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This pumpkin spice espresso martini is going to be your go-to fall cocktail recipe. Brewed espresso is combined with vodka, coffee liqueur, and a homemade pumpkin spice syrup to create a cocktail that is a little bit sweet, a little bit bold, and every bit delicious!
If the espresso tonic was the coffee mocktail of summer, then this pumpkin spice espresso martini is the undefeated coffee cocktail of autumn! Ready to make it? Let’s go!
Ingredients for this recipe
- Espresso – Brewed from a machine, in a moka pot, or even instant espresso works for this drink recipe.
- Vodka – This is a vodka martini, much like my favorite lillet rose martini, please don’t use gin.
- Coffee Liqueur – We are a Kahlua house but you can use Bailey’s for an even creamier coffee cocktail or Rumchata Pumpkin Spice for even more pumpkin flavor.
- Pumpkin Spice Sauce – I use my homemade version since I’ve got a bottle in the fridge to make Pumpkin Spice Lattes, but store-bought works just fine, too!
- Pumpkin Pie Spice & Coffee Beans – To garnish our drink.
How to make a pumpkin spice espresso martini
This is just a brief overview, find detailed instructions in the recipe card below.
- Add ice to a cocktail shaker. Followed by the vodka, espresso, coffee liqueur, and pumpkin spice syrup.
- Shake the cocktail. For 20 – 30 seconds, or until the shaker is cold and frosted over.
- Strain the martini. Into a glass immediately. This is how we get to enjoy that amazing espresso martini foamy top.
- Garnish. With a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice and three coffee beans for that classic espresso martini look.
Making a martini without a cocktail shaker
Don’t have a cocktail shaker but want to enjoy this amazing pumpkin spice martini? No worries!
You can use a mason jar filled with ice and sealed tightly with a lid in place of a cocktail shaker. Shake the martini just as you would in a fancy shaker.
To serve, either use a cocktail strainer in the jar or use a small, fine mesh sieve set over the serving glass and pour the cocktail through it when serving.
How many tablespoons is one ounce?
Don’t have a fancy cocktail jigger (that’s the little metal measuring cup that bartenders use) or shot glasses but still want to correctly measure out ingredients?
A great rule of thumb to remember: 1 fluid ounce is equal to 2 tablespoons.
So for this pumpkin spice espresso martini recipe the converted tablespoon measurements would be as follows:
- 2 ounces vodka = 4 tablespoons (or ¼ cup)
- 2 ounces espresso = 4 tablespoons (or ¼ cup)
- 1 ounce coffee liqueur = 2 tablespoons
- ½ ounce pumpkin spice syrup = 1 tablespoon
Of course, you can adjust all these ratios to suit your preferences. If you want a milder drink, add only 1 ½ ounces of vodka. A sweeter drink? Add 1 ounce pumpkin spice syrup. And so on!
Shaken, not stirred
It’s important to shake this espresso martini and not stir it, like some other martini recipes. Shaking will produce tiny air bubbles in the liquid and help to create that fine layer of foam on top of the drink.
Not only is this foamed layer important for the aesthetics of the drink, so it can be garnished with coffee beans, but it also provides a delightful creamy texture to the cocktail.
Pumpkin Cold Foam Espresso Martini
Want to add another layer of pumpkin goodness to your espresso martini? Try topping it with a bit of pumpkin cream cold foam!
Here’s how:
- Combine and shake the espresso martini as directed in the recipe.
- Let it rest. This is key. The foam has to settle.
- While the martini rests, whip up ¼ - ½ cup of pumpkin cream cold foam.
- Strain the martini into a serving glass.
- Top with the pumpkin foam and garnish with the coffee beans and pumpkin pie spice.
More espresso martini goodness!
If you’re looking for a classic espresso martini be sure to download by FREE coffee e-book where you’ll find my favorite espresso martini recipe and a whole host of other great coffee recipes.
Watch the recipe video!
Pumpkin Spice Espresso Martini
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker or mason jar with lid
- Cocktail strainer or fine mesh sieve
- Martini or coupe glass
Ingredients
- 1 ½ - 2 ounces vodka more or less to taste
- 2 ounces espresso
- 1 ounce coffee liqueur
- ½ - 1 ounce pumpkin spice syrup more or less to taste
- Pinch of pumpkin pie spice to garnish
- 3 whole coffee beans to garnish
Instructions
- Add a generous handful of ice to a cocktail shaker or glass mason jar. Add in 1 ½ (or 2) ounces of vodka, 2 ounces freshly brewed espresso, 1 ounce coffee liqueur, and ½ (or 1) ounce of pumpkin spice syrup.
- Put lid on shaker (or on jar) and shake espresso martini for 20 – 30 seconds, or until shaker is very cold and “iced over.”
- Immediately strain into serving glass and top with a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice and 3 whole coffee beans.
- Enjoy immediately.
Video
Notes
- Recipe makes one drink but is easily multiplied.
- Refer to recipe for how to make a pumpkin cold foam espresso martini.
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