Making a pumpkin spice espresso martini could not be easier! A fun twist on the classic cocktail, this is the perfect pick-me-up cocktail for a fall evening. All you need is 5 minutes and four ingredients to enjoy this creamy, festive drink.
I absolutely love anything pumpkin spice. The earthy, sweet taste of it is perfect for coffee, baked goods, savory dishes, and especially cocktails. It is a wonderful way to celebrate in season flavors.
Some of my favorite pumpkin recipes are my pumpkin protein muffins, my pumpkin pasta, and my incredibly decadent pumpkin brownies.
WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS RECIPE
- Vegan friendly. I love making dairy free, vegan friendly dessert cocktails. Just like my cinnamon roll cocktail and cookie butter cocktail, this pumpkin spice espresso martini dairy free. You do not have to compromise your dietary needs to enjoy a creamy cocktail!
- Impressive yet simple. One of the things I love the most about making cocktails at home is how impressive yet simple it is! You do not need any fancy bar gear or numerous spirits to make this cocktail, yet it will taste just like a bartender made it!
- No difficult assembly. While most cocktails require muddling, juicing, blending and so much more, this one does not. All you need is to shake this drink in a shaker or mason jar, and it is done.
INGREDIENT NOTES
Pumpkin Spice Simple Syrup. Pumpkin Spice Simple Syrup is essential for this recipe, and provides all of the warm fall flavor. You can make your own pumpkin spice simple syrup or you can purchase simple syrup online. Because regular syrup is heavier than simple syrup, if you plan to use pumpkin spice syrup (not simple syrup), start with half of the recommended amount and build from there.
Espresso. A little bit of espresso goes a long way in this recipe. 1 oz, which is the size of a shot, is all that is used. This equates to approximately 60 mg of caffeine. You can also used strong brewed coffee or decaf coffee.
Vodka. Plain vodka increases the strength of this martini, while adding little to no flavor. Using a higher quality vodka, such as Ketel One, Grey Goose or Titos.
Coffee Liquor. Coffee liquor increases the intensity of the coffee flavor in this cocktail. I recommend using Mr. Black's coffee liquor because it is vegan and dairy free.
STEP BY STEP DIRECTIONS
- If you are making your own pumpkin pie simple syrup, make that first.
- Add all ingredients to a shaker. If you do not have a cocktail shaker, you can use a mason jar with a lid, or even a blender bottle. If you have none of this, you can also stir this cocktail for about 30 seconds.
- Shake. Shake the cocktail to ensure all of the ingredients are combined and chilled due to the ice. I recommend shaking for 15-30 seconds.
- Pour. Strain or pour the martini into a martini glass, couple glass or whatever you choice! Be sure no ice gets into the glass or it will water down your cocktail if it melt. If you want to make sure it the drink stays cold, chill the glass in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes prior to pouring.
- Garnish. Optional to garnish the martini with espresso beans on top or a cinnamon stick as a stirrer.
STORING
- Storage. This pumpkin spice espresso martini is best served immediately. If you do need to make it ahead of time, place all the ingredients without ice in the shaker and place in the refrigerator. When you are ready to make your cocktail, add ice and shake.
TIME SAVING HACKS
Nothing is better than a quick cocktail after a long day or even as a night cap. While this cocktail does not take long to make, here is how you can save time.
- Simple Syrup. If you are making your own pumpkin spice simple syrup, prep it ahead of time and pull it out when you are ready to make this cocktail. You can also buy pre-made simple syrup to save time.
FAQ
Yes. Although many espresso martinis are made with alcohol that contains dairy, such as Kahlua or Baileys, this cocktail is dairy free.
This cocktail contains 1 oz of espresso, which is 60 mg of caffeine. That is less than the average amount in a cup of coffee.
Yes! While there are many on the market, you can certainly make your own pumpkin spice syrup.
While I recommend using simple syrup, if you need to use regular syrup, I suggest starting with half of the recommended syrup amount the recipe calls for and build from there. Regular syrup is thicker than simple syrup.
EXPERT TIPS
- Add ice prior to shaking. This martini is best served with a slight chill. In order to achieve this, add the ice prior to shaking. This allows the ice to chill all the ingredients within the shaker and prior to pouring.
- Don't use too much espresso. A little espresso goes a long way. If you use too much, it will overpower the drink.
- Make sure your coffee liquor is fairy free. If you are vegan or dairy free, be sure to check the ingredients of your coffee liquor. Most have some form of dairy in them. I recommend using Mr. Black's coffee liquor because it is vegan and dairy free.
MORE PUMPKIN RECIPES
Pumpkin Spice Espresso Martini
Ingredients
- 3 oz plain vodka
- 1 oz coffee liquor Mr. Blacks for DF + V
- 1.5 oz pumpkin spice simple syrup
- 1 oz espresso
- 1 cup ice
Instructions
- If you plan to make your own pumpkin spice simple syrup, make that first.
- Place all ingredients, including the ice, in a cocktail shaker and shake vigorously for 15-30 seconds.
- Strain or pour into a martini glass, ensuring no ice is poured into the glass.
- Garnish with an espresso bean on top or a cinnamon stick. Cheers!
Notes
- You may use cold brew or strong brewed coffee in place of the espresso.
- You may also use decaf coffee.
- If you prefer a sweeter cocktail, you may add more pumpkin simple syrup.
- If you are dairy free or vegan, check your coffee liquor ingredients to ensure there is no dairy.
- To keep your drink cool longer, chill your glasses in the refrigerator for 10 minute prior to pouring the cocktail.
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