Description
A cozy, seasonal cocktail that balances the bitterness of hot espresso with the sweetness of brown sugar and the warmth of cinnamon. This easy-to-make martini creates a creamy foam and offers a sophisticated yet simple wind-down ritual.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 ounces hot espresso
- 1.5 ounces vodka
- 1 ounce espresso liqueur (e.g., Kahlúa)
- 1 ounce brown sugar syrup
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 whole cinnamon stick (for garnish)
- Ground cinnamon (for rimming glass)
- Ice (lots of it)
Instructions
- Make the brown sugar syrup by combining ½ cup brown sugar and ½ cup hot water in a small saucepan. Stir over medium heat until dissolved and syrupy, then let cool slightly.
- Brew 2 ounces of strong, hot espresso. Let it cool for 30 seconds so it is hot but not scalding.
- Chill martini glasses in the freezer for at least 10 minutes.
- Wet the rim of the chilled glasses with a lime wedge or damp paper towel and dip into ground cinnamon for a light dusting.
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add the hot espresso, vodka, espresso liqueur, brown sugar syrup, and vanilla extract to the shaker.
- Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until the shaker feels cold to the touch to create a creamy foam.
- Strain the mixture into the prepared martini glasses.
- Garnish with a cinnamon stick and serve immediately.
Notes
The coffee must be hot to create the creamy foam; cold coffee will result in a thinner drink. Shake vigorously for at least 15-20 seconds. Do not store the mixed drink as it will separate and dilute; however, the syrup and coffee can be prepped ahead of time. Adjust sweetness by varying the amount of brown sugar syrup.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Cocktail
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 martini
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 10
- Carbohydrates: 12
Keywords: espresso martini, cinnamon cocktail, brown sugar syrup, fall drinks, autumn recipes, vodka cocktail, coffee liqueur, seasonal drinks, easy cocktails