Walnut Espresso Martini

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This Walnut Espresso Martini is a slight twist on the classic vodka cocktail that we love by adding a splash of nutty walnut liqueur. It’s a coffee cocktail that you’re going to absolutely love.

Total Time5

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: American

Keyword: cocktail, cocktails, coffee, espresso, vodka

Servings: cocktail

Calories: 350kcal

Author: Elise Shivamber

Equipment

Ingredients

2 ounces vodka
½ ounce coffee liqueur
1 ounce espresso
½ ounce simple syrup
½ ounce walnut liqueur

Instructions

Brew espresso, and allow to cool slightly.
Add vodka, coffee liqueur, simple syrup, and walnut liqueur into a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
Add espresso and vigorously shake the cocktail shaker until freezing cold to touch.
Strain into a martini glass or coupe glass (Even better if you chill the glass!) To get the extra foam, slightly lift the strainer so there’s space for the foam to escape but the ice remains in the shaker.
Garnish with coffee beans, a pinch of coffee grounds, or a pinch of cinnamon.

Notes

If you don't have an espresso machine, you can substitute for the following:

Cold Brew Concentrate or Nitro Cold Brew Drinks - simply substitute 1:1 for espresso.
Strong Coffee - simply substitute 1:1 for espresso.
Espresso Powder - add about 1 teaspoon of espresso powder into 6-8 ounces of hot or cold water. Stir to combine. Then use in proportions for fresh espresso! Note: espresso powder is not the same as instant coffee (instant coffee is much weaker)

Vodka - while I tend to opt for an unflavored, medium-to-high quality vodka, you could also use a vanilla vodka or even a vodka with coffee flavor.

Coffee Liqueur - use a coffee liqueur like Kahlua or Mr. Black. I personally prefer to use Mr. Black as it is a vegan coffee liqueur option while Kahlua is not.

Espresso - fresh espresso results in the best tasting espresso martinis, that’s why they’re always so tasty at restaurants! However, read below for different options if you don’t have a machine.

Simple Syrup - while I don’t love using simple syrups in cocktails, this one really needs a splash to help balance out the bitterness of the espresso. If you want to make your own sugar syrup (it’s very simple and made of only sugar and water), I’ve included instructions in the recipe card!

Walnut Liqueur - I love the way that walnut liqueur (like Nocino or Nocello) adds a nutty, earthy taste to this classic coffee drink. Substitute for any type of nut-based liqueur like almond (Amaretto) or hazelnut (Frangelico).

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