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!
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!
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!
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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.
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:
- Prepare the Martini Glasses
- Shake & Pour the Martini
- 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.
For this recipe you will need a small rimmed plate, shot glass, martini shaker, & two martini glasses.
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.
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.
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!
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.
Creamy Salted Caramel Espresso Martini
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
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
More Martini Recipes
Here are similar cocktails that you may love too:
Holly says
I have everything in my cabinet...Making these this weekend!! YUM I pinned too!
Angela says
Enjoy.
Laura says
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.
Angela says
Oh you will love both of these fun martini recipes for sure.
Faye says
This sounds absolutely incredible!! Definitely going on the list of drinks to try!
Heather J Jandrue says
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.
Morayma says
My mouth is watering right now! This looks AMAZING!! I cannot wait for happy hour at my house! 😉
Emily says
This looks soooo good!
Elaina Mogren says
Yummy! So good looking, can't wait to try.
Darby says
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!
Sandra Whitmore says
That looks so good, my mouth is watering!
Dawn Troxell says
You had me at "salted caramel" - LOL!!! Even the glass looks yummy without anything in it!!
Angela says
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.
Alexis Farmer says
This looks dangerous! Haha. Might need to try this this weekend.
Angela says
Dangerously good! Enjoy this martini
Kendra says
I love the combination of espresso and salted caramel! Looks fantastic!
Lisa, Casey, Barrett Dog says
Wow! This drink sounds incredible! We will be trying this soon! Thank you for sharing!
Maria Gustafsson says
I'm not usually a martini fan, but this looks delish!!
Marianne says
Definitely one of my faves! I substitute almond milk, and its still good!
Angela says
Great idea on the almond milk! thanks for sharing and glad it is yummy!
Misskorang says
There is a level of excitement this gave me that i cannot explain! lol
Angela says
Now that is an amazing compliment. Thanks so much!
Cindy Moore says
This looks so good! My hubs would love it. He enjoys salted caramel everything!
Angela says
I am glad you found something yummy to make him.
Sabrina DeWalt says
Salted caramel is my favorite. This sounds like a winner.
Barbara says
Sounds so good! I could use one right now!
Jennifer Forward says
These were SO yummmmy! Making again and again. Fun with friends!
Angela says
Thanks, Jennifer. Nothing better than finding a yummy cocktail recipe to share with friends.
Melissa Jones says
That sounds like a great recipe!
Angie says
Espresso martinis are my favorite at restaurants but at $15 each - ouch. Made this tonight and perfection. Just the right of caramel and salt.