Maple Bourbon Espresso Martini

Let’s face it—cocktails should be an experience, not just a drink.

Enter the Maple Bourbon Espresso Martini: the sophisticated cousin of the classic Espresso Martini, but with a warm, comforting edge.

Imagine rich, bold espresso meeting the velvety smoothness of bourbon, rounded out by the natural sweetness of maple syrup.

It’s the kind of cocktail that feels like a hug in a glass—perfect for cozy nights by the fire, impressing friends at a dinner party, or giving your Sunday brunch a grown-up upgrade.

Why do I love it? Because it’s equal parts indulgent and energizing, like dessert and coffee had a baby and bourbon volunteered to babysit.

Let’s dive in and learn how to make this masterpiece.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 oz bourbon (go for something smooth like Maker’s Mark or Woodford Reserve)
• 1 oz freshly brewed espresso (hot and bold, or use cold brew concentrate if you’re in a pinch)
• 1 oz coffee liqueur (such as Kahlúa or Tia Maria)
• ½ oz pure maple syrup (use the real stuff—this isn’t the time for pancake syrup imposters)
• Ice (enough to fill a shaker)
• Coffee beans or grated nutmeg (optional garnish for a fancy touch)

The Ingredients Breakdown

Bourbon:
Bourbon adds warmth, a hint of caramel, and depth that elevates this cocktail to something truly special. Look for a bourbon with notes of vanilla or spice to complement the maple syrup and espresso. If bourbon isn’t your thing, feel free to sub in rye whiskey for a spicier kick.

Espresso:
Freshly brewed espresso is non-negotiable. It brings the bold, bitter coffee flavor that anchors this drink. If you don’t have an espresso machine, strong cold brew concentrate works great—just don’t use regular drip coffee unless you want a watery cocktail (and no one wants that).

Coffee Liqueur:
Coffee liqueur like Kahlúa adds sweetness and a rich coffee flavor that rounds out the cocktail. It’s the glue that binds the bourbon and espresso together. Want something less sweet? Try Mr. Black Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur—it’s got more coffee punch and less sugar.

Maple Syrup:
The star of the show! Real maple syrup provides a deep, natural sweetness that plays beautifully with bourbon’s caramel notes. Skip the artificial stuff—it’s worth spending a few extra bucks for the real deal.

Ice:
Ice isn’t just for chilling; it’s essential for creating that smooth, velvety texture in the final drink. Use fresh, clean ice to avoid picking up any weird freezer flavors.

Garnish:
Optional but highly recommended. Coffee beans give it that classic martini look, while grated nutmeg adds a warm, cozy aroma. Either way, garnishing takes your cocktail from good to Instagram-worthy.

How to Make a Maple Bourbon Espresso Martini

Step 1: Brew the Espresso

Start by brewing a fresh shot of espresso. You want it strong and hot.

If you’re using a Nespresso or espresso machine, great! If not, grab your cold brew concentrate. Hot espresso is ideal because it dissolves the maple syrup more easily, but cold brew works if you’re making a batch in advance.

Pro Tip: Let the espresso cool slightly before adding it to the shaker. Throwing piping hot espresso into ice can water down your drink faster than a rom-com melts your heart.

Step 2: Prep Your Shaker

Grab a cocktail shaker and fill it with ice. Don’t skimp here—more ice means your drink will chill faster and dilute less. Add the bourbon, espresso, coffee liqueur, and maple syrup to the shaker.

Pro Tip: Always add the syrup last. This way, it sits on top and mixes better when you shake, ensuring every sip is perfectly sweetened.

Step 3: Shake It Like You Mean It

Pop the lid on the shaker and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds. You’re not just chilling the drink—you’re aerating it to create that frothy top layer that makes an Espresso Martini so iconic. Shake like you’re auditioning for a role as a mixologist in a Hollywood movie.

Pro Tip: If your arms aren’t tired by the end of shaking, you’re not doing it right! You’ll know you’re done when the shaker feels ice-cold in your hands.

Step 4: Strain and Pour

Grab a chilled martini glass (or any fancy glass you have—it’s all about presentation) and strain the cocktail into it. Use a fine mesh strainer to catch any tiny ice shards, leaving you with a silky-smooth drink.

Pro Tip: To chill your glass, pop it in the freezer for a few minutes or fill it with ice water while you make the cocktail. A cold glass keeps your drink at the perfect temperature longer.

Step 5: Garnish Like a Pro

This is where you get to show off. Top your drink with 3 coffee beans (a nod to the traditional garnish symbolizing health, wealth, and happiness). Or sprinkle a little grated nutmeg for a cozy, aromatic finish. No garnish? No problem—it’ll still taste amazing.

A Few Tips for Success

• Use Quality Ingredients: Each component shines here, so don’t cut corners. Fresh espresso, good bourbon, and real maple syrup make all the difference.
• Experiment: Want to make it your own? Try a flavored bourbon (like vanilla or cinnamon), swap in a flavored coffee liqueur, or add a pinch of sea salt to the shaker for a salted caramel vibe.
• Make It a Mocktail: Skip the bourbon and use a splash of vanilla extract and extra coffee liqueur for a non-alcoholic version.

Maple Bourbon Espresso Martini Recipe

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