Pumpkin Espresso Martini

Shaken, not stirred: the perfect way to make this martini. Our pumpkin espresso martini kicks things up a notch, with a nicely spiced pumpkin puree, paired with espresso, vodka, coffee liqueur. The pumpkin pie spice makes it extra nice. It’s smooth, delicious, and the real pumpkin puree adds nutritional value, too!

Ingredients for Pumpkin Espresso Martini

• Ice: The ice is shaken with the other ingredients and immediately chills the martini.
• Vodka: While some martinis incorporate gin, this one uses vodka instead.
• Coffee liqueur: This coffee-flavored booze is often made from rum and coffee beans. Some brands such as Kahlua and Tia Maria also add vanilla.
• Brewed espresso: Actual espresso, rather than an artificial flavoring, makes this a delightful take on an espresso martini. Use a decaf espresso to skip the caffeine, if you like.
• Vanilla dairy creamer: A vanilla-flavored creamer adds a hint of vanilla to this drink.
• Canned pumpkin: This gives the martini a true pumpkin flavor and a nutritious boost. The nutrients found in pumpkin, such as vitamins A, C and E, plus potassium, magnesium and iron, make pumpkin a superfood.
• Pumpkin pie spice: It’s not a Spice Girl but it’s all the rage. This spice combination of cinnamon, ginger, clove and nutmeg is the unofficial scent and flavor of autumn. Here’s how to make your own pumpkin pie spice blend.

Directions 

Step 1: Make the martini

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Place the ice cubes in a cocktail shaker. Add vodka, coffee liqueur, espresso, creamer, canned pumpkin and pumpkin pie spice. Place the top on the cocktail shaker and shake vigorously until the liquid is very cold. Pour the drink into a martini glass, leaving the ice behind; discard the ice or save it for another round. Serve the martini immediately.

Kristina Vänni for Taste of Home

Recipe Variations

• Dust with cinnamon: Sprinkle a dash of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice on top of the martini as a garnish of sorts. A light hit of shaved chocolate also looks nice and tastes great, too.
• Use a non-dairy vanilla creamer: Using a non-dairy or plant-based vanilla creamer makes the martini vegan-friendly.
• Use cold-brew coffee: A strong cold-brew coffee or coffee concentrate may be used if it’s more convenient than espresso. Some instant espresso powders, typically found in the baking aisle, make a decent espresso that’s ideal for whipping up cocktails at home.
• Add coffee beans: Drop a coffee bean or two atop the finished drink for a lovely garnish. A chocolate-covered espresso bean also makes a nice touch, plus it’s delicious.

How to Store Pumpkin Espresso Martini

This martini is best enjoyed immediately. But if you make more than you can enjoy in an evening, store the rest in the refrigerator. Just shake it all back up again when you’re ready to go. Drink it within a day or two.

Can you make pumpkin espresso martini ahead of time?

Feel free to prepare the ingredients, without ice, ahead of time. Make this drink an hour or two before guests arrive. One option is to make several portions of the martini in separate cocktail shaker glasses and make each individual martini as guests request them.

Pumpkin Espresso Martini Tips

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Should the espresso be hot?

The espresso can be hot or cold; hot works just as well to create the wonderful frothy foam for the top of the martini. The key to the lovely foam is to shake the martini vigorously.

What is canned pumpkin?

Canned pumpkin, also known as pumpkin puree or solid-pack pumpkin, is pumpkin that’s already steamed and pureed. It is perfect for pies and recipes such as this martini.

Could I use something other than canned pumpkin?

Sure! Believe it or not, canned sweet potato or yams taste quite similar in this recipe, especially with the pumpkin spice and all the other ingredients added. If you’re in a baking mood you could also make your own pumpkin puree.