Butterscotch Espresso Martini

Picture this: a velvety espresso martini, but with a luscious twist of buttery sweetness that tastes like liquid gold.

Meet the Butterscotch Espresso Martini—your new favorite indulgence.

Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner party, celebrating a special occasion, or just winding down after a long day, this cocktail strikes the perfect balance between rich, creamy decadence and a bold caffeine kick.

It’s sweet but not too sweet, smooth but still packs a punch.

I love this drink because it feels like a grown-up dessert in a glass—indulgent yet sophisticated. Serve it at brunch, after dinner, or anytime you want to impress guests with a unique cocktail.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this masterpiece:

• 1 ½ oz (45 ml) vodka
• 1 oz (30 ml) butterscotch schnapps
• 1 oz (30 ml) fresh espresso (or strong coffee)
• ½ oz (15 ml) coffee liqueur (e.g., Kahlúa)
• ½ oz (15 ml) simple syrup (optional, for extra sweetness)
• Ice cubes
• Butterscotch candy or coffee beans (for garnish)

Ingredient Breakdown

Vodka
Vodka forms the base of this cocktail, providing a clean, neutral backdrop that lets the butterscotch and espresso flavors shine. Use a good-quality vodka—it doesn’t have to be top-shelf, but smoother vodkas result in a better-tasting martini.

Butterscotch Schnapps
This is the star ingredient that gives the cocktail its signature sweet, buttery flavor. It’s like liquid caramel with a touch of nostalgia. Don’t skimp here—a quality schnapps makes all the difference.

Fresh Espresso
The bold, rich flavor of fresh espresso balances the sweetness of the schnapps. If you don’t have an espresso machine, strong brewed coffee works too. Just make sure it’s freshly brewed and slightly cooled before mixing.

Coffee Liqueur
Coffee liqueur like Kahlúa adds depth and enhances the coffee notes in the drink. It also brings a touch of sweetness and smoothness to the mix.

Simple Syrup (Optional)
If you like your cocktails on the sweeter side, a splash of simple syrup does the trick. You can make your own by dissolving equal parts sugar and water.

Ice Cubes
Ice is essential for chilling and diluting the cocktail just enough to make it perfectly smooth and balanced.

Garnish
Garnishes are the cherry on top! Butterscotch candy adds a playful touch, while coffee beans keep it classic and chic.

How to Make a Butterscotch Espresso Martini

Step 1: Brew Your Espresso

Start by brewing fresh espresso. You’ll need 1 oz for the recipe. Let it cool slightly—hot espresso can melt the ice too quickly and water down the drink. No espresso machine? No problem. A strong cup of coffee or a shot of cold brew concentrate works too.

Step 2: Prepare Your Shaker

Grab a cocktail shaker and fill it halfway with ice. The ice is crucial for chilling the drink to perfection and creating that signature frothy top.

Step 3: Add Your Ingredients

Pour the vodka, butterscotch schnapps, coffee liqueur, and cooled espresso into the shaker. If you’re using simple syrup, add it now. Pro tip: Taste the espresso beforehand. If it’s very bitter, a touch of simple syrup can balance the flavors.

Step 4: Shake It Like You Mean It

Secure the lid tightly and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds. This step is where the magic happens! The vigorous shaking chills the ingredients and creates the creamy foam that’s the hallmark of a great espresso martini.

Step 5: Strain Into a Glass

Using a fine mesh strainer or the shaker’s built-in strainer, pour the cocktail into a chilled martini glass. The strainer helps catch any ice shards, leaving your drink silky smooth.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Top your martini with a garnish. Three coffee beans arranged in a triangle are a traditional touch symbolizing health, wealth, and happiness. For a sweet twist, crush some butterscotch candy and sprinkle it lightly over the foam or perch a whole candy on the rim.

Tips for the Perfect Butterscotch Espresso Martini

1. Use Cold Ingredients
   Cold espresso and a shaker full of ice are key to achieving that smooth, frothy finish. Warm ingredients can dilute the drink and ruin the texture.
2. Adjust Sweetness to Taste
   The butterscotch schnapps already adds sweetness, but if you’re a dessert lover, a dash of simple syrup will make it extra indulgent.
3. Experiment with Flavors
   Want a boozy dessert experience? Add a splash of Irish cream or swap the vodka for vanilla-flavored vodka. Feeling adventurous? Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top for a salted caramel vibe.
4. Make It Decaf
   Need a late-night treat without the caffeine buzz? Swap regular espresso for decaf—it’s just as delicious.

Butterscotch Espresso Martini Recipe

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