Espresso martinis are an entire movement in the cocktail world. They're smooth, a little bougie, and guaranteed to wake you up while you sip. But this pumpkin spice espresso martini? Complete fall vibes.
Picture all the cozy pumpkin spice flavors you love, whipped into a homemade pumpkin syrup, then shaken up with fresh espresso and coffee liqueur, like my classic bailey's espresso martini. She's trendy, sharp, and just the right amount of extra for all your fall get-togethers.
TL; DR Cocktail Summary
- 👩🏼🍳 Prep Level - Easy/Beginner
- ⏱️ Prep Time - 10 minutes (includes brewing the espresso)
- 😋 Taste - Coffee flavors with a punch of vodka and a warmth of pumpkin pie spice.
- 🍽️ Best Served With - This pumpkin espresso martini is excellent when served after a dinner of creamy chicken tortellini pasta, classic chicken scampi, or my personal favorite, a heaping plate of my classic and easy baked ziti.
Jump to:
Trusted Tips and Key Reminders
- Fresh espresso does taste better, and adds a gorgeous crema (the signature foam from the brewed espresso) to the top of the glass/cocktail. Crema is important as it hints to the freshness of the espresso beans.
- Add ice to a coupe or martini glass to keep it chilled prior to pouring the drink into the glass.
- Use the jigger to measure the vodka, coffee liqueur, pumpkin syrup and the espresso. Cocktails are all about having a balance in flavor. Sometimes eyeballing drinks are either way too strong or too weak.
The Main Ingredients
- Espresso: As mentioned, fresh espresso is preferred, but you could use cold brew coffee or concentrate or your cold morning coffee.
- Vodka: I love using VanGogh Double Espresso Vodka in this espresso martini for the strong coffee notes, but you could also use Ketel One, Grey Goose Vodka, or Tito's. I've personally tested with Tito's and Ketel One and they're both fantastic.
- Coffee Liqueur: Kahlua is a staple in a classic espresso martini recipe, so that's what I use too. I've also used Frangelico, which is a hazelnut liqueur, but it just doesn't taste the same.
- Pumpkin Syrup: The pumpkin syrup is the main ingredient in this pumpkin espresso martini and it's so incredibly easy to make. Pumpkin puree, sugar, water, and pumpkin spice seasoning.
Recipe Swaps and Substitutions
- Simply swap the hot espresso for cold brew concentrate, or even cold coffee if you don't have an espresso machine. It's not entirely necessary, BUT it does tend to have a slight difference in taste.
- Not into Kahlua? Don't use it! You could also opt to use frangelico or another type of coffee liqueur.
- If you don't want to make your own pumpkin syrup, 2 pumps of a bottled pumpkin syrup works here too.
How to make a pumpkin espresso martini
Step 1: Add the sugars, water, pumpkin puree, and pumpkin spice to a medium sauce pan on a medium high heat, stirring constantly.
Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then turn off the heat. Let sit for 15 minutes off the heat and pour into a mason jar. Let cool completely before using.
Step 2: Add vodka, coffee liqueur, espresso, and pumpkin spice syrup to a shaker filled with ice. Shake until frothy and well combined.
Step 3: Brush the rim of the martini glass with a little of the pumpkin simple syrup, then dip the rim into a small plate of pumpkin spice or cinnamon.
Strain the martini into a martini glass and top with three espresso beans and dusting of pumpkin spice.
Pumpkin Spice Espresso Martini FAQs
Yes! You can easily swap out the homemade pumpkin syrup and use a bottled pumpkin syrup. The strength and sweetness will vary, but start with 2 pumps, taste, and then add more if needed.
You can store the pumpkin syrup in a tightly sealed mason jar. When stored appropriately, you can keep the syrup in the fridge for up to three weeks.
There are many different things to use leftover pumpkin syrup in such as a drizzle over my fluffy pumpkin coffee cake or even used as a substitute for syrup over my homestyle pumpkin pancakes.
If you want to substitute the vodka, I'd go with a silver tequila instead of vodka.
Thirsty for more refreshing cocktails? Here's some more!
Did you love this recipe? ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ If you're just as in love with this recipe as I am, please share a comment below and rate it! Better yet, share this recipe with family and friends!! Thank you!
Pumpkin Spice Espresso Martini
Equipment
- jigger
- cocktail shaker
- Small Saucepot for pumpkin syrup
Ingredients
- 2 oz Vodka
- 1 oz Coffee Liqueur
- 2 oz Fresh Espresso cooled
- 3 tablespoon Pumpkin Syrup or 2-3 pumps of bottled syrup
For the Pumpkin Syrup
- 1 cup Water
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar
- ½ cup Dark or Light Brown Sugar
- 4 tablespoon Pumpkin Puree
- 1 teaspoon Pumpkin Pie Spice
Instructions
For the Pumpkin Syrup
- Add the water, sugars, pumpkin puree and spice to a medium sauce pan on a medium high heat, stirring constantly. Bring the mixture to a boil. Let sit for 15 minutes off the heat and pour into a mason jar. Let cool completely before using.
For the Martini
- Add vodka, coffee liqueur, espresso, and pumpkin spice syrup to ashaker filled with ice. Shake until frothy and well combined.
- Brush the rim of the martini glass with a little of the pumpkin syrup, then dip the rim into a small plate of pumpkin spice or cinnamon.
- Strain the martini into a martini glass, then garnish with a dash of pumpkin spice.
Anne R. says
This was amazing!!!! I loved the pumpkin syrup with it and am using the syrup in all my coffee drinks this week. I loved how easy it was and how it took no time to prep. I am going to make a large batch of this for after dinner drinks for the holiday!
Morgan Peaceman says
Isn't the pumpkin syrup dreamy?! So glad you loved it!