Craving a cocktail that screams fall? This Pumpkin Spice Espresso Martini is the ultimate blend of cozy pumpkin spice flavours and a bold espresso kick—basically, autumn in a glass!
If fall had a signature drink, this pumpkin spice espresso martini would seriously be it—think cozy sweater vibes but make it boozy. Cause, let’s be real, there are only so many pumpkin spice or london fog lattes we can have in a day. Am I right?
And besides, it’s the holidays. We’ve got the craziness of Thanksgiving followed by all of the halloween fun. Things can get pretty busy around here this time of year and there’s no better way to celebrate (or wind down…whichever way you choose to look at it!) than with a cocktail in hand. We never judge.

I’ll be the first to admit that there was a time back before my food blogging days that I was probably one of the last people on Earth to jump on the pumpkin spice bandwagon. Heck, some Fall seasons would go by without me ever caving in at all. But now that creating seasonal content is part of my job, I’ve fully embraced all things pumpkin spice and can confidently agree that it really doesn’t make me feel all warm and cozy inside. I finally get the hype, people.
This cocktail has quickly become my go-to for cozy nights in and fun get-togethers with friends. With its rich flavours and creamy texture, you really can’t go wrong when you’re craving a boozy pick-me-up. Seriously, it’s like autumn in a glass, and it’s the perfect excuse to indulge a little. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be whipping these up all season long!
WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO MAKE A PUMPKIN SPICE ESPRESSO MARTINI

Get ready to cozy up with the perfect fall-inspired cocktail! This pumpkin spice espresso martini is a delicious fusion of creamy pumpkin spice, rich espresso, velvety kahlùa, and smooth vodka, all in one luxurious glass. It’s got the warm spices you crave and a shot of espresso for a little pick-me-up. It’s perfect for chilly autumn evenings, friendly gatherings, or just when you want to indulge in a seasonal twist on a classic martini. Whether you’re a pumpkin spice lover or just an espresso enthusiast, this cocktail will hit all the right notes!
Here’s what you’ll need to make it in a little bit more detail:
- Vodka: A clean, smooth vodka is key to keeping the flavours balanced. It provides the perfect neutral base while letting the pumpkin spice and espresso shine. I have recently been seeing espresso flavoured vodka in liquor stores around here (Vancouver Island). I haven’t personally tried it yet but my guess would be that it would make a great alternative in this pumpkin spice espresso martini if you can get your hands on some!
- Kahlùa: This coffee liqueur brings a sweet, coffee-forward richness to the drink, enhancing the espresso without overpowering it. It adds a hint of sweetness and depth to the cocktail. Kahlùa is one of the most used liqueurs in our house! It’s just soooo good in soooo many things!
- Freshly Brewed Espresso: Use high-quality, freshly brewed espresso for that bold, strong coffee flavour. You can brew it hot and let it cool slightly or use chilled espresso for a quicker mix. The espresso adds a kick of energy and pairs beautifully with the pumpkin spices.
- Pumpkin Spice Syrup: This homemade syrup is the heart of the cocktail! Made with pumpkin puree and homemade pumpkin spice, it adds a sweet and spicy note that screams fall. You can adjust the sweetness to taste, but this amount gives just the right amount of flavour. Learn how to easily make your own pumpkin spice syrup.
- Heavy Cream: Adds a luscious, velvety texture to the martini. It helps smooth out the strong espresso and vodka, giving the drink a balanced, creamy finish.
- Pumpkin Spice: This fragrant spice blend enhances the cocktail with its warm, cozy flavours. It gives the drink that quintessential pumpkin spice taste, making it perfect for fall. Don’t have any on hand? Make your own pumpkin spice from scratch with basic pantry spices!
- Ice Cubes: Essential for shaking up the ingredients and chilling the drink, ensuring it’s refreshing and perfectly mixed.

HOW TO MAKE A PUMPKIN SPICE ESPRESSO MARTINI (KEY TIPS)

You can find full instructions for how to make this espresso martini with pumpkin spice in the recipe card down below, but here are a few quick tips to keep in mind:
- Use fresh espresso. Always brew your espresso fresh for the best flavour. If you’re using espresso that’s been sitting for a while, it can lose its richness and vibrancy. Let it cool slightly before adding it to the shaker to avoid diluting the drink.
- Use quality ingredients. Invest in high-quality vodka and Kahlúa for the best flavour. The better the ingredients, the more delicious your martini will be!
- Adjust sweetness to taste. The sweetness of your pumpkin spice syrup can vary, so start with the recommended amount and adjust based on your personal preference. If you prefer a less sweet drink, reduce the syrup slightly. EXTRA TIP: Feel free to tweak the vodka, Kahlúa, or pumpkin spice syrup to find your perfect balance. Everyone’s taste is different, so don’t hesitate to make it your own!
- Chill your glasses. Pre-chill your martini glasses in the freezer or fill them with ice water while you prepare the cocktail. This will help keep your martini cold and enhance the drinking experience.
- Shake vigorously. When mixing the ingredients in the shaker, shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds. This aerates the mixture and creates a lovely froth, ensuring a creamy texture. EXTRA TIP: If you have one, use a fine mesh strainer when pouring the cocktail into the glass. This will catch any ice shards and ensure a smooth pour, giving you a beautifully clear martini.
- Garnish with care. For an extra touch, consider garnishing with a sprinkle of pumpkin spice or a few coffee beans on top. This adds visual appeal and a hint of aroma as you sip.


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Absolutely! If you’re not a coffee fan or don’t have espresso on hand, you can substitute it with strong brewed coffee or even a coffee-flavoured liqueur. Just remember, it won’t have that espresso kick, but it’ll still be delicious!
If you really hate all things coffee – don’t worry! Try my pumpkin spice martini instead – no coffee or espresso required!
Not at all! While it has a touch of sweetness from the Kahlúa and pumpkin spice syrup, you can easily adjust the sweetness to your liking. Feel free to dial it back if you prefer a more balanced flavour—no judgment here!
You can store your homemade pumpkin spice syrup in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to two weeks. Just give it a little shake before using, and you’ll be ready to whip up this martini or drizzle it over pancakes anytime!

LOVE THE MARTINI BUT NOT THE COFFE? Try my recipe for a regular pumpkin spice martini instead!
MORE THINGS PUMPKIN SPICE
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BAKERY STYLE PUMPKIN CINNAMON ROLLS
LOVE THIS RECIPE? PIN IT FOR LATER!


PUMPKIN SPICE ESPRESSO MARTINI
Ingredients
- 2 oz. Vodka
- 1 oz. Kahlúa
- 1 oz. Freshly Brewed Espresso (hot or cold)
- 0.5 oz. Pumpkin Spice Syrup
- 0.5 oz. Heavy Cream
- Pumpkin Spice
- Ice Cubes
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add vodka, Kahlúa, freshly brewed espresso, and pumpkin spice syrup.
- Shake vigorously until well chilled and frothy.
- Strain into a chilled martini glass.
- Gently float the heavy cream on top by pouring it over the back of a spoon. Sprinkle a pinch of pumpkin spice on top for an extra touch of spice. Serve immediately.
Video
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