This eggnog espresso martini is the cocktail I make when I want something that feels a bit special. It’s got everything going for it, espresso, smooth vodka, and creamy spiced eggnog, all shaken together into something really good. I use my homemade eggnog and it is so good, but store-bought works perfectly well too.
About this recipe
This is a holiday twist on the classic espresso martini, made with vodka, coffee liqueur, freshly brewed espresso, and eggnog. The eggnog brings a creamy, spiced richness that makes it feel really special. It’s almost like a dessert but the espresso keeps it from being too sweet.
One thing to know before you make it is that this cocktail won’t have the thick foam you’d expect on a regular espresso martini and the fat in the eggnog is the reason for that. Espresso foam works by proteins trapping tiny air bubbles, and fat disrupts that process. So you’ll still get a little froth from shaking, but it’s lighter and thinner than usual.
I use a proper espresso here because the crema from a real espresso is what gives you what little foam you do get, so it’s worth pulling an actual shot rather than using cold brew or instant. You can use homemade or store-bought eggnog. I have a homemade eggnog recipe if you want to make your own, and it’s a great use for it. Store-bought works perfectly well too. Just keep in mind that store-bought eggnog can vary quite a bit in sweetness, so if yours is on the sweeter side, dial back the coffee liqueur a little.
Just a few ingredients
Method
- Get everything ready to go.
- Pull a shot and set it aside.
- Add the vodka, coffee liqueur, espresso, and eggnog. Fill with ice and shake hard.
- Strain into a chilled martini or coupe glass.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of freshly grated nutmeg or cinnamon.
Variations to try
- Super spiked eggnog martini: Use spiked eggnog (made with rum, bourbon, or brandy) for an extra boozy kick.
- Peppermint espresso martini: Add a splash of peppermint schnapps.
- Chocolate eggnog martini: Drizzle chocolate syrup into the glass or add a splash of chocolate liqueur for something more decadent.
- Gingerbread espresso martini: Swap the eggnog for homemade gingerbread syrup for a cocktail with Christmas vibes all over it.
Tips
Eggnog Espresso Martini
Ingredients
- 1 ½ oz vodka
- 1 oz coffee liqueur
- 1 oz espresso freshly pulled
- 2 oz eggnog homemade or store-bought
- Ice
- Grated nutmeg or ground cinnamon for garnish
- Coffee beans for garnish
Instructions
- Brew a shot of espresso.
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add the vodka, coffee liqueur, espresso, and eggnog.
- Shake hard for 30 seconds until well chilled.
- Strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass.
- Garnish with freshly grated nutmeg or a pinch of cinnamon and three coffee beans.
Notes
- Use freshly brewed espresso, hot and straight from the machine. The crema is what gives you whatever froth this drink has, and the ice in the shaker chills it down. If you don’t have an espresso machine, a moka pot is the next best thing. Brewed coffee will work but the cocktail will taste weaker, so brew it as strong as you can.
- This cocktail will have less foam than a classic espresso martini. The fat in the eggnog suppresses foam formation, so a light froth on top is completely normal.
- Homemade or store-bought eggnog both work well. If yours is on the sweeter side, reduce the coffee liqueur slightly.
- For a dairy-free version, use a dairy-free eggnog.
- Chill your glass in the freezer for a few minutes before serving.
Very nice recipe! Thanks for sharing it. I will definitely make it today since I am already making eggnog! ❤️ happy holidays ❤️