Salted Caramel Espresso Martini Recipe (Ready in 5 Minutes)
A salted caramel espresso martini is a 5-minute cocktail made by shaking vodka, coffee liqueur, a shot of espresso, and salted caramel syrup over ice, then straining into a chilled martini glass. Shaking the hot espresso vigorously over ice creates a naturally frothy top layer — the same proteins that give espresso its crema foam the surface of the cocktail. The salted caramel adds a sweet, buttery depth that perfectly balances the bitterness of the coffee.
The holiday season is almost here and soon it will be time to celebrate the year that’s been. But what’s a good way to end the year or kick off the new one? Well, if you’re like me, you enjoy a good cocktail from time to time.
From wine spritzers to mojitos, there are plenty of options for any occasion. However, I’d like to propose something different today: an espresso martini. And not just any espresso martini, but one with amazingly delicious salted caramel hints! 🙂
Not only does this cocktail taste great, but it’s also really easy to make. This drink is perfect for those who want a nice warm buzz but don’t want anything too heavy.
An espresso martini is a cocktail made with espresso and alcohol. It’s usually served cold, and shaken, not stirred (except when it’s James Bond ordering one). The Espresso Martini is said to have been invented in the 1980s by a British bartender. It’s made with espresso, coffee liqueur, milk/cream, and vodka.
The salted caramel adds an extra kick to this combination, bringing together sweet flavors like brown sugar & buttery creaminess while also providing salty accents that will take everything to a whole new level.
I love preparing this salted caramel espresso martini on different occasions, such as:
- A cocktail party. If you’re hosting a cocktail party or throwing one at your home, then this is the perfect time for a martini. Think about what you’d serve with it — a cheese plate? Veggies and a creamy dip? A charcuterie board? You might even want to consider making a few different kinds of cocktails!
- Holiday party. This classic drink can easily be served at any holiday gathering (or really any gathering). Whether it’s Thanksgiving dinner at grandma’s house or drinks before New Year’s Eve fireworks, everyone loves sipping on these sweet treats. They go especially well with appetizers like mini sliders and stuffed mushrooms.
- At home with friends. Make sure your guests know that there’s something special going on when they see the array of glasses lined up and ready for them!
Salted caramel is one of those flavors that just works. I mean, who doesn’t love salted caramel? It’s sweet, but it also has a savory quality to it. It’s salty, but also very creamy and smooth. It’s delicious on its own as well as paired with various desserts and even drinks, like in today’s recipe!
I definitely recommend this salted caramel espresso martini for the upcoming holiday celebrations!
The holidays are a time to get together with friends and family and drink delicious cocktails — like this salted caramel espresso martini. This cocktail is easy to make, too! All you need is some vodka, espresso, coffee liqueur, cream or milk (whichever your heart desires), and some salted caramel syrup. If you want an extra special treat for yourself or for your guests, try adding flaked sea salt on top before serving!
This cocktail is a great way to end the year and start the new one, and you can enjoy it with your friends and family.
I hope you enjoyed reading about this wonderful drink as much as I did when writing about it. I love experimenting with cocktails and this is one of my favorites! The salted caramel espresso martini is a perfect way to celebrate any occasion.
Give it a try! 🙂
Salted Caramel Espresso Martini
Ingredients
- 30 ml
vodka
- 30 ml
coffee liqueur
- 60 ml milk
or non-dairy, almond milk
- 1 shot
espresso
- 15 ml Salted Caramel Syrup
by Monin
- coffee beans or star anise; cinnamon or cocoa as garnish
Instructions
- Add the vodka, coffee liqueur, espresso, milk, and salted caramel syrup to a shaker filled with ice and shake well.
- Strain into a Martini cocktail glass.
- Garnish with coffee beans or star anise and sprinkle some cinnamon or cocoa on top.
Frequently Asked Questions
A salted caramel espresso martini is made with vodka, coffee liqueur, a fresh shot of espresso, milk or almond milk, and salted caramel syrup. Everything is shaken over ice and strained into a chilled martini glass. The espresso creates the signature frothy top layer, and the salted caramel syrup adds a sweet, buttery depth. This recipe uses Monin salted caramel syrup, which is available at most grocery stores and online.
The frothy top layer on an espresso martini comes from the natural proteins and oils in freshly brewed espresso. When you shake espresso vigorously with ice, these proteins create a foam similar to the crema on a shot of espresso. Using fresh, hot espresso that has been allowed to cool slightly gives the best froth. Cold brew or pre-made coffee will not create the same effect.
You can use a mason jar with a tight-fitting lid as a substitute for a cocktail shaker. Add all the ingredients with ice, seal tightly, and shake for about 15-20 seconds. A French press can also work — add the ingredients without ice, pump the plunger vigorously to froth the mixture, then pour over ice to chill. Neither method produces quite as much froth as a proper shaker, but both work well for a home cocktail.
This recipe can easily be made vegan by using almond milk or oat milk instead of regular dairy milk. The rest of the ingredients, including the vodka, coffee liqueur, espresso, and salted caramel syrup, are all plant-based. Oat milk produces the creamiest result and holds the froth well. Check that your coffee liqueur brand is vegan, as some use dairy-based caramel coloring.
Kahlua is the most classic choice and gives a rich, sweet coffee flavor that pairs well with salted caramel. Tia Maria is slightly drier and more intensely coffee-forward. Mr Black is an Australian cold brew coffee liqueur that has become very popular for espresso martinis due to its bold, less-sweet profile. Any of the three work well in this recipe, though Kahlua complements the caramel notes especially well.
To make a batch for a party, multiply all the ingredients by the number of servings and mix everything except the ice in a pitcher. Refrigerate for up to 2 hours. When ready to serve, shake individual portions with ice in a cocktail shaker for about 15 seconds each — the shaking cannot be skipped if you want the frothy top. Brew the espresso fresh on the day of the party for the best flavor and froth.
