Pumpkin Espresso Martini

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This Pumpkin Espresso Martini is the perfect fall cocktail: rich, creamy, and spiced. With a smooth caffeine kick and balanced sweetness, it’s great for Halloween parties, Thanksgiving dessert, or cozy fall nights!

If you’d like to try another delicious pumpkin recipe, try my Easy Pumpkin Sourdough Bread next!

A hand holding a Pumpkin Espresso Martini garnished with pumpkin pie spice and espresso beans, ready to enjoy.

Pumpkin Spice Espresso Martini

I love making this Pumpkin Espresso Martini when autumn rolls around. It’s like a pumpkin spice latte, but with a little extra buzz! The combination of espresso and pumpkin spice gives me all the fall vibes.

I shake it up with ice, then strain it into a chilled martini glass for that perfect presentation. Whether I’m hosting and need a party starter or I’m just enjoying a quiet evening at home, this creamy cocktail always feels like a treat. It’s festive, flavorful, and hits that perfect balance between cozy and refreshing.

Why We Love This Recipe

Perfect for Entertaining: This festive cocktail is a crowd-pleaser and adds a seasonal touch to any autumn gathering or Halloween party. The rich pumpkin spice flavor makes it feel extra special.
A Fall Twist on a Classic: This pumpkin martini is a fun take on the classic espresso martini. The combination of coffee, pumpkin, and vodka creates a creamy, caffeinated drink that’s not too sweet.
Quick and Easy: With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up this drink in under 5 minutes. It’s perfect for when you want something impressive without the hassle.

Ingredients

Vodka: I like to use my favorite vodka here, but any smooth vodka will work. It’s the base of the cocktail, so go with one you enjoy sipping!
Coffee Liqueur: I typically reach for Kahlua or Bailey’s. Both add a nice richness to the drink. Kahlua gives a stronger coffee flavor, while Bailey’s adds a creamy touch.
Pumpkin Purée: Make sure to use canned, pure pumpkin purée (not the pumpkin pie filling). It blends perfectly into the cocktail and gives it that authentic fall flavor.
Espresso: Freshly brewed espresso is key here. If you’ve got an espresso maker, even better! Just make sure to let it cool slightly before adding it to your shaker, so it doesn’t melt all the ice.
Coffee Creamer: This adds a creamy balance to the drink. Use your go-to creamer. Dairy or non-dairy works great, depending on what you prefer.
Pumpkin Pie Spice: A dash of this spice enhances the pumpkin flavor and gives the cocktail that cozy, fall feel. Feel free to sprinkle a bit extra on top for garnish!
Maple Syrup: This is totally optional, but if you like your drinks a little sweeter, a teaspoon or two of maple syrup adds just the right amount of natural sweetness.

Check out the recipe card below for measurements.

How to Make a Pumpkin Espresso Martini

First, I grab my cocktail shaker and fill it with ice. Then, I add the vodka, coffee liqueur, pumpkin purée, freshly brewed espresso, coffee creamer, a dash of pumpkin pie spice, and if I'm in the mood for a sweeter drink, a little maple syrup.

I give it a good, vigorous shake for about 20-30 seconds to really mix everything up and create that nice froth.

Next, I strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.

To finish it off, I like to sprinkle a bit more pumpkin pie spice on top and add a few espresso beans for garnish.

Now it's ready to sip and enjoy! Cheers!

Tips for the Best Pumpkin Espresso Martini

Shake longer for more foam. The longer you shake the ingredients, the more foam you’ll create on top. If you love that frothy finish, don’t rush the shaking!
Cool the espresso before shaking. Hot espresso will melt the ice too quickly, watering down your drink. Let it cool for a couple of minutes before adding it to the shaker.
Adjust sweetness to taste. If you like your cocktails a little sweeter, add a teaspoon or two of maple syrup. It won’t overpower the pumpkin or coffee flavors, but will give it a nice balance.
Don’t skip the garnish. A few espresso beans and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice not only look great but also enhance the flavors of the cocktail. It’s a simple way to elevate the presentation.
Chill your glass. To keep your pumpkin espresso martini perfectly cold, place your martini glass in the freezer for a few minutes before serving. It helps keep the cocktail refreshing from the first sip to the last.

Recipe Variations & Substitutions

Garnish: For a fun twist, try adding a cinnamon stick or a swirl of whipped cream on top. It adds an extra festive touch and pairs perfectly with the pumpkin spice flavor.
No Espresso: If you don’t have espresso on hand, you can use cold brew or even instant coffee. Just make sure it’s strong and well-chilled before adding it to your shaker.
Dairy-Free Option: Swap out the regular coffee creamer for a non-dairy alternative like almond, coconut, or oat milk creamer. It keeps the drink creamy and smooth, while catering to dietary preferences.

Pouring the freshly shaken pumpkin espresso martini into the glass.

Equipment

To make this Pumpkin Espresso Martini, you’ll need a few key tools. A cocktail shaker is essential for mixing everything and creating that nice foam on top. You’ll also need a jigger for measuring out the liquid ingredients accurately. My shaker comes with a strainer but if yours doesn’t, you’ll need one to pour the cocktail smoothly into a chilled martini glass.

If you don’t have an espresso maker, any strong brewed coffee will work in a pinch, but fresh espresso gives the best flavor!

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can! Just make sure the coffee is strong and cooled before using. Cold brew works great as a substitute, but espresso gives the richest flavor.
The froth comes from shaking the ingredients vigorously in the cocktail shaker. The longer and harder you shake, the more foam you’ll create, so don’t hold back!
If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice, you can make your own by mixing cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and a bit of cloves. This blend will give you the same warm, spiced flavor.

A close-up of a Pumpkin Espresso Martini in a chilled martini glass, topped with a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice and three espresso beans.

Did you love this easy Pumpkin Martini recipe? Let me know below! You can also head over to Instagram for a step-by-step tutorial!