If you’re a fan of coffee, caramel, and cocktails that pack a punch, then this Salted Caramel Espresso Martini is about to become your new favorite drink! The rich, smooth coffee flavor combines perfectly with the sweetness of caramel and the kick of vodka. This easy recipe takes just a few minutes to whip up, and it’s the perfect way to elevate your evening. Whether you’re hosting a party or just treating yourself to something special, this martini will definitely impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This Salted Caramel Espresso Martini is everything you want in a cocktail—smooth, indulgent, and with just the right balance of sweet and salty. The espresso gives it a lovely, bold depth, while the salted caramel adds a touch of sweetness and a little savory twist. And let’s not forget the vodka, which makes it all come together beautifully. It’s the perfect after-dinner drink, or even a fun way to get the evening started. Plus, it’s super easy to make, so no need to be a cocktail expert to impress your guests.
Ingredients
(Full list of ingredients can be found below)
- Vodka
- Freshly brewed espresso (or strong coffee)
- Salted caramel sauce
- Simple syrup (optional, depending on your sweetness preference)
- Ice cubes
- A pinch of sea salt (for garnish)
Directions
1. Brew Your Espresso
Start by brewing a shot (or two) of espresso. If you don’t have an espresso machine, you can use a strong coffee as a substitute, but the rich, bold flavor of espresso really makes this drink stand out. Once brewed, let it cool for a minute or two. You don’t want it piping hot when you mix your martini.
2. Mix the Ingredients
In a cocktail shaker, combine your cooled espresso, vodka, and a tablespoon of salted caramel sauce. If you prefer a sweeter drink, you can add a little simple syrup as well. It’s all about finding that perfect balance of sweetness, so taste and adjust to your liking.
3. Shake It Up
Fill the cocktail shaker with ice cubes and secure the lid tightly. Shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds to chill the mixture and create that frothy texture on top.
4. Strain and Pour
Using a cocktail strainer, pour the mixture into a chilled martini glass. The froth from the espresso will give your martini a nice creamy layer on top.
5. Garnish and Serve
For the finishing touch, sprinkle a tiny pinch of sea salt on top of your martini. This will enhance the salted caramel flavor and add a little crunch. You can also drizzle a bit of extra salted caramel sauce over the top for an extra indulgent touch.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Chill the glass: For the ultimate martini experience, chill your glass in the freezer for about 10 minutes before serving. This will help keep your cocktail nice and cold.
- Espresso substitute: If you don’t have espresso, strong brewed coffee works well. Just make sure it’s brewed strong to give your martini that rich coffee flavor.
- Caramel sauce: For the best flavor, use a high-quality salted caramel sauce. You can find some delicious homemade versions, or grab a good jar from your local store.
- Make it frothy: If you want more foam on top, try adding a dash of milk or cream to the shaker and shake again. This will give you that creamy, frothy top that espresso martinis are known for.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Non-Alcoholic Version: For a non-alcoholic version, skip the vodka and add more espresso, plus a bit of extra caramel sauce and milk to make it creamy.
- Dairy-Free: Use a plant-based milk, like almond or oat milk, instead of regular cream or milk. It’s a great alternative if you’re looking for a dairy-free option.
- Decaf Version: If you’re sensitive to caffeine or want to enjoy this cocktail late at night, feel free to use decaf espresso.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This Salted Caramel Espresso Martini is indulgent enough to enjoy on its own, but here are a few pairing ideas:
- With dessert: Serve alongside a slice of rich chocolate cake, a creamy cheesecake, or even a few chocolate truffles. The flavors complement each other perfectly.
- For a brunch gathering: This martini makes an excellent addition to a brunch spread. Pair it with breakfast pastries like cinnamon rolls or scones for a decadent start to the day.
- Savory snacks: If you’re enjoying this martini as an appetizer or evening drink, pair it with salty snacks like popcorn or roasted nuts to balance the sweetness.
Storage and Reheating Tips
This cocktail is best enjoyed fresh, so I wouldn’t recommend storing it for later. However, if you make extra espresso, you can always save it in the fridge and use it in your next round of martinis. Just make sure to chill it well before mixing.
4 FAQs
- Can I make this cocktail without an espresso machine?
Yes! If you don’t have an espresso machine, you can use strong brewed coffee or even a cold brew concentrate. Just make sure the coffee is strong enough to give that rich flavor. - Can I use caramel syrup instead of salted caramel sauce?
Yes, you can use caramel syrup in a pinch, but the salted caramel sauce adds a richer flavor and the right balance of saltiness. If you use syrup, you may need to add a pinch of salt yourself. - What kind of vodka should I use?
Use a good-quality vodka, preferably a smooth one. There’s no need to go overboard, but a decent bottle will ensure your martini tastes great. - Can I make this ahead of time?
While this cocktail is best made fresh, you can mix the espresso, vodka, and salted caramel sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just shake it with ice right before serving.
Conclusion
This Salted Caramel Espresso Martini is the perfect blend of coffee, caramel, and vodka, offering a deliciously sweet and slightly salty kick that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re enjoying it solo or serving it at your next gathering, it’s a cocktail that’s sure to wow. So go ahead, shake it up, and sip your way into a cozy, indulgent moment!
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Salted Caramel Espresso Martini: Easy Recipe with Vodka
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Cocktail
- Method: Shaken
- Cuisine: American (Coffee-based cocktail)
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Salted Caramel Espresso Martini combines the rich flavor of freshly brewed espresso with sweet salted caramel and a splash of vodka for a perfect, indulgent cocktail. With just a few ingredients and a quick shake, you’ll have a delicious drink that’s perfect for parties or a relaxing evening at home.
Ingredients
- 2 oz Vodka
- 1 oz Freshly brewed espresso (or strong coffee)
- 1 oz Salted caramel sauce
- 1/2 oz Simple syrup (optional, depending on your sweetness preference)
- Ice cubes
- A pinch of sea salt (for garnish)
Instructions
- Brew Your Espresso: Brew a shot (or two) of espresso and let it cool slightly. You can also use strong brewed coffee if you don’t have an espresso machine.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a cocktail shaker, combine cooled espresso, vodka, and salted caramel sauce. Add simple syrup for sweetness if desired.
- Shake It Up: Add ice cubes to the shaker and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until well chilled and frothy.
- Strain and Pour: Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with a pinch of sea salt on top and optionally drizzle extra salted caramel sauce for an indulgent touch.
Notes
- Chill your martini glass for 10 minutes in the freezer before serving to keep your drink cold.
- For a frothy top, consider adding a dash of milk or cream to the shaker.
- This cocktail is best served fresh but can be made ahead if the espresso is cooled and stored in the fridge.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cocktail
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg