Caramel Espresso Martini Recipe – delicious espresso martini topped with whipped cream, cinnamon, and caramel sauce!

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

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At Sweet C’s, 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!

Weโ€™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 doesnโ€™t keep you up all night.

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

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

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 Youโ€™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 (Kahlรบa 3/4 ounce) – brings a rich, deep coffee sweetness that complements the espressoโ€™s intensity.
  • Crรจme 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 martiniโ€™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 drinkโ€™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.
brass martini glass with cream, espresso beans, and cinnamon stick sticking out

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!

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

Other Delicious Drinks Youโ€™ll Love

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

We have a similar Espresso martini served hot and made with caramel stroopwafles – click here for the recipe!

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

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

Recipe FAQโ€™s

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?

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.

Do I have to use vodka, or can I substitute another spirit?

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

Whatโ€™s the best way to chill the espresso before making the martini?

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.

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce, or should I make my own?

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

How do I properly drizzle caramel sauce inside the glass?

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

Can I prepare an espresso martini in advance?

Itโ€™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.

What garnishes pair well with a caramel espresso martini?

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

How do I make the martini sweeter or less sweet?

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

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5 from 1 vote

Caramel Espresso Martini Recipe

By: Courtney O’Dell
Servings: 1 drink
Prep: 5 minutes
Total: 5 minutes
A copper martini glass brimming with whipped cream, caramel sauce, coffee beans, and cinnamon sticks evokes the delicious elegance of a Caramel Espresso Martini. In the blurred background, a bottle and festive Christmas decorations add to the seasonal allure.
Sweet espresso and kahlua packed martini is creamy and perfect for a winter evening.

Ingredients 

  • 1 cup ice
  • 1 ยฝ ounces caramel or vanilla vodka
  • ยพ ounce Caramel Kahlรบa, original Kahlua ok
  • ยผ ounce crรจme de cacao, white
  • 4 oz espresso, or coffee, cold
  • 2 tbsp Whipped cream
  • 1 tbsp Caramel sauce, to garnish
  • Cinnamon stick, to garnish

Instructions 

  • Pour vodka, Kahlua, crepe de cacao, coffee, and ice into a martini shaker.
  • Shake vigorously until freezing cold.
  • Pour into martini glass and lightly grate a bit of cinnamon stick over drink.
  • Top with whipped cream, coffee beans, and cinnamon stick.
  • Drizzle caramel sauce over the top.
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 101kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 1gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 7mgSodium: 97mgPotassium: 157mgSugar: 14gVitamin A: 80IUVitamin C: 0.3mgCalcium: 28mgIron: 0.1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Tried this recipe?Mention @sweetcsdesigns or tag #sweetcsdesigns!

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About Courtney

Courtney loves to share great wine, good food, and loves to explore far flung places- all while masting an everyday elegant and easy style at lifestyle blog Sweet Cโ€™s Designs. Sweet C's devoted to finding the best food and drinks you'll want to make or find, around the world!

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