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.
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Salted Caramel Espresso Martini
If you love coffee and cocktails, this recipe brings the best of both together.
The Salted Caramel Espresso Martini takes the classic Espresso Martini and gives it a luxurious twist. Rich espresso, smooth vodka, coffee liqueur and salted caramel combine to create a cocktail that’s bold, creamy and perfectly balanced.
Whether you’re serving it after dinner, celebrating with friends or simply treating yourself, this cocktail always feels a little special.
If you enjoy dessert-style cocktails, this recipe deserves a place in your collection.
Salted Caramel Espresso Martini at a Glance
| Prep Time | 5 minutes |
|---|---|
| Total Time | 5 minutes |
| Serves | 1 |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Glassware | Martini Glass |
| Method | Shake |
| Main Spirit | Vodka |
Ingredients
- 45 ml vodka
- 30 ml coffee liqueur
- 30 ml freshly brewed espresso
- 15 ml salted caramel syrup
- Pinch of flaky sea salt
- Ice
Garnish
- Three coffee beans
- Caramel drizzle
- Cocoa powder
Equipment You’ll Need
You’ll only need a few bar tools to make this cocktail.
- Cocktail shaker
- Jigger
- Fine mesh strainer
- Martini glass
Need to upgrade your home bar? Browse our guides to the Best Cocktail Shaker Sets
How to Make a Salted Caramel Espresso Martini
- Brew a fresh shot of espresso and allow it to cool slightly.
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add the vodka, coffee liqueur, espresso, salted caramel syrup and sea salt.
- Shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds until the shaker feels ice cold.
- Double strain into a chilled martini glass.
- Garnish with three coffee beans or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Fresh Espresso Makes All the Difference
The thick crema on freshly brewed espresso is what creates the signature foam on top of an Espresso Martini.
Pre-made coffee or instant coffee simply won’t produce the same texture or flavour.
If possible, brew your espresso immediately before shaking the cocktail.
Choosing the Right Coffee Liqueur
Coffee liqueur adds sweetness, body and extra coffee flavour.
Popular choices include:
- Mr Black
- Kahlúa
- Tia Maria
Each creates a slightly different finish.
Mr Black produces a stronger coffee flavour, while Kahlúa is sweeter and richer.
Finding the Perfect Sweet and Salty Balance
The caramel should complement the espresso rather than overpower it.
Start with 15 ml of salted caramel syrup and adjust to taste.
The small pinch of flaky sea salt enhances both the sweetness of the caramel and the bitterness of the coffee without making the drink taste salty.
It’s a simple trick that makes a noticeable difference.
Easy Variations
Once you’ve mastered the original, try these ideas.
Mocha Espresso Martini
Add chocolate liqueur for a richer finish.
Vanilla Caramel Martini
Use vanilla vodka instead of plain vodka.
Hazelnut Espresso Martini
Replace some of the coffee liqueur with hazelnut liqueur.
Frozen Espresso Martini
Blend all ingredients with crushed ice.
Alcohol-Free Version
Replace the vodka and coffee liqueur with alcohol-free alternatives and freshly brewed espresso.
Looking for more indulgent cocktails? You’ll also enjoy our Chocolate Martini, Chocolate Kiss Martini, Strawberry Silk Seduction and Strawberry Shortcake Martini recipes.
What to Serve with a Salted Caramel Espresso Martini
This cocktail pairs beautifully with desserts and rich flavours.
Some favourites include:
- tiramisu
- chocolate brownies
- crème brûlée
- cheesecake
- biscotti
- salted caramel slice
- dark chocolate truffles
It also works beautifully as an after-dinner cocktail instead of serving coffee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make it without an espresso machine?
Yes. A stovetop espresso maker or strong coffee concentrate works well, although fresh espresso creates the best foam.
Why doesn’t my Espresso Martini have foam?
Fresh espresso and a vigorous shake are the two biggest factors in producing a thick crema.
Can I make these ahead of time?
You can prepare the ingredients in advance, but shake each cocktail fresh before serving.
How strong is a Salted Caramel Espresso Martini?
Using this recipe, it contains approximately 2 Australian standard drinks, depending on the brands used.
Final Thoughts
The Salted Caramel Espresso Martini is everything a great dessert cocktail should be. Rich, smooth and perfectly balanced, it combines bold coffee with sweet caramel and just enough salt to keep every sip interesting.
It’s simple enough to make at home but impressive enough to serve on special occasions. Once you’ve mastered the classic Espresso Martini, this is one variation you’ll come back to again and again.
Thanks for Joining Us Behind the Bar
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: Liquor & Gaming NSW.
If you’re looking to complete your RSA in any state or territory across Australia, you can find the full details here
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