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Cocktail History
This Pumpkin Spice Espresso Martini is a coffee cocktail that was created by Jassy Davis and was first published in her book Winter Warmers: 60 Cosy Cocktails for Autumn & Winter. It was created as an autumnal variation of the original Espresso Martini that uses coffee as a base but calls for vanilla-flavored vodka instead of classic vodka and adds pumpkin and baking spices, the quintessential flavors of fall, in a homemade syrup.
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, and alcohol. We used Smirnoff Vanilla Vodka because it has a tasty vanilla flavor and is affordable. For a mocktail version of this drink, try STRYKK Not Vanilla V*dka in place of the vanilla vodka.
Espresso: This is a concentrated type of coffee made from finely ground coffee beans and hot water. We used ground coffee from a local supplier.
Coffee Liqueur: This is a liqueur made with coffee, spices, sugar, and alcohol. We used Mr. Black Spirits Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur because it has a bold coffee flavor with very little sweetness. For a mocktail version of this drink, try Lyre’s Coffee Original Non-Alcoholic Spirit in place of the coffee liqueur.
Pumpkin Spice Syrup: This is a sweetener made with pumpkin purée, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract, brown sugar, white sugar, and water. We made ours at home using Alex’s sous vide recipe.
Grated Nutmeg: This is a spice made from the seed of a nutmeg tree. We used whole nutmeg from the bulk section at our local grocery store.
Coffee Beans: This is the a seed of the Coffea plant.
Bartending Tools
To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following bar tools:
Espresso Machine: This brews hot espresso coffee. We used the Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine.
Jigger: This is used to measure and pour ingredients. We used the Japanese jigger from the A Bar Above 14-Piece Silver Bar Set.
Boston Shaker: This is used to shake ingredients. We used the Boston shaker from the A Bar Above 14-Piece Silver Bar Set.
Hawthorne Strainer: This is used to strain out ice and solid ingredients after the cocktail is shaken. We used the A Bar Above Hawthorne Strainer.
Grater: This is used to grate spices or citrus peel. We used the OXO Good Grips Grater.
Tweezers: This is used to place the garnish on the drink. We used one from the Stainless Steel Food Tweezers Set.
This post contains affiliate links, meaning we make a small commission each time you purchase a product using our links. Product images sourced from Amazon Product Advertising API. Amazon affiliate links last updated on 2024-10-12.
Tasting Notes
The Pumpkin Spice Espresso Martini features the aromas of coffee and nutmeg and tastes prominently like espresso, but the coffee flavor is nicely balanced by hints of pumpkin, vanilla, and baking spices.
Our Opinion of This Cocktail Recipe: We both loved this recipe and thought it was a dangerously easy sip, especially for coffee lovers. And even if you’re not a coffee drinker, it’s worth giving this delicious fall cocktail a try. Alex loves having a daily cup of joe; meanwhile, Kendall usually doesn’t like anything coffee-flavored, but she really liked this drink a lot. Thanks to the vanilla vodka and fabulous homemade pumpkin spice syrup, it’s nowhere close to as bitter as some coffees can be when you’re not used to its taste.
Recipe
This cocktail recipe was adapted from Winter Warmers: 60 Cosy Cocktails for Autumn & Winter by Jassy Davis.
This post contains affiliate links, meaning we make a small commission each time you purchase a product using our links. Product images sourced from Amazon Product Advertising API. Amazon affiliate links last updated on 2024-10-12.
Pumpkin Spice Espresso Martini
This Pumpkin Spice Espresso Martini is a coffee cocktail that was created by Jassy Davis and was first published in her book Winter Warmers: 60 Cosy Cocktails for Autumn & Winter. It was created as an autumnal variation of the original Espresso Martini that uses coffee as a base but calls for vanilla-flavored vodka instead of classic vodka and adds pumpkin and baking spices, the quintessential flavors of fall, in a homemade syrup.
Ingredients
Method
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Add vanilla vodka, espresso, coffee liqueur, pumpkin spice syrup, and cubed ice to a shaker.
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Shake for 10-20 seconds.
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Strain into a cocktail glass.
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Garnish with grated nutmeg and coffee beans.
