Christmas Espresso Martini

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Cocktail History

The Christmas Espresso Martini is a Novel Nightcaps original cocktail that was created as a Christmas-inspired twist on the classic Espresso Martini. Like the traditional version, it combines vodka and freshly brewed espresso for that signature bold and smooth base; however, this festive variation swaps out simple syrup for a rich, spiced gingerbread syrup, infusing the drink with the warm, cozy flavors of the season. To elevate the texture and add a hint of creaminess, a splash of Irish cream liqueur is included too, giving the drink a velvety finish. The result is a perfectly balanced blend of bold coffee, festive spices, and indulgent sweetness, making it an ideal choice for a celebratory nightcap.

Cocktail Ingredients

To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Vanilla Vodka: This is a type of vodka made with vanilla pods, grains, vegetables or fruits, alcohol, and water. I used Smirnoff Vanilla Vodka.

Espresso: This is a concentrated type of coffee made from finely ground coffee beans and hot water.

Irish Cream Liqueur: This is a liqueur made with cream, whiskey, sugar, and spices. I used Bailey’s Irish Cream Liqueur.

Gingerbread Syrup: This is a sweetener made with ginger, baking spices, vanilla extract, honey, white sugar, brown sugar, gum arabic powder, and water. I used this sous vide recipe.

Coffee Beans: This is the a seed of the Coffea plant.

Bartending Tools

To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following bar tools:

Bar Mat: This is a rubber or silicone mat that’s placed on the bar surface to catch spills, provide grip for glasses and tools, and keep the workspace clean and organized. I used the Highball & Chaser 18×12 Bar Mat.

Jigger: This is a small, double-sided measuring tool that’s used to accurately portion spirits and mixers, typically with one side measuring 1 oz and the other 1.5 or 2 oz. I used the Japanese jigger from the A Bar Above 14-Piece Silver Bar Set.

Boston Shaker: This is a two-piece cocktail shaker consisting of a metal tin and a glass or metal mixing glass that’s used for shaking and blending ingredients. I used the Boston shaker from the A Bar Above 14-Piece Silver Bar Set.

Hawthorne Strainer: This is a metal strainer with a spring around its edge that’s used to filter out ice and solids when pouring the cocktail into a glass. I used the A Bar Above Hawthorne Strainer.

Espresso Machine: This is a specialized coffee maker that’s designed to force hot water through finely-ground coffee under high pressure, producing a concentrated, rich coffee shot with a layer of cream on top. I used the Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine.

Tweezers: These are a precision tool that’s used for placing delicate garnishes. I used one from the Stainless Steel Food Tweezers Set.

Martini Glass: This is a stemmed glass with a wide, shallow bowl and a narrow stem. I used the Libbey Capone Martini Glass.

Tasting Notes

This cocktail has the following flavor profile:

• Appearance: Light cocoa color with a foamy top layer

• Aroma: Cream and coffee

• Taste: Cream-softened but still bold coffee flavor

• Finish: Accenting gingerbread spices and slightly bitter coffee

Kendall’s Take
“Holiday coffee cocktails are such a fun twist on the classic template, especially when gingerbread syrup gets involved. The extra sweetness and bite of the ginger in this version of the iconic Espresso Martini make it feel cozy and dessert-like without losing the original’s rich coffee backbone. If you’ll be serving after-dinner drinks during the holiday season, the Christmas Espresso Martini fits the bill perfectly—warm, festive, and just indulgent enough to end the night on a cozy Christmas-y note.”

Recipe