My Pumpkin Spice Espresso Martini is the perfect blend of rich coffee, warming spices, and a touch of creamy pumpkin. This cocktail is what you need to wind down from a busy day or to impress your guests at your next Fall gathering.
The Best Pumpkin Espresso Martini
As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, there is no better way to celebrate fall than with pumpkin recipes!
Let me introduce you to your new favorite Fall cocktail, Pumpkin Spice Espresso Martini!
This recipe might sound fancy, but it's incredibly simple! Just shake together pumpkin, vodka, Kahlua, warming spices, espresso, and creamer for the ultimate Autumn Martini.
If you love pumpkin recipes and want more, check out my Healthy Pumpkin Muffins, Gluten Free Pumpkin Pancakes, and Homemade Pumpkin Ice Cream.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Fall-Inspired Cocktail. Is there anything cozier than a cocktail made with coffee, pumpkin, and warm pumpkin pie spices?
- Creamy Mouthfeel. A few teaspoons of pumpkin add a velvety, creamy texture that smooths out the sharpness of the espresso.
- Make it decaf. Use a decaf espresso if you are sensitive to caffeine and don't want to be up all night.
- Easy to make. I love how simple this espresso martini recipe is and how impressive it is to serve to your family and friends.
If you love Espresso as much as we do, check out my Chocolate Espresso Energy Bites.
Ingredients + Substitutions
Here is a visual overview of the pumpkin spice espresso martini ingredients. Scroll to the recipe at the bottom for quantities.
See recipe card for quantities.
Pumpkin
Pumpkin doesn't have any flavor, that comes from the pumpkin pie spice. It's used for a creamy mouthfeel, which helps mellow the bitterness of the espresso. Make sure to use 100% pumpkin.
Pumpkin Pie Spice
Pumpkin pie spice is a blend of ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice. You can pick up a great version at Trader Joe's or easily make your own. These warming spices are what give the martini its cozy fall vibes.
Vodka
Traditionally, vodka is used when making espresso martinis. You can use white rum or a combination of 20 ML vodka and 40 ML white rum.
Kahlua
Kahlua is a coffee liquor that has a delicious coffee flavor and a nice sweetness, removing the need for a simple syrup. There are other coffee liquors on the market, but Kahlua is our favorite.
Espresso
Freshly brewed espresso from an espresso machine creates the best-tasting espresso martini. I use the Breville Barista Touch Espresso Machine if you are looking for recommendations. If you don't have one, cold brew coffee or Instant Espresso will still make a delicious martini.
Creamer
We used Trader Joe's Pumpkin Spice Liquor for more of that pumpkin spice flavor. Bailey's Liquor, half-n-half, eggnog, or Nutpods French Vanilla Creamer is a great dairy-free option. `
How to make a Pumpkin Espresso Martini
Follow my step-by-step instructions and you'll be making this cozy cocktail on repeat through the fall.
Step 1. Espresso. I make a single or double shot of espresso. You'll need a 1-ounce portion for this recipe. Don't have an espresso machine? Cold brew coffee or Instant coffee works great.
Step 2. Combine Ingredients. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and pour in vodka, Kahlua, creamer, pumpkin, pumpkin spice, and espresso.
Step 3. Shake it up. Secure the cocktail shaker with the lid and give it a vigorous shake until it's frosted and very cold to the touch.
Step 4. Pour. Pour into your martini glass and fill to the top.
Step 5. Garnish. Using a microplane, grate fresh nutmeg over top and garnish with one star anise. Your home will smell amazing!
Step 6. Enjoy. Now it's time to enjoy this delicious pumpkin espresso martini. Serve at your next dinner party and you won't need to make a dessert!
If you liked this seasonal cocktail, gear up for the holidays with my Bourbon Eggnog, Christmas Gin Cocktail, and White Christmas Cocktail.
Tools
Chef Tips
- Espresso: If you don't have an espresso machine, cold brew coffee or Instant Espresso does the job.
- Combining Ingredients: Cool the espresso down to room temperature or add to the cocktail shaker last to prevent it from melting the ice.
- Shaking: Give the cocktail shaker a good 30-second shake, the stainless-steel shaker should look frosted and cold.
- Garnish: Freshly grated nutmeg and star anise make this martini look beautiful. Ground cinnamon or coffee beans are great garnished too.
FAQ's
Flavors like vanilla, hazelnut, chocolate, caramel, and orange are great additions to an espresso martini.
Yes, espresso martinis can give you an energy boost due to the caffeine in the espresso. Use a decaf espresso and enjoy all the coffee flavor without added caffeine.
Yes! You can easily substitute with strongly brewed coffee, cold brew, or instant espresso. Don’t let the lack of an espresso machine stop you from making this cocktail!
It's best to use cold or room-temperature espresso. Hot espresso can melt the ice too quickly when shaken, diluting the drink and affecting its texture. Let the espresso cool down before mixing it with the other ingredients.
Like this Fall Recipe? Try These Other Pumpkin Recipes!
Did you make this recipe? Leave a ⭐️ review below and tag @thefrizzledleek on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest!
📖 Recipe
Pumpkin Espresso Martini
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin puree
- ⅛ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 ounce vodka
- 1 ounce Kahlua
- 1 ounce Espresso
- 1 ounce creamer I used Trader Joe's Pumpkin Spice Liquor
Instructions
- Espresso. Brew a single or double shot of espresso, you'll need a 1-ounce portion for this recipe. Don't have an espresso machine? Cold brew coffee or Instant coffee works great.
- Combine Ingredients. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and pour in vodka, Kahlua, creamer, pumpkin, pumpkin spice, and espresso.
- Shake it up. Secure the cocktail shaker with the lid and give it a vigorous shake until it's frosted and very cold to the touch. Strain into your selected martini glass.
- Garnish. Using a microplane, grate fresh nutmeg over top and garnish with one star anise. Enjoy!
Notes
- Espresso: If you don't have an espresso machine, cold brew coffee or Instant Espresso does the job.
- Combining Ingredients: Cool the espresso down to room temperature or add to the cocktail shaker last to prevent it from melting the ice.
- Shaking: Give the cocktail shaker a good 30-second shake, the stainless-steel shaker should look frosted and cold.
- Garnish: Freshly grated nutmeg and star anise make this martini look beautiful. Ground cinnamon or coffee beans are great garnished too.
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