Salted Caramel Espresso Martini

Discover how to make a Salted Caramel Espresso Martini. Join us at Shake, Sip, Serve for tips on mixing and enjoying cocktails!

I’m your host, KAD, and I’ve been slinging drinks and navigating the world of hospitality for over two decades. I’ve perfected my bartending skills, experimented with countless flavor combinations, and learning a thing or two about how to keep the party going behind the bar.

Whether you’re a seasoned bartender like me just looking for some fresh inspiration or a complete beginner who is eager to whip up impressive cocktails at home, Shake, Sip, Serve is here to be your guide. In the below blog, I’ll be sharing my knowledge and experience on everything from classic cocktails and innovative new creations to essential bartending techniques and industry secrets.

I’ll also be offering tips on stocking your home bar, mastering the art of presentation, and creating a memorable experience for your guests. So, grab your shaker, dust off your favorite glassware, and get ready to embark on a delicious journey into the world of bartending!

Let’s Shake, Sip, and Serve up something amazing together.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Introduction: Dessert Meets Cocktail Hour

Some cocktails refresh, others indulge. The Salted Caramel Espresso Martini does both. With coffee’s bitter bite, caramel’s velvety sweetness, and a whisper of salt to make every flavour pop, this cocktail is a modern crowd-pleaser. It’s the kind of drink you order to impress on a date, serve at a dinner party to finish the night, or shake up at home when you need a little luxe in your week.

From Espresso to Salted Caramel: A Quick Origin Story

The original Espresso Martini was created in London in the 1980s by bartender Dick Bradsell, when a guest asked for “something to wake me up, then mess me up.” His blend of vodka, coffee liqueur, and fresh espresso became an instant classic.

Fast forward to today, and bartenders keep experimenting. Salted caramel has found its way into everything from brownies to lattes — so it was only a matter of time before it met the Espresso Martini. The salt amplifies caramel’s richness while balancing coffee’s sharpness. It’s indulgent, Instagram-ready, and very 2020s.

Recipe: Salted Caramel Espresso Martini (Australian-Friendly)

Ingredients (per serve):

45 ml vodka (choose a clean, premium brand)
30 ml coffee liqueur (e.g. Kahlúa, Mr Black)
30 ml fresh espresso (pulled just before shaking)
15 ml salted caramel syrup (DIY or quality store-bought)
Pinch of flaky sea salt
Ice cubes
Garnish: coffee beans, cocoa dust, or caramel drizzle

Method:

Pull the espresso → Brew a fresh, hot shot and let it cool slightly.
Shake it up → In a cocktail shaker, add vodka, liqueur, espresso, caramel syrup, salt, and ice.
Shake hard → 15–20 seconds until the shaker feels icy and the mix is frothy.
Strain → Fine strain into a chilled martini glass.
Garnish → Add coffee beans or a swirl of caramel for drama.

✨ RSA tip: One Salted Caramel Espresso Martini is roughly 1.8–2 standard drinks in Australia. The caffeine kick can also linger, so enjoy earlier in the evening if sleep is a concern.

Tips for Perfect Execution

Use fresh espresso. Pre-made shots won’t give you the crema or rich aroma.
Go light on caramel. Too much syrup makes it cloying — balance is key.
Shake with conviction. That frothy top is a hallmark of the Espresso Martini family.
Garnish thoughtfully. Coffee beans = classic, but caramel drizzle makes it extra indulgent.

Variations Worth Trying

Mocha Caramel Martini → add 15 ml crème de cacao.
Nutty Caramel Martini → swap in Frangelico (hazelnut liqueur) for depth.
Vanilla Caramel Martini → use vanilla vodka for a smooth dessert feel.
Non-alcoholic Bliss → espresso + caramel syrup + alcohol-free spirit. Same indulgence, zero booze.

Pairings: What to Serve With a Salted Caramel Espresso Martini

This cocktail is almost a dessert in itself, but pairing elevates the whole experience.

Chocolate desserts → dark chocolate tart, tiramisu, or flourless cake.
Salty snacks → roasted almonds, parmesan crisps, or prosciutto-wrapped figs.
Cheese boards → brie or blue cheese balance the cocktail’s sweet-salty profile.
Coffee-friendly nibbles → biscotti or amaretti biscuits.

Hosting tip: Serve mini martinis as dessert shooters alongside petit fours for a party-ready finish.

Why It Works: The Science of Sweet, Salty & Bitter

The Salted Caramel Espresso Martini is more than trendy — it’s flavour chemistry.

Bitter (espresso) wakes up the palate.
Sweet (caramel) smooths out edges.
Salty flakes heighten both sweetness and bitterness.
Vodka ties everything together with clean strength.

This trifecta — sweet, salty, bitter — is why you crave “just one more sip.”

Health & Enjoyment Notes

Caffeine awareness → A shot of espresso has 60–100 mg caffeine. If you’re sensitive, avoid late-night serves.
Calories → Using light caramel syrup or skipping cream keeps things lighter.
Responsible sipping → With both alcohol and caffeine, pacing is essential. Alternate with water, serve with food, and consider mocktail versions for variety.

Salted Caramel Espresso Martini in Aussie Bar Culture

Australians love their coffee almost as much as their cocktails, so it’s no surprise this martini twist has taken off. You’ll find it on menus in:

City cocktail lounges → often with local coffee liqueurs like Mr Black.
Beachside bars → dressed up with caramel swirls and sea-salt rims.
Home entertaining → easy to prep in batches with pre-chilled espresso shots.

It’s a drink that feels indulgent without being fussy — perfect for the laid-back but stylish Aussie drinking scene.

Conclusion: Indulgence in Every Sip

The Salted Caramel Espresso Martini isn’t just a cocktail. It’s a statement — bold, sweet, stylish, and a little cheeky. Perfect for impressing guests, marking celebrations, or spoiling yourself on a Friday night.

So next time you’re craving both coffee and dessert? Skip the cake and shake this up instead. With each sip you’ll get a little taste of balance, indulgence, and the joy of modern mixology.

The bartending community is a vibrant and supportive one, and I’m excited to build that community here on Shake, Sip, Serve.

I’d love to hear your thoughts, questions, and experiences in the comments below.
What are you shaking up these days?
What topics would you like to see covered in future posts?
Let’s connect and continue the conversation!

Liquor & Gaming NSW: This website provides information on liquor licensing, responsible service of alcohol (RSA) training, and regulations for serving alcohol in NSW. It’s essential for anyone working in the hospitality industry in NSW. You can find it here: https://www.liquorandgaming.nsw.gov.au/