This Pumpkin Spice Espresso Martini is the perfect cocktail for the Holiday season! I never considered myself a martini girl…and truly I still don’t…unless it has espresso in the title! I stumbled upon my first espresso martini last fall while out with my girlfriends. We had just finished a delicious and filling Italian dinner and needed a pick me up to keep the night going. We ordered a round of espresso martinis and my obsession began! I soon got my husband hooked and now it’s his go-to drink! It’s fun tasting espresso martinis at different restaurants and bars. However, we really enjoy experimenting with our own recipes at home.
Now that it’s the season of pumpkin…and I’m a huge fan of all things pumpkin..I had to make a Pumpkin Spice Espresso Martini! After lots of trial and error, we’ve got it down and let me tell you..it’s delicious! The secret was adding pumpkin puree to get that real pumpkin flavor.
Espresso Martini Tips
Use real espresso: To get a deep coffee flavor I suggest using real espresso pods.This also helps balance out the strong vodka taste. I use Nespresso pods, you can use double or single.
Chill your espresso: I make mine ahead of time by brewing from my Nespresso machine straight into a mason jar. Then chill it in the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before martini time! If you’re making these martinis for a crowd you can brew the quantity of espresso shots you will need for the night all at once. When it’s time to make them you can just measure out 1.3oz per martini.
Mr. Black: A true espresso martini always calls for coffee liqueur. My favorite is Mr. Black Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur, you can find this at Binny’s.
It’s all in the shake: A good espresso martini has a nice foam top. This comes from giving it a really good shake. Make sure your shaker lid is on tight and I suggest doing this over the sink, just in case! If you don’t look stupid, you’re doing it wrong!
Don’t over do it on the ice: For 1-2 martinis 3-4 ice cubes is enough as long as your espresso is chilled. If you have too much ice it will hold onto the liquid in the shaker and you’ll have less martini to enjoy.
Serve in a chilled glass: I love my espresso martini extra cold. I suggest putting your glasses in the freezer 30 min before serving.
Specific for Pumpkin Spice Espresso Martini
Frother: You’ll need a good frother to get the right consistency with the pumpkin puree. I prefer the Zulay Kitchen frother. I froth the pumpkin puree, cream liqueur, spice and maple syrup together in a separate glass.
Pumpkin Spice Cream Liqueur: Trader Joe’s has the best Pumpkin Spice Cream Liqueur, the flavor is great and the price is even better! $8.99 for a bottle compared to a $25-30 bottle of Bailey’s.
Maple syrup: Most espresso martinis call for simple syrup…to save some time I used maple syrup here. It pairs perfectly with the fall flavors in this cocktail.
Espresso Martinis are a must at your cocktail party. This delicious pumpkin spice twist on the espresso martini is just what you need to spice up your Holiday!
Ingredients
- 1.3 ounces espresso (1 shot), chilled
- 1 oz vodka
- 1 oz coffee liqueur, I prefer Mr. Black
- 2 ounces Pumpkin Spice Cream Liqueur, I prefer Trader Joe’s
- 2 tablespoons canned pumpkin puree
- 1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, plus more for garnish
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- Cinnamon stick (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Brew 1 shot of espresso, chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 min.
- Meanwhile, in a martini shaker add pumpkin spice cream liqueur, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice and maple syrup. Using a frother, blend until smooth. If you don’t have a frother you can use a whisk or fork just be sure there are no lumps.
- Add chilled espresso, vodka, and 3-4 ice cubes to the shaker. Close the lid tightly and shake vigorously.
- Serve in a chilled glass, sprinkle with pumpkin pie spice and garnish with a cinnamon stick.
*Notes:
- You can double this recipe and make 2 martinis at a time in one shaker. For best results don’t make more than 2 in your shaker at a time.
- You can make these ahead for a party or even if you’re going to bring them somewhere as a guest. Just make a few batches in your shaker, then transfer to a mason jar. Keep refrigerated until serving. When it’s martini time pour desired amount into a shaker, add ice, shake it up and you’re good to go!
