Salted Caramel Espresso Martini Recipe

Dreamy Salted Caramel Espresso Martini Recipe for Cozy Nights

Mixologists have been perfecting the salted caramel espresso martini for cocktail enthusiasts seeking a bold twist on classic drinks.

Smooth caramel notes dance with rich espresso, creating a luxurious liquid experience.

Sophisticated yet approachable, this cocktail brings restaurant-quality flair right to your home bar.

Caffeine meets cocktail in a harmonious blend that awakens your senses.

Coffee lovers and spirits fans will appreciate the delicate balance of sweet and salty elements.

Cold, creamy, and impossibly indulgent, this drink promises to become your new favorite evening companion.

Shake, sip, and savor every decadent moment of this irresistible concoction.

Why Salted Caramel Espresso Martini is a Must-Sip

  • Craft a Luxurious Drink: Elevate your cocktail game with this sophisticated blend of rich espresso, smooth Baileys, and indulgent salted caramel that transforms an ordinary evening into a gourmet experience.
  • Master Mixology at Home: No professional bartending skills required – this recipe lets you create a restaurant-quality cocktail with simple ingredients and basic shaking techniques, perfect for impressing guests.
  • Quick Celebration Companion: This decadent martini works brilliantly for intimate gatherings, date nights, or as a stunning after-dinner treat that combines coffee's energy with the smoothness of liqueurs.
  • Customize Your Comfort: Easily adjust sweetness levels by playing with salted caramel syrup and garnish options, making this drink adaptable to personal taste preferences and mood.

What’s in a Salted Caramel Espresso Martini

Spirits:
  • Vodka: A clear, strong base spirit that provides the alcoholic foundation for the cocktail.
  • Kahlúa: A rich, coffee-flavored liqueur that adds depth and sweetness to the drink.
  • Baileys Irish Cream: A creamy, smooth liqueur that brings a luxurious texture and flavor to the martini.
Coffee Component:
  • Espresso: A concentrated, freshly brewed coffee that delivers a bold and intense coffee flavor.
Sweeteners and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Salted Caramel Syrup, Sea Salt: These ingredients create a perfect balance of sweet and salty, elevating the overall taste profile of the cocktail.
Mixing Essentials:
  • Ice: Helps to chill and dilute the cocktail, creating a smooth and refreshing drink.

Making a Salted Caramel Espresso Martini at Home

Step 1: Chill Your Cocktail Glass

Prepare a martini glass by placing it in the freezer for a few minutes to get a frosty finish that will keep your drink extra cool.

Step 2: Crush the Ice

Fill a cocktail shaker generously with fresh ice cubes, creating the perfect chilling environment for your cocktail.

Step 3: Blend the Liquid Magic

Pour the following ingredients into the shaker:
  • Vodka
  • Baileys Irish Cream
  • Kahlúa
  • Fresh espresso
  • Salted caramel syrup

Step 4: Shake with Passion

Seal the cocktail shaker tightly and shake vigorously for 20-30 seconds. The intense shaking will create a wonderfully frothy and well-mixed drink with a beautiful, silky texture.

Step 5: Strain and Serve

Carefully strain the cocktail into your chilled martini glass, ensuring a smooth pour that captures all the delicious flavors.

Step 6: Add the Finishing Touch

Sprinkle a delicate pinch of sea salt on top or drizzle an extra swirl of salted caramel syrup to enhance the drink’s rich flavor profile.

Step 7: Indulge Immediately

Serve the Salted Caramel Espresso Martini right away and savor every luxurious sip of this decadent cocktail.

Bar Tips for Salted Caramel Espresso Martini Perfection

  • Chill your martini glass beforehand for an extra frosty presentation that keeps the cocktail cold longer.
  • Use freshly brewed espresso at room temperature to prevent diluting the drink's rich flavors and maintain optimal temperature.
  • Select high-quality vodka and coffee liqueur for a smoother, more sophisticated taste profile that elevates the entire cocktail experience.
  • Shake vigorously with plenty of ice to create a beautiful, frothy top and ensure all ingredients are perfectly blended and chilled.
  • Experiment with different salted caramel syrups or make your own for a personalized touch that adds depth to the martini's sweet and salty balance.

Cocktail Twists on the Salted Caramel Espresso Martini

  • Mocha Madness: Replace Baileys with chocolate liqueur and add a chocolate syrup drizzle for an intensified chocolate experience.
  • Nutty Caramel Kick: Swap vodka for hazelnut liqueur and garnish with crushed roasted hazelnuts for a rich, nutty profile.
  • Spiced Caramel Dream: Include a dash of cinnamon or cardamom to the mix and top with a light sprinkle of ground spice for warmth.
  • Coconut Caramel Wave: Use coconut rum instead of vodka and garnish with toasted coconut flakes for a tropical spin on the classic cocktail.

What Goes Great with a Salted Caramel Espresso Martini

  • Boost Coffee-Chocolate Flavors: Pair this rich martini with dark chocolate truffles or chocolate lava cake to enhance the deep espresso and caramel notes.
  • Complement Sweet-Salty Profile: Serve alongside salted caramel cheesecake or caramel brownies to mirror the cocktail's decadent flavor complexity.
  • Match Creamy Texture: Enjoy with a classic tiramisu or creamy mascarpone dessert to complement the smooth, velvety martini consistency.
  • Elevate Dessert Experience: Select vanilla bean crème brûlée as a luxurious accompaniment that highlights the cocktail's sweet and sophisticated undertones.

How to Store a Salted Caramel Espresso Martini Mix

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover cocktail in an airtight container for up to 24 hours, keeping it chilled to maintain flavor and prevent ingredient separation.
  • Reshake: Before serving, vigorously shake the refrigerated mixture with fresh ice to restore its frothy texture and temperature.
  • Avoid Freezing: Never freeze this cocktail, as alcohol and cream components will compromise the drink's smooth consistency and taste.
  • Fresh Preparation: For best results, prepare a new cocktail instead of reheating, as martinis are designed to be enjoyed immediately after mixing.

FAQs About Salted Caramel Espresso Martinis

  • What gives this martini its unique flavor profile?

The combination of espresso, Baileys, Kahlúa, and salted caramel syrup creates a rich, complex taste that balances sweet, bitter, and salty notes.

  • Can I make this cocktail without a cocktail shaker?

While a cocktail shaker helps create the perfect texture and temperature, you can use a blender or vigorously stir the ingredients with ice if you don’t have a shaker.

  • Is this martini strong in alcohol content?

Yes, with vodka, Baileys, and Kahlúa, this cocktail has a significant alcohol content and is best enjoyed as an after-dinner drink or nightcap.

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Salted Caramel Espresso Martini Recipe

Salted Caramel Espresso Martini Recipe


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4.6 from 13 reviews

  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x

Description

Silky salted caramel espresso martini combines rich Italian espresso with smooth vodka and sweet caramel liqueur. Sophisticated cocktail perfection awaits when you shake this glamorous drink that promises pure indulgence in every sip.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Spirits:

  • 1 ounces (30 milliliters) vodka
  • 1 ounces (30 milliliters) Baileys Irish Cream
  • 1 ounces (30 milliliters) Kahlúa

Coffee Component:

  • 1 ounces (30 milliliters) espresso (freshly brewed and cooled)

Sweeteners and Garnish:

  • 1 ounces (30 milliliters) salted caramel syrup
  • Ice (as needed)
  • Sea salt (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. Chill a martini glass in the freezer for optimal serving temperature.
  2. Load a cocktail shaker with fresh ice cubes to create the perfect chilling environment.
  3. Pour vodka, Baileys, Kahlúa, freshly brewed espresso, and salted caramel syrup into the shaker.
  4. Vigorously shake the mixture for 20-25 seconds to ensure thorough blending and maximum frothiness.
  5. Strain the cocktail smoothly into the pre-chilled martini glass, allowing a silky, consistent pour.
  6. Elevate the presentation by delicately sprinkling a pinch of flaky sea salt across the drink’s surface.
  7. Optional: Drizzle an artistic swirl of additional salted caramel syrup for enhanced visual appeal and flavor depth.
  8. Serve immediately to preserve the cocktail’s optimal temperature and luxurious texture.

Notes

  • Chill your martini glass beforehand to keep the cocktail frosty and maintain its silky texture.
  • Use freshly brewed espresso at room temperature to prevent diluting the drink with hot coffee.
  • Experiment with different coffee roasts to customize the martini’s depth and flavor profile.
  • For a non-alcoholic version, replace spirits with cold brew coffee, caramel syrup, and a splash of cream.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Cocktails
  • Method: Shaking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2
  • Calories: 290
  • Sugar: 20 g
  • Sodium: 50 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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