If you’re a fan of espresso martinis but want to elevate the flavor a bit, this Salted Caramel Espresso Martini is your new go-to. It’s rich, decadent, and just the right amount of sweet and salty. The espresso gives it a nice, bold kick, while the salted caramel adds a smooth, indulgent twist. It’s the perfect cocktail to impress guests or just treat yourself after a long day!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Salted Caramel Espresso Martini is the best of both worlds. It combines the energizing punch of espresso with the creamy, buttery sweetness of salted caramel. Plus, it’s so easy to make! Whether you’re in the mood for a late-night pick-me-up or a fancy drink to serve at a gathering, this cocktail has you covered.

Ingredients

Here’s a preview of what you’ll need:

1 ounce vodka
1 ounce espresso (freshly brewed)
1 ounce salted caramel syrup
1/2 ounce coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa)
Ice cubes

Find the full list of ingredients and measurements below!

Directions

Step 1: Brew the Espresso

Start by brewing a fresh shot of espresso. If you don’t have an espresso machine, a strong cup of coffee will work in a pinch. Just make sure it’s not too weak since you want that rich, deep coffee flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Cocktail

In a cocktail shaker, combine the vodka, espresso, salted caramel syrup, and coffee liqueur. Add a good handful of ice cubes to fill the shaker halfway.

Step 3: Shake It Up

Put the lid on the shaker and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds. The goal is to chill the ingredients and get a nice frothy layer on top, thanks to the espresso.

Step 4: Serve and Garnish

Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass. For an extra touch, drizzle a bit more salted caramel syrup on top or sprinkle a pinch of sea salt for that perfect balance of salty and sweet.

Expert Tips and Tricks

If you prefer your drink on the sweeter side, feel free to add a little extra caramel syrup.
If you want a stronger coffee flavor, increase the espresso to 1.5 ounces.
For a more decadent touch, use vanilla vodka instead of regular vodka to add a hint of sweetness.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

If you don’t have salted caramel syrup, you can make your own by melting caramel and mixing it with a pinch of sea salt.
You can swap the coffee liqueur for a chocolate liqueur to add a different layer of flavor.
For a dairy-free option, use coconut cream instead of regular cream or milk.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This Salted Caramel Espresso Martini is perfect on its own for a nightcap, but it also pairs beautifully with a rich dessert like chocolate lava cake, tiramisu, or even a simple slice of cheesecake. The sweet, salty notes of the drink complement these desserts perfectly!

Storage and Reheating Tips

Since this is a freshly made cocktail, it’s best to enjoy it right after shaking. If you have leftover espresso, store it in the fridge for a day or two and reheat it for your next cocktail. However, we recommend making each drink fresh for the best flavor and texture.

4 FAQs

Can I make this cocktail without coffee liqueur? Yes, you can omit the coffee liqueur and just use the salted caramel syrup for sweetness, though it will change the flavor profile slightly.
Can I use instant coffee instead of brewed espresso? While fresh espresso works best, instant coffee can be used in a pinch. Just make sure to dissolve it well before adding to the shaker.
How can I make this recipe less sweet? Use less salted caramel syrup or opt for a sugar-free caramel syrup to reduce the sweetness.
Can I make this cocktail in advance? It’s best to prepare it fresh for the best taste, but you can mix the liquid ingredients ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Shake it with ice just before serving.

Conclusion

This Salted Caramel Espresso Martini is a decadent, must-try drink that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a quiet evening, or just in need of a sweet pick-me-up, this cocktail will hit the spot every time. It’s a twist on the classic espresso martini that you’ll want to make again and again. Cheers!

Salted Caramel Espresso Martini: Easy Recipe with Vodka

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

This Salted Caramel Espresso Martini combines the bold flavor of espresso with the indulgent sweetness of salted caramel, making it a perfect cocktail for impressing guests or treating yourself after a long day. Rich, decadent, and just the right amount of sweet and salty, this drink is an elevated twist on the classic espresso martini.

Author: Touria Elkoudssi
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: None
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 1 serving 1x
Category: Cocktail
Method: Shaking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Units Scale

1 ounce vodka
1 ounce freshly brewed espresso
1 ounce salted caramel syrup
1/2 ounce coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa)
Ice cubes

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Brew the Espresso: Start by brewing a fresh shot of espresso. If you don’t have an espresso machine, you can use strong brewed coffee instead, but make sure it’s rich and not too weak.
Prepare the Cocktail: In a cocktail shaker, combine the vodka, espresso, salted caramel syrup, and coffee liqueur. Add a good handful of ice cubes to fill the shaker halfway.
Shake It Up: Seal the shaker and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds to chill the ingredients and create a frothy layer from the espresso.
Serve and Garnish: Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass. For an extra touch, drizzle more salted caramel syrup on top or sprinkle a pinch of sea salt to perfect the balance of salty and sweet.

Notes

Adjust the sweetness by adding more salted caramel syrup if you prefer a sweeter drink.
Increase the espresso to 1.5 ounces for a stronger coffee flavor.
Vanilla vodka can be substituted for regular vodka to add a hint of sweetness.