Hazelnut Espresso Martini
If you love coffee and cocktails, this Hazelnut Espresso Martini is about to become your new favorite treat. It’s rich, creamy, and has just the right amount of sweetness, thanks to hazelnut liqueur.
This drink is great whether you’re winding down after dinner or wanting to wow your friends at your next get-together. It’s easy to make, but looks sophisticated and fancy.
Don’t have an espresso machine? Strong coffee works, too!
Why You Need to Try It
The Frangelico (or any hazelnut liqueur you like) makes this drink taste like coffee with Nutella in liquid form – chocolatey, nutty, and sweet, without being overpowering. If you’re looking for something more exciting than your standard martini or tired of plain coffee cocktails, this is the one to try.
Tasting Notes
If you’re wondering what this cocktail actually tastes like, here’s the play-by-play on each sip. Right away, the smell hits you – fresh-brewed espresso with a sweet, nutty edge.
The hazelnut liqueur adds a cozy roasted nut aroma, and if you garnish with grated hazelnuts, the scent is even toastier. The first thing you’ll notice is how smooth and creamy it feels.
The espresso flavor is bold but softened by the cream, so it’s never bitter or harsh. The vodka gives a little kick but stays in the background.
Tips for Making It Just Right
Getting this drink just right isn’t hard, but a few easy tricks can help you nail it every time.
- Use fresh espresso: Brew your espresso right before making the cocktail and let it chill. If you don’t have an espresso machine, strong brewed coffee works too.
- Chill everything: Cold espresso, cold glass, and ice-cold ingredients keep your martini from tasting watered down.
- Dry shake, and shake again: This drink gets its signature frothy top from shaking. It gets this from dry shaking the ingredients without ice, and then again with ice to chill.
- Taste and adjust: Like it sweeter? Add a touch more simple syrup. Want it stronger? Go for a little extra vodka.
- Garnish well: Grated hazelnuts look great and add a little crunch. You can also float 3 coffee beans on top for the classic espresso martini look.
What Is Hazelnut Liqueur?
Hazelnut liqueur is a sweet, nutty spirit made from – you guessed it – hazelnuts. The most famous brand is Frangelico, which comes in that distinctive monk-shaped bottle.
It’s smooth, with hints of vanilla, cocoa, and roasted nuts. You’ll find hazelnut liqueur in all kinds of dessert cocktails and even baked goods.
For this martini, it bumps up the flavor and adds a toasty sweetness that pairs perfectly with coffee.
Substitutions and Variations
Don’t have all the ingredients on hand? No problem! Here are some easy swaps:
- No espresso machine? Use very strong brewed coffee or instant espresso powder mixed with hot water. Chill before using.
- No hazelnut liqueur? Try amaretto for an almond twist, or chocolate liqueur for more of a mocha vibe.
- Want it dairy-free? Swap the cream for coconut cream, oat milk, or any plant-based creamer.
- Try it iced: Pour everything over ice and skip the shaker for a more casual drink.
When to Serve Hazelnut Espresso Martinis
This cocktail fits in at all kinds of get-togethers:
- Dinner parties: Serve as an after-dinner drink or dessert replacement.
- Holiday gatherings: The nutty flavor feels festive – perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas.
- Girls’ night in: Easy to batch if you’re making drinks for friends.
- Date night: Looks fancy but takes just minutes to make.
How to Batch for Parties
Making drinks one at a time is fine for a weeknight treat, but if you’re hosting, batching is your friend. Here’s how:
- Multiply all ingredients by the number of servings you need.
- Mix everything except ice and cream in a big pitcher and keep chilled.
- When ready to serve, pour individual servings into a shaker with ice and cream, shake well, then strain into glasses.
- Top with your favorite garnish.
Pairing Ideas
If you want to serve snacks with your hazelnut espresso martini, go for flavors that play up the drink’s richness:
- Chocolate truffles or brownies
- Biscotti (especially chocolate or almond)
- Cheese plates with creamy cheeses (like brie or mascarpone)
- Fresh berries
- Toasted nuts (hazelnuts are perfect if you’ve got them)
Hazelnut Espresso Martini
A creamy Hazelnut Espresso Martini with Frangelico, fresh espresso, and vodka makes an easy, crowd-pleasing coffee cocktail for any gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 shot fresh brewed espresso, cooled
- 1 oz hazelnut liqueur (such as Frangelico)
- 1 oz vodka
- 1/2 ounce simple syrup
- 1 ounce cream
- Garnish with hazelnuts
Instructions
- Brew a fresh shot of espresso and chill it for at least 20 minutes in the freezer.
- Put your martini glass in the freezer for at least 5 minutes.
- Add the chilled espresso, hazelnut liqueur, vodka, cream and simple syrup to the shaker and shake well to break up the cream.
- Add ice to the cocktail shaker.
- Shake again until well chilled.
- Garnish with grated hazelnuts.
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