This pumpkin spice espresso martini recipe is a delightful fall inspired twist on a classic cocktail that we all know and love. Made with vodka, coffee liqueur, cold brew or espresso, REAL pumpkin, and pumpkin pie spice. The perfect creamy pumpkin spice cocktail to enjoy all fall long! Easily made dairy free by opting for a dairy free creamer.
The best pumpkin spice espresso martini
I’m not really the type of gal that’s into pumpkin spice EVERYTHING, but I don’t think I’d ever say no to this drink!
Meet our new favorite fall cocktail – The Pumpkin Spice Espresso Martini.
(We’re real big on espresso martinis here – this is our favorite classic espresso martini, and this eggnog espresso martini and peppermint mocha espresso martini always come out once the first snow falls!).
This one is made with real pumpkin, just the right amount of pumpkin pie spice, your creamer of choice, espresso, vodka, and kahlua (or another coffee liqueur). So simple and so good.
Ready in just minutes, perfectly sweet, and the seasonal YUM factor of this simple martini is just *chef’s kiss*. Which makes it absolutely perfect as an after dinner drink and all your fall entertaining plans!
Can you make an espresso martini without espresso?
I say yes!
There are many varied opinions on this question, but based on my experience you can totally make a DELICIOUS espresso martini without espresso. Extra strong coffee, cold brew concentrate, instant coffee, or instant espresso all work well.
Our favorite espresso alternative: We love this high quality organic brand of instant coffee!
Should you use hot or cold espresso?
Again, this is a topic with varied opinions, but based on my experience hot espresso or hot (strong!) coffee produces the best espresso martini.
I think it has something to do with the oils that are in the coffee beans and the crema that you see in fresh espresso that helps create the foam on top of the martini.
But, if all you have is cold brew or room temperature coffee it will also work, you may just end up with less foam than if you were using hot espresso.
If using hot espresso, it is important to add it to the cocktail shaker last so it doesn’t melt the ice too quickly while you measure and pour the other ingredients.
What tools do I need to make an espresso martini?
You’ll need a few basic home bartending tools to make this pumpkin spice espresso martini. But if you don’t have all of them, don’t stress – there are workarounds that I’ll share below.
These are the tools you’ll need:
- A cocktail shaker
- A strainer – if your shaker doesn’t have one built in
- Something to measure the spirits and other ingredients with – This could either be a jigger or standard measuring spoons.
How to make a pumpkin spice espresso martini
If you enjoyed this cocktail we’d love it if you would take a moment to rate and review it below! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 It’s also a great place to get your questions answered, and helpful for other readers if you share any modifications you made to the recipe.
Thank you for sharing your kitchen with NK. We’re so grateful you’re here!
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Pumpkin Spice Espresso Martini – Made with Real Pumpkin
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 cocktial 1x
- Diet: Dairy-Free, Gluten Free, Vegan
Description
This pumpkin spice espresso martini recipe is a delightful fall inspired twist on a classic cocktail that we all know and love. Made with vodka, coffee liqueur, cold brew or espresso, REAL pumpkin, and pumpkin pie spice. The perfect creamy pumpkin spice cocktail to enjoy all fall long! Easily made dairy free by opting for a dairy free creamer.
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin puree
- 1/8 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) vodka
- 1 1/2 ounces (3 tablespoons) kahlua or another coffee liqueur
- 1 1/2 ounces (3 tablespoons) hot espresso, strong coffee, or prepared instant coffee
- 1 1/2 ounces (3 tablespoons) creamer of choice, dairy free or regular both work well
Instructions
- Gather your ingredients. Prepare your espresso or coffee, measure out the vodka, kahlua, pumpkin puree, and pumpkin pie spice, and add plenty of ice to a cocktail shaker.
- Add ingredients to cocktail shaker. Add all ingredients to your cocktail shaker, making sure to add the hot espresso last so the ice doesn’t melt immediately
- Shake it up! Seal the cocktail shaker and shake vigorously for 15-30 seconds. Properly aerating the cocktail is what helps build the foam on your finished drink so don’t be afraid to use some muscle power!
- Strain into a glass. Strain into a glass (chilled if you’d like) and enjoy!
Notes
If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice you can substitute with a tiny pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, and dried ginger.
This recipe is for one cocktail, but some cocktail shakers will be able to fit a double batch and make cocktails for two!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Category: cocktail
- Method: Shaken
- Cuisine: American
Joann says
I made this today and was a little disappointed. Next time I’ll add two ounces vodka and one ounce Kahula. 3 ounces of Kahula was too much I might add a little more pumpkin purée as well as the pumpkin flavor did not come through
Nyssa Tanner says
Hi Joann! I’m so sorry to hear that you were disappointed in making this cocktail. To help clarify, the recipe calls for 1 ounce of vodka and 1 1/2 ounces of kahlua. Tablespoon measurements are included in the recipe as well for those that don’t have a liquor measuring tool, so that could be why you thought it was for 3 ounces. I hope you like it better the second time if you decide to try it again 🙂 Cheers! – Nyssa
Claire says
This was so good. I can’t wait to make these for guests at Thanksgiving.
Nyssa Tanner says
I’m so happy you enjoyed! Cheers! And I hope all of your guests love it 🙂 – Nyssa
Steph says
This was sooo delicious! Even my friends that dislike pumpkin liked these. I made them into PSL shots as well.
I also used pumpkin spice creamer and that really elevated the flavor.
Nyssa Tanner says
Love that Steph! Happy to hear they were enjoyed by all 🙂 Thanks for your thoughtful review and cheers! – Nyssa
Julie says
I’m so excited to try this!!! I need a fun new drink recipe for the holidays and this may be it!! Thank you!
Nyssa Tanner says
I hope you love it as much as we do 🙂 It’s definitely a great fall take on an espresso martini! Cheers! – Nyssa
Suzanne says
This looks so good! What a great fall recipe to make for friends!
Paige says
This was a HUGE hit at the party I was at. I actually can’t believe there were no reviews. So delicious and although I initially thought it was too much prep for multiple people, it was so easy to make especially after the initial set up. People were saying this was better than Starbucks and I agree
Nyssa Tanner says
Yess! Yay! Cheers to that 🙂 Love hearing that you were able to successfully serve this festive cocktail to a group and that everyone enjoyed it. Thanks for your thoughtful comment! – Nyssa