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Officially kicking off the holiday season with this cozy Vanilla Espresso Martini. Homemade vanilla and honey simple syrup, mixed with the classic espresso martini ingredients of vodka, Kahlúa, and a shot of espresso. This is the perfect subtle twist on the classic espresso martini cocktail, and it’s a delicious holiday treat to cap the night with.
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Ingredients
- Honey
- Vanilla Bean
- Vanilla Sugar
- Vodka
- Kahlua
- Espresso
What you need in the kitchen:
- Medium pot
- martini glass (best as a chilled cocktail glass or chilled martini glass)
- cocktail shaker
- ice
- coffee beans (as garnish)
When I was dreaming up the last cocktail Saturday before Thanksgiving, I knew I wanted it to be the perfect after-dinner drink to officially welcome the start of the holiday season. Funny enough, I really do like playing bartender when my family is in town. My first thought was a new twist on a White Russian. I love a White Russian more than you know. It’s been a favorite cocktail ever since I created my The North Pole Cocktail a few years back. It’s a holiday favorite.
But, I was bored. Yes, White Russians are great, but I’ve shared a few, and I wanted to try something new. Maybe something I wasn’t even thinking of. So, I put the feelers out to my family. My cousin Maggie came back immediately with an espresso martini. And then within seconds, my sister-in-law Lynds said the very same thing.
I took that as a sign and ran with the idea, adding only a small twist, but one that really makes all the difference. Lynds was against any major twist, so I settled on a homemade vanilla honey syrup that adds that special touch I was really looking for. Normally, I’m not one for a martini, but this espresso martini has changed everything for me. It’s similar to a White Russian, just minus the cream.
Here is how to make a vanilla espresso martini.
It’s EASY. Start with the honey syrup, which is literally just honey and a vanilla bean simmered together until the vanilla infuses the honey with flavor. Two simple ingredients that make all the difference.
Shake the honey syrup with vodka, Kahlúa, and a shot of bold espresso. You’ll get a sweet martini, with just the right amount of espresso, and hints of vanilla. Simple to mix up, but oh so GOOD.
The key to a good espresso martini is all in that frothy top. I know it might seem like a hard thing to achieve, but it’s actually very easy. You just need to really shake the drink together with ice for a good minute to create the froth. The harder you shake, the more froth you’ll get. If you’ve got some anger to work out, this is a great task. Afterward, hold back the ice with a fine mesh strainer and pour the cocktail into your chilled martini glass.
I wanted to make the drink sparkle and shine, so I rimmed the glass with a sweet vanilla sugar (simply sugar mixed with vanilla bean seeds). It’s so simple to make, but creates an extra-special drink that’s really fitting for a holiday night. Cue the Christmas playlists!
And that’s pretty much it. It’s a classic, but with a small twist that makes it even better. This frothy espresso martini is perfect for both Thanksgiving and Christmas. Enjoy guys!!
Looking for other easy after-dinner holiday drinks? Here are my favorites:
Spiced Cranberry Rosé Spritzers
Lastly, if you make this Vanilla Espresso Martini, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
Vanilla Espresso Martini
Ingredients
Vanilla Honey
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 vanilla bean, ( or 1 tablespoon vanilla extract)
- vanilla sugar, for rim , (optional)
Instructions
- 1. To make the vanilla honey syrup. In a medium pot, bring 1/4 cup water, the honey, and vanilla to a boil over high heat. Boil 2-3 minutes, then remove from the heat. Let cool. This syrup makes enough for about 6 drinks.2. If desired, rim your glass with vanilla sugar. 3. In a cocktail shaker, combine 2-3 teaspoons honey syrup, vodka, Kahlua, and espresso. Add ice and shake vigorously for 1 minute. Strain into the prepared glass. Garnish with a couple of coffee beans, if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Did you make this recipe? Please rate & comment below.
So yum! Love those glasses. Where are they from?
Made these last night. They were delicious ? and super easy to make. I didn’t have vanilla beans in hand and added vanilla extract as a replacement and it was perfect. Planning to make these again as an after dinner drink for Thanksgiving day! Yum!!
How did you do the foam? Was that from shaking or did you use a frother?
Made this last night, and OMG! Honestly the best espresso martini I’ve ever had and it was made at home! Wow! Great recipe, thanks!
Thank you so much Bre! I am really glad this turned out so well for you! xTieghan
Hi, thnx for the recipe. Where can I find such glasses?
Hey Nina,
So sorry these are old but here is the link for some fun ones: https://shopstyle.it/l/boOV5
I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
Is the recipe easily turned into a batch? Or should we make one by one?
Hey Venus,
I would make these one by one. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
Is there a substitution suggestion utilizing vanilla extract? I don’t usually have vanilla beans on hand!
Hey there,
Yes, you can use 1 tablespoon of extract. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
We tried this and really enjoyed it, but noticed that the syrup hardened very quickly and didn’t seem to mix in with the rest of the drink in the shaker. What can we do to avoid this?
Hey Evelyn,
So sorry about this! I am thinking your syrup was cooked for too long, next time be sure to only cook for 2 minutes. Please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
Cannot wait to try this!?
I hope you love this! xTieghan
I see orange zest and vanilla in the recipe but not on the ingredients list. Can you let me how much orange zest and vanilla to add? Thanks!
Hey Elanie,
So sorry for the confusion, the recipe is fixed, no orange:) I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
I’d also like to know if you use instant or have an espresso maker for this! This looks AMAZING
Hi Bethany! I have an espresso maker, but you could use instant! I hope you love this one! xTieghan
Uhm… vanilla honey, Vodka & Kahlua?! I’m obsessed, this sounds SO good! I seriously love all your Holiday cocktails!
Thank you Binks! I am really glad you like this and I hope it turns out amazing for you! xTieghan
Hi! Planning to make tonight. How far in advance can you make the espresso if you’re making for a crowd?
Hi Nettie,
Espresso is best made fresh:) But you could certainly make the syrup ahead of time. Please let me know if you have any other questions! Happy Holidays! xTieghan
Yum!
Do you use instant espresso?( I think that’s a thing.) Or do I need to actually make some espresso first?
Hey Jann,
I use brewed espresso for this recipe. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
Quick question . . . The recipe, in Step 1, states “ Stir in the orange zest and vanilla. Let cool”. There is no vanilla listed in the ingredients?? Can you please clarify? Thanks?
Hey Liz,
You are going to use 1 vanilla bean. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
I have never clicked on a link faster! So excited to try this and such a fan of everything you do!
Thank you Emma! I am really glad this recipe turned out so well for you! xTieghan