Espresso Martini is a modern classic – all the rich flavour of fresh coffee, lifted with vodka and a silky liqueur. A caramel espresso martini takes things one step further, adding a soft, dessert-like sweetness that’s perfect after supper.
In this recipe we use TORS Caramel and Coffee Liqueur to bring both the coffee and caramel notes, then shake it with chilled espresso and a good British vodka for that perfect frothy top. Follow the video tutorial and the step-by-step instructions below to mix your own at home.
Ingredients:
• 2 oz (60ml) Vodka
• 1 oz (30 ml) TORS Caramel and Coffee Liqueur or Kahlua or Baileys
• 1 oz (30ml) Freshly brewed espresso (cooled to room temperature)
• Ice cubes
• 4 Coffee Beans (optional, for garnish)
• 1/2 oz simple syrup 
Instructions
- Brew the coffee
Make a strong espresso and leave it to cool to room temperature. You can brew this in advance and keep it chilled in the fridge. - Chill the glass
Pop your martini glass into the freezer while the espresso cools. A frosty glass makes the drink feel extra special. - Build the cocktail
Add the vodka, TORS Caramel and Coffee Liqueur, cooled espresso and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker. Fill with ice. - Shake until frothy
Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds. The outside of the shaker should feel very cold and the mixture inside will be slightly foamy. - Serve and garnish
If you like, swirl a little caramel around the inside of the chilled glass. Strain the cocktail into the glass, then float three coffee beans on top for a classic espresso martini finish. - Sip and enjoy
Serve straight away as an after-dinner cocktail or whenever you fancy a sophisticated, caffeinated treat.
Barware to Elevate Your Caramel Espresso Martini
A great caramel espresso martini starts with good ingredients – think a smooth British vodka and a quality coffee liqueur, such as TORS Vodka and TORS Caramel and Coffee Liqueur. Beautiful barware then turns it from “nice cocktail” into a little at-home ritual, which feels especially special at Christmas.
TORS Caramel and Coffee Liqueur
Made with fair-trade Colombian coffee and a luxurious caramel syrup, TORS Caramel and Coffee Liqueur brings both the coffee depth and the pudding-like sweetness in one bottle. Shaken with vodka and fresh espresso, it gives your cocktail a soft, dessert-style twist without becoming cloying.
Waterford Circon Cocktail Shaker, 710ml
For that beautifully frothy top, you need a good hard shake over ice. The Waterford Circon Cocktail Shaker keeps things chic and contemporary, with a streamlined silhouette and ribbed base that’s easy to grip while you shake. Part of Waterford’s Mixology collection, it’s a smart Christmas investment you’ll use for years of cocktails.
Waterford Elegance Martini Glass, 320ml, Set of 2
If you’d like martini glasses that work just as well for a Friday-night cocktail as for Christmas guests, the Waterford Elegance Martini Glasses are a lovely choice. The clean V-shape and fine stem feel modern and uncomplicated, while the generous 320 ml bowl shows off that velvety espresso crema perfectly. Smart enough for gifting, relaxed enough to use every weekend.
Waterford Lismore Black Martini Glasses, Set of 2
Shopping for a cocktail lover who already owns beautiful glassware? The Lismore Black Martini Glasses are the ultimate showpiece. Inky black crystal fades into classic Lismore cut glass, turning a simple espresso martini into a little work of art. A glamorous, once-in-a-while gift they’ll bring out for special dinners and Christmases for years to come.
FAQ’s
Is Kahlua or Bailey’s better for Espresso Martini?
Choosing between Kahlúa and Bailey’s Irish Cream for an Espresso Martini depends on your personal taste preferences and the flavour profile you’re aiming for. Both are excellent choices but contribute different characteristics to the cocktail:
Kahlúa
• Flavour Profile: Kahlúa is a coffee-flavoured liqueur, which means it will intensify the coffee essence in your Espresso Martini. It adds depth with its rich coffee flavour and a hint of sweetness.
• Best For: If you’re looking for a cocktail that emphasises the coffee taste and has a robust, bold coffee aroma, Kahlúa is your go-to. It complements the espresso perfectly, enhancing the overall coffee experience of the drink.Bailey’s Irish Cream
• Flavour Profile: Bailey’s is a cream-based liqueur with a blend of Irish whiskey, cream, and chocolate notes. It introduces a creamy texture and a slight chocolatey sweetness to the cocktail, making it richer and smoother.
• Best For: If you prefer your Espresso Martini to be creamier, with a subtle whiskey note and a balance between coffee and creamy chocolate flavours, Bailey’s is an excellent choice. It makes the drink more indulgent and dessert-like.Decision Factors:
• Flavour Preference: For a stronger coffee flavour, choose Kahlúa. For a creamier, slightly chocolatey drink, go with Bailey’s.
• Texture: Kahlúa keeps the cocktail more traditional in terms of texture, while Bailey’s adds creaminess.
• Sweetness Level: Both liqueurs add sweetness, but the type of sweetness differs. Kahlúa offers a sugary coffee sweetness, while Bailey’s adds a creamy sweetness.
• Occasion: Consider the context in which you’re serving the drink. A classic Espresso Martini with Kahlúa might be ideal for a coffee-themed brunch or after-dinner drink, while a Bailey’s version could be perfect as a dessert cocktail or for those who enjoy their cocktails on the creamier side.Ultimately, the best choice is the one that suits your taste preferences and the occasion for which you’re making the drink. You might even consider experimenting with both to see which you prefer in your Espresso Martini.