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    Home » Appetizers & Drinks

    Updated: May 6, 2025 · Published: Feb 8, 2021 · by Angela · This post may contain affiliate links · 30 Comments

    Creamy Salted Caramel Espresso Martini

    Jump to Recipe

    The perfect dessert cocktail is this yummy sweet Creamy Salted Caramel Espresso Martini. The easy vodka & coffee liqueur recipe is perfectly rich, sweet, and caffeinated. Think of this as a combination of a Starbucks Salted Caramel Macchiato and a Kahlua White Russian.  Heaven!

    creamy-Salted-Caramel-Espresso-Martini-cocktail

    Why this Espresso Martini Recipe is the Best: My recipe is anything but boring. I take a classic espresso & vodka drink & elevate it with sweet caramel & flaky sea salt for a gourmet cocktail that tastes like heaven.

    This is a cold coffee cocktail but is not served on the rocks. It's frothy thanks to simply shaking it up over ice in a cocktail shaker. I need to climb on a 3-step ladder to reach my cocktail shaker above the refrigerator but it is worth it - OMG!

    Salted Caramel Espresso Martini all marble top and background featured

    This is the best salted caramel cocktail using Kahlua liqueur. Like my Tootsie Roll shot recipe, the Kahlua shines & is so good. Ok, now let's get shaking!

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • How to Make a Salted Caramel Espresso Martini
    • Espresso Martini Recipe Variations
    • Creamy Salted Caramel Espresso Martini
    • More Martini Recipes

    Ingredients

    For those that want a cappuccino or latte tasting cocktail, this is the best real espresso martini recipe. After one sip you will see why it is one of my favorite Vodka Martini Recipes.

    Salted Caramel Espresso Martini ingredients

    Here are important notes for some ingredients:

    • Vodka - use a plain classic spirit, not flavored; popular brands are Absolut, Kirkland, Tito's etc.
    • Kahlua - the coffee-flavored liqueur makes this better than using just espresso
    • Espresso - use cold brew, chilled from hot; regular or decaf (some of us need decaf late at night!)
    • Torani Caramel Syrup - regular or sugar-free works.
    • Heavy Cream - the full-fat ingredient makes for the best frothy thick texture; use oat, almond, or soy for a dairy-free espresso martini!
    • Caramel Sauce - for extra sweetness & decorating the martini glasses.
    • Flaky Sea Salt - Maldon is my favorite

    See the recipe card for full list, quantities, & any substitutions/variations.

    Decaf or Half-Caf Substitute: note that there is around 60mg of caffeine in a shot of espresso.

    How to Make a Salted Caramel Espresso Martini

    This recipe is so quick and easy. Don't skip making the martini glasses pretty & garnishing the rim with salt. It is what makes this better than all the other recipes out there & like my recipe for an Eggnog Martini - the sticky sweet rim is to die for!

    Here are the easy steps for making this recipe for Creamy Salted Caramel Espresso Martini:

    1. Prepare the Martini Glasses
    2. Shake & Pour the Martini
    3. Sip & Enjoy

    See the step-by-step instructions with photos below plus the recipe card at the end of the post.

    1 - Prepare the Martini Glasses

    To set this espresso martini recipe over the top, dressing up the glasses is key. 

    Martini equipment needed

    For this recipe you will need a small rimmed plate, shot glass, martini shaker, & two martini glasses.

    Salted Caramel Espresso Martini glass rim prepped with caramel and sea salt flakes

    Squirt or pour caramel sauce in the plate & roll the edges of the glass in the caramel. Sprinkle on sea salt to stick to the caramel rim as seen above.

    2 - Shake & Pour the Martini

    Begin my filling the martini shaker half way with ice cubes. Next add the heavy cream, vodka, & Kahlua.

    Salted Caramel Espresso Martini add pinch of salt

    Add a pinch of salt and the espresso to the martini shaker. Put the lid on the martini shaker and make sure it is on tight.

    Salted Caramel Espresso Martini pouring from martini shaker

    Shake for about 15 seconds to combine together and chill the drink. Remove the small lid & using the strainer top, pour half of the mixture into each martini glass.

    3 - Sip & Enjoy

    While it is cold & frothy, enjoy immediately. Sip the salty, sticky, & sweet drink. Cheers to Dick Bradsell the British Bartender that invented the espresso martini!

    Salted Caramel Espresso Martini ready to drink

    This sweet cocktail is great for parties & holidays like Christmas and Valentine's day. It is my favorite for New Year's Eve when you want to stay up late to celebrate!

    Espresso Martini Recipe Variations

    For more fun and tasty espresso martini recipes, try any of these variations or additions.

    • FRANGELICO ESPRESSO MARTINI - use Frangelico instead of Kahlua for a hazelnut espresso martini with caramel.
    • MOCHA ESPRESSO MARTINI - use a mocha-flavored coffee instead of espresso for a mocha martini with caramel and chocolate flavors.
    • KETO SALTED-CARAMEL ESPRESSO MARTINI - use sugar-free Torani caramel syrup and a sugar-free caramel sauce for a low-carb version with just 10 net carbs.
    Glass of salted caramel espresso martini.

    Salted Caramel Espresso Martini featured on table

    Creamy Salted Caramel Espresso Martini

    Angela
    Salted caramel espresso martinis are a perfectly rich, sweet, and creamy vodka cocktail recipe. Like a combination of a Starbucks Caramel Macchiato and a Kahlua White Russian.
    5 from 6 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Share on Facebook
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Total Time 5 minutes mins
    Course Drinks
    Cuisine American
    Servings 2
    Calories 283 kcal

    Equipment

    • Martini Glasses
    • Martini Shaker

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 oz Kahlua coffee liqueur
    • 2 oz vodka
    • 2 oz espresso
    • 2 oz heavy whipping cream
    • 1 tablespoon Torani caramel syrup Keto option - use sugar-free Torani syrup
    • pinch sea salt flakes
    • ICE

    For the rim of the glasses

    • caramel sauce Keto option - use sugar-free caramel
    • sea salt flakes
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions
     

    • To prepare the 2 martini glasses, drizzle or dip the rim into caramel syrup. Sprinkle sea salt flakes on the caramel to stick for the perfect sea sat caramel edge.
      sea salt flakes, caramel sauce
    • To a martini shaker, fill about ½ way with ice cubes.
    • Pour in the Kahlua, vodka, cream, caramel syrup, and espresso. Add a pinch of sea salt.
      2 oz Kahlua coffee liqueur, 2 oz vodka, 2 oz espresso, 2 oz heavy whipping cream, pinch sea salt flakes, 1 tablespoon Torani caramel syrup
    • Put the lid on the martini shaker and make sure it is on tight. Shake for about 15 seconds to combine together and help chill all the ingredients.
    • Remove the small top strainer lid from the martini shaker. Using the strainer top, pour half of the mixture into each martini glass.
    • Cheers - enjoy!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 283kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 1gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 32mgSodium: 48mgPotassium: 66mgSugar: 20gVitamin A: 426IUVitamin C: 0.3mgCalcium: 24mgIron: 0.1mg
    Keyword alcohol, beverage, cocktail, dessert, drink, easy, fancy, happy hour, party, sweet
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    More Martini Recipes

    Here are similar cocktails that you may love too:

    • CANDY CORN MARTINI
    • WATERMELON MINT MARTINI
    « Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop #415
    Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop #416 »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Holly says

      February 08, 2021 at 12:47 pm

      5 stars
      I have everything in my cabinet...Making these this weekend!! YUM I pinned too!

      Reply
      • Angela says

        February 08, 2021 at 5:16 pm

        Enjoy.

        Reply
    2. Laura says

      February 08, 2021 at 2:02 pm

      This sounds great. I like chocolate martinis and this sounds a bit similar. I also saw the link to the Candy Corn Martini. It also looks awesome.

      Reply
      • Angela says

        February 08, 2021 at 5:16 pm

        Oh you will love both of these fun martini recipes for sure.

        Reply
    3. Faye says

      February 08, 2021 at 2:30 pm

      This sounds absolutely incredible!! Definitely going on the list of drinks to try!

      Reply
    4. Heather J Jandrue says

      February 08, 2021 at 3:15 pm

      Flavored martinis are my absolute favorite. Thank you for this recipe. It sounds like the perfect drink and I am going to make one next weekend.

      Reply
    5. Morayma says

      February 08, 2021 at 4:54 pm

      5 stars
      My mouth is watering right now! This looks AMAZING!! I cannot wait for happy hour at my house! 😉

      Reply
    6. Emily says

      February 08, 2021 at 5:05 pm

      5 stars
      This looks soooo good!

      Reply
    7. Elaina Mogren says

      February 08, 2021 at 5:31 pm

      Yummy! So good looking, can't wait to try.

      Reply
    8. Darby says

      February 08, 2021 at 5:55 pm

      Okay YUM!!! This recipe looks amazing! I feel like this would make the perfect Winter drink sitting by the fire! I will definitely have to try this!

      Reply
    9. Sandra Whitmore says

      February 08, 2021 at 6:22 pm

      That looks so good, my mouth is watering!

      Reply
    10. Dawn Troxell says

      February 09, 2021 at 6:25 am

      You had me at "salted caramel" - LOL!!! Even the glass looks yummy without anything in it!!

      Reply
      • Angela says

        February 09, 2021 at 1:24 pm

        Ah, thanks, Dawn, it is pretty yummy and the sea salt and caramel drizzle on the martini glass really sets this over the top good.

        Reply
    11. Alexis Farmer says

      February 09, 2021 at 7:33 am

      This looks dangerous! Haha. Might need to try this this weekend.

      Reply
      • Angela says

        February 09, 2021 at 1:22 pm

        Dangerously good! Enjoy this martini

        Reply
    12. Kendra says

      February 10, 2021 at 7:16 am

      5 stars
      I love the combination of espresso and salted caramel! Looks fantastic!

      Reply
    13. Lisa, Casey, Barrett Dog says

      February 10, 2021 at 8:20 am

      Wow! This drink sounds incredible! We will be trying this soon! Thank you for sharing!

      Reply
    14. Maria Gustafsson says

      February 10, 2021 at 1:52 pm

      I'm not usually a martini fan, but this looks delish!!

      Reply
    15. Marianne says

      February 11, 2021 at 6:44 am

      Definitely one of my faves! I substitute almond milk, and its still good!

      Reply
      • Angela says

        February 11, 2021 at 10:36 am

        Great idea on the almond milk! thanks for sharing and glad it is yummy!

        Reply
    16. Misskorang says

      February 11, 2021 at 1:58 pm

      There is a level of excitement this gave me that i cannot explain! lol

      Reply
      • Angela says

        February 13, 2021 at 7:02 pm

        Now that is an amazing compliment. Thanks so much!

        Reply
    17. Cindy Moore says

      February 11, 2021 at 6:18 pm

      This looks so good! My hubs would love it. He enjoys salted caramel everything!

      Reply
      • Angela says

        February 13, 2021 at 6:35 pm

        I am glad you found something yummy to make him.

        Reply
    18. Sabrina DeWalt says

      February 11, 2021 at 6:54 pm

      Salted caramel is my favorite. This sounds like a winner.

      Reply
    19. Barbara says

      February 11, 2021 at 9:05 pm

      Sounds so good! I could use one right now!

      Reply
    20. Jennifer Forward says

      February 13, 2021 at 2:46 pm

      5 stars
      These were SO yummmmy! Making again and again. Fun with friends!

      Reply
      • Angela says

        February 13, 2021 at 3:38 pm

        Thanks, Jennifer. Nothing better than finding a yummy cocktail recipe to share with friends.

        Reply
    21. Melissa Jones says

      February 14, 2021 at 8:32 am

      That sounds like a great recipe!

      Reply
    22. Angie says

      June 18, 2022 at 9:54 pm

      5 stars
      Espresso martinis are my favorite at restaurants but at $15 each - ouch. Made this tonight and perfection. Just the right of caramel and salt.

      Reply

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