What’s better than a rich, creamy crème brûlée to finish off a meal?
How about a cocktail version that combines all the lusciousness of the classic dessert with the boozy kick of a martini?
Enter the Crème Brûlée Martini, a luxurious and indulgent drink that’s perfect for dessert lovers, cocktail connoisseurs, or anyone looking to wow their guests with something truly special.
Think of it as the love child of a French patisserie and a speakeasy—it’s smooth, sweet, and just the right amount of fancy.
This drink shines at dinner parties, romantic nights in, or anytime you want to feel like a mixology superstar. It’s a show-stopper that tastes as good as it looks, and with this easy recipe, you’ll have no trouble making it at home.
Let’s dive in!
In this post, you'll find...
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s your grocery list for crafting the perfect Crème Brûlée Martini:
- 1 ½ oz vanilla vodka
- 1 oz white chocolate liqueur (like Godiva or Mozart)
- 1 oz Irish cream liqueur (Baileys is a classic choice)
- 1 oz heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
- 1 tsp caramel sauce, plus extra for garnish
- Crushed graham crackers (for rimming the glass)
- A sprinkle of raw sugar (for that brûlée touch)
Ingredient Breakdown
Vanilla Vodka: This is the backbone of your martini. It provides that warm vanilla flavor reminiscent of crème brûlée. If you don’t have vanilla vodka, you can cheat by adding a dash of vanilla extract to regular vodka.
White Chocolate Liqueur: This adds sweetness and a creamy texture. Look for premium brands to ensure a silky smooth finish.
Irish Cream Liqueur: The slightly nutty, creamy profile of Baileys complements the dessert-like nature of the drink perfectly.
Heavy Cream: This ingredient brings the richness. Want to keep things lighter? Swap it for half-and-half or even a splash of milk.
Caramel Sauce: It’s not crème brûlée without caramel, right? Use a high-quality caramel sauce for the best results—bonus points if it’s homemade.
Graham Crackers: These mimic the crunch of a crème brûlée topping. Crush them finely for a professional-looking rim.
Raw Sugar: A quick sprinkle of raw sugar adds a subtle crunch and completes the brûlée vibe.
How to Make a Crème Brûlée Martini
Now for the fun part! Follow these detailed steps to create a Crème Brûlée Martini that will make you feel like a professional bartender.
1. Prepare the Glass
Start with the aesthetics—it’s all about presentation! Take your martini glass and rim it with caramel sauce. Simply pour a little caramel onto a small plate, then dip the rim of the glass into it. Next, roll the rim in crushed graham crackers for a textured, golden finish. Set the glass aside.
Pro Tip: Chill your martini glass in the freezer for about 10 minutes beforehand. A frosty glass enhances both presentation and taste.
2. Mix the Base
In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine:
- 1 ½ oz vanilla vodka
- 1 oz white chocolate liqueur
- 1 oz Irish cream liqueur
- 1 oz heavy cream
- 1 tsp caramel sauce
Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds. (Think of it as your arm workout for the day!) The goal is to ensure everything is well-mixed and chilled. You’ll know it’s ready when the outside of the shaker feels frosty.
3. Taste and Adjust
Before pouring, take a quick sip through a straw. If you prefer a sweeter drink, add a touch more caramel sauce or white chocolate liqueur. If it feels too rich, a splash of milk can balance the flavors.
4. Serve
Strain the mixture into your prepared glass. The creamy, golden liquid will settle beautifully against the graham cracker rim.
5. Add the Brûlée Touch
To complete the crème brûlée experience, sprinkle a small amount of raw sugar over the top of the drink. If you’re feeling fancy (and have a culinary torch handy), lightly torch the sugar until it caramelizes. This step is optional, but it adds an authentic crunch and a touch of flair.
No torch? No problem! You can sprinkle a pinch of sugar over the graham cracker rim instead for a similar effect.
6. Garnish
A drizzle of caramel sauce over the surface of the drink makes it extra Instagram-worthy. You could also add a piece of caramel candy or a light dusting of cinnamon for added warmth.
Tips for the Perfect Crème Brûlée Martini
- Use Quality Ingredients: Since this is a dessert cocktail, you’ll taste every component. Splurge on a good vodka and liqueurs to take your drink from good to exceptional.
- Experiment with Variations: Want to mix it up? Swap the Irish cream for hazelnut liqueur (like Frangelico) or use a flavored caramel vodka.
- Serve with Dessert: Pair this martini with actual crème brûlée or light cookies to keep the flavors consistent.
- Batch It for a Party: Multiply the recipe and make a big batch ahead of time. Simply keep it chilled and shake each serving with ice before pouring.
Crème Brûlée Martini Recipe
Crème Brûlée Martini
Ingredients
- 1 ½ oz vanilla vodka
- 1 oz white chocolate liqueur
- 1 oz Irish cream liqueur e.g., Baileys
- 1 oz heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 tsp caramel sauce plus extra for garnish
- Crushed graham crackers for rimming the glass
- A sprinkle of raw sugar optional, for brûlée effect
Instructions
- Rim a martini glass with caramel sauce by dipping the rim into a small plate of caramel.
- Roll the rim in crushed graham crackers to coat evenly. Set the glass aside.
- In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine vanilla vodka, white chocolate liqueur, Irish cream liqueur, heavy cream, and 1 tsp of caramel sauce.
- Shake the mixture vigorously for about 15-20 seconds until well-chilled and frothy.
- Strain the cocktail into the prepared martini glass.
- Sprinkle a small amount of raw sugar on top of the drink.
- (Optional) Lightly torch the sugar with a culinary torch to create a caramelized brûlée effect.
- Drizzle caramel sauce on the surface of the drink or over the rim for extra sweetness.
- Serve immediately.
Pin this post for later!
Hi, I’m Tiana – founder of and author here at Where Tiana Travels. I’m a 20-something with a love for all things travel, photography, and food. I have been living abroad for the past 5 years and solo traveling the globe in my free time. I created this blog to share my travel stories and inspire other women to go out and see the world. Read more about me here!