Vanilla Espresso Martini.
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.
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. 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 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.
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.
And that’s pretty much it. It’s a classic, but with a small twist that makes it even better. This one 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!
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Vanilla Espresso Martini
The perfect subtle twist on the classic espresso martini cocktail, and a delicious holiday treat to cap the night!
Ingredients
Vanilla Honey
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 vanilla bean ( or 1 tablespoon vanilla extract)
- vanilla sugar, for rim (optional)
Martini
- 1 1/2 ounces (3 tablespoons) vodka
- 1 1/2 ounces (3 tablespoons) Kahlúa
- 1 ounce espresso
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.
Recipe Notes
Vanilla Sugar: Mix 1/4 cup granulated sugar with 1/2 teaspoon vanilla bean powder or 1/2 a vanilla bean, seeds scraped.
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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
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
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
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
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
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
Cannot wait to try this!🍸
I hope you love this! 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
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
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
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
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
How did you do the foam? Was that from shaking or did you use a frother?
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!!
So yum! Love those glasses. Where are they from?
Hello! I am also a huge fan of White Russians. My sister and I made your whipped coffee version and it was awesome.
For this one I’m curious as to what type of vanilla bean you used and where you get them? The good ones can be expensive. Nonetheless I’m thinking this Christmas will need that delicious speed ballin’ alcohol and caffeine combo. 😉 Thanks for your awesome recipes!
I’m dying to try this! Does having espresso for bed keep you up though?
Hey Lizzie,
I think it’s different for everyone:) I hope you love the recipe, Happy Thanksgiving! xTieghan
love white russians too and that this was the inspiration for these martinis, another fun cocktail for, as you write, kicking off the holiday season, so thank you!
Thank you so much Sabrina! I am really glad this turned out so well for you! xTieghan
Can’t wait to make this! Quick question… it says to bring water, honey, and vanilla to a boil to make the syrup, but I don’t see water listed in the ingredients. Just wanted to make sure I wasn’t supposed to add any water to the money mixture. Thanks for the wonderful recipes.
Hey Melissa,
You are going to use 1/4 cup of water. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions. Happy Thanksgiving! xTieghan
When you make the syrup do you split the pod and simmer the bean with honey or simmer the whole pod with the honey?
Hey Alli,
You will use the whole pod. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions. Happy Thanksgiving! xTieghan
Excited to try the vanilla espresso martini and I’m obsessed with the goblet, in your pics. Do you remember where you got that goblet?
Thanks so much for all your hard work!
CJ
Hey CJ,
Sorry these glasses are old, but here are some fun ones that you may like: https://shopstyle.it/l/boOV5
I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions. Happy Thanksgiving! xTieghan
Delicious! Worth all the little extra steps. Will definitely be making again and again!
I am so happy you loved these! Thank you Julie! xTieghan
Wow! Where are the glasses from?
Hey Jouni,
So sorry these glasses are old but here are some fun ones you might like: https://shopstyle.it/l/boOV5
I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions. Happy Thanksgiving! xTieghan
Made these this morning… they’re really delicious. Great for a fancy holiday breakfast or an after dinner drink. Will def make them again!
*I did add a splash of cream to them, seemed appropriate for a coffee cocktail.
I am so happy to hear that, Callie! Thank you so much for trying this! xTieghan
Oh my lord! Tried this tonight and everybody LOVED IT!!! Tried and tested and definitely making this again very soon!! Super. I used vanilla essence and instant coffee – still turned out fab. Thanks so much. Can’t wait to try out the other drinks.
Thank you so much Smita! I am really glad this turned out so well for you! xTieghan
Made this for my whole family tonight and everyone was in love!! Thanks for making this so easy!!!!
Thank you Natalie! I am really glad this turned out so well for you! xTieghan
I think we’re wimps- too strong for us, but it was fun to make. Looking forward to trying another of your cocktail recipes!
Thank you Lisa! xTieghan
I made your vanilla expresso martini for Thanksgiving day and it was so easy and twice as good! I use so many of your recipes and so enjoy your blog. Have a wonderful holiday season and keep them coming!!!!
Thank you so much Patricia! I am really glad this recipe turned out so well for you! xTieghan
I made this last week. Such a cool combo of vanilla, honey, and espresso. A different and delicious variation on an espresso martini! I wouldn’t be adverse to topping it with a dollop of whipped cream!!
Thank you so much Laurie! xTieghan
I’ve never managed to get frothy espresso Martini but now i read I’m not mixing it long enough.
Thank you will give it a try.
Thank you so much Margaret! xTieghan
The vanilla honey simple syrup intrigued me. The martini was really good, and definitely needed the simple syrup, but I”m not sure the vanilla flavor shone through as much as I was expecting. Nevertheless, will be definitely making it again!
Hey Liz,
Thanks so much for giving the recipe a try!! Happy Holidays! xTieghan
What espresso machine do you use? love this recipe, just like all the others!
Hey Jessica,
Here is the link for my espresso machine: https://rstyle.me/+6g0rsYV8IwGdfDQr5LV6Ew
Thanks for trying the recipe! Happy Holidays! xTieghan
Hi! I am allergic to vodka, would gin or tequila be strange with this? What would you recommend as a replacement for vodka?
Hey Melody,
I have only tried this with vodka, but I think gin might work well if you want to use that. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! Happy Holidays! xTieghan
Love this recipe! We went with the lower amount of honey vanilla syrup and it was still really sweet, so I might try it with 1tsp syrup next time since I don’t like my cocktails too sweet. Thank you Tieghan!
Hey Christine,
Thanks so much for giving the recipe a try, I am thrilled that it worked out for you. Happy Holidays! xTieghan
Sounds delicious !! Can’t wait to make. Can you make the vanilla honey ahead of time ?
Hey Sarah,
Thanks so much! Yes, totally fine to make the vanilla honey in advance. I hope you love the recipe. Please let me know if you have any other questions! Happy New Year! xTieghan
This is sooooo good!
Hey Katie,
Thanks so much for giving the recipe a try, I am so glad it was enjoyed! Happy New Year! xTieghan
Made this last night cozied up to the fireplace. Really great! Thank you!
Requesting you to make some more warm/ hot cocktails to finish off this winter with if possible…
cause your drinks are awesome!!!
Hey Karen,
Thanks so much for making the recipe, I am so glad it was enjoyed! xTieghan
Do you think coffee would work, as I don’t have access to espresso currently? Thanks!
Hey Kari,
Espresso really works best here, if you do coffee you want it to be extra strong:) I hope you love the recipe! xTieghan
This is sooo good! Made this for my family (all the adults!) and it is a new fave. I brewed the espresso in a Nespresso machine and let it cool, followed the recipe and was delighted with the results!
Thank you!
Anne
Hey Anne,
I am thrilled this recipe was enjoyed, thanks so much for giving it a try! xTieghan