Tiramisu Martini

What if I told you that you could take everyone’s favorite Italian dessert—tiramisu—and transform it into a cocktail? No forks required.

That’s exactly what a tiramisu martini is: all the creamy, coffee-soaked, chocolatey goodness of tiramisu, shaken (not stirred) into a smooth, indulgent drink.

It’s the kind of cocktail that makes you feel fancy just holding it, like you’re about to drop the line, “Oh, this old thing? I just whipped it up.”

Now, if you’re imagining it’s going to take a culinary degree or a PhD in mixology to make, breathe easy. This recipe is shockingly simple, even if your only bar tool so far has been a corkscrew.

Plus, with the ingredients doing all the heavy lifting—coffee liqueur, chocolate liqueur, cream, and vodka—you’ll feel like a cocktail magician, pulling decadent flavors out of thin air (or your shaker).

I’ll show you how to craft this indulgent drink step by step. We’ll talk about the ingredients you’ll need (don’t worry, there’s nothing too fancy), how to garnish it so it looks like it came out of a trendy cocktail bar, and even some fun variations in case you want to put your own twist on it.

Let’s shake things up, shall we?

What is A Tiramisu Martini?

Picture this: you’re sitting in a cozy Italian café, a slice of tiramisu in front of you.

The layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers, mascarpone cream, and cocoa are practically whispering, “Life is sweet.” Now imagine taking all that decadence, pouring it into a martini glass, and adding a boozy kick.

That, my friend, is the tiramisu martini—a dessert cocktail so indulgent it’ll make you question why you ever bothered with forks in the first place.

This drink is like the lovechild of your favorite coffee shop and a cocktail bar.

It’s got the rich bitterness of coffee liqueur, the creamy sweetness of Irish cream, and just enough vodka to remind you it’s definitely not for kids. Add a touch of chocolate liqueur, and you’re sipping on pure dessert bliss.

But let’s be real: the tiramisu martini isn’t just about the flavor—it’s a vibe. This isn’t the kind of drink you casually whip up with a can of soda and call it a day.

No, this is the cocktail you serve when you want to impress. It’s the drink equivalent of pulling out the good china when company comes over.

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, celebrating something special, or just treating yourself because you deserve it, the tiramisu martini is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

And let’s not forget its secret superpower: versatility. Want to make it extra creamy and indulgent? Done.

Prefer it bold and coffee-forward? Easy. Need it to scream “dessert” without actually involving a spoon? This martini has you covered.

Think of it as the Swiss Army knife of dessert cocktails—it’s whatever you need it to be.

By the way, don’t worry if you’re not a cocktail expert. You don’t need to know the difference between shaken and stirred or have a library of obscure bar tools. If you’ve got a shaker, some ice, and a sense of adventure, you’re halfway there.

And trust me, once you see how easy it is to pull off this sophisticated, dessert-in-a-glass masterpiece, you’ll be making it for every occasion. (Or, let’s be honest, no occasion at all—because it’s Tuesday, and why not?)

Why I love the Tiramisu Martini

First things first: Why is the tiramisu martini so magical?

For one, it’s a perfect dessert masquerading as a drink. It’s creamy and sweet with just the right amount of coffee bitterness, like tiramisu gave up its solid form to become your favorite after-dinner cocktail.

And let’s not forget the wow factor. Serve this at a dinner party, and suddenly you’re not just the host; you’re that host – The one who knows how to put the “fun” in functional alcohol.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s your grocery list for crafting a tiramisu martini that will wow your taste buds.

Each ingredient plays a starring role in bringing the classic dessert flavors of tiramisu to life in liquid form:

Alcoholic Ingredients

• Vodka: 2 oz
  • Go for plain vodka if you want a neutral base, or vanilla-flavored vodka for a touch of sweetness that complements the dessert-like profile of the drink. Vanilla vodka adds a layer of complexity, almost like mascarpone cream in liquid form.
  • Tip: Choose a smooth, high-quality vodka to avoid harsh flavors. Cheap vodka in a tiramisu martini is like using instant coffee in your dessert—it gets the job done, but why settle?
• Coffee Liqueur (e.g., Kahlúa): 1 oz
  • This is the backbone of the martini’s coffee flavor, adding that rich, slightly sweet kick reminiscent of espresso-soaked ladyfingers.
  • Tip: For a stronger coffee hit, you can substitute part of the liqueur with a splash of brewed espresso or cold brew concentrate.
• Irish Cream Liqueur (e.g., Baileys): 1 oz
  • Irish cream brings a creamy, slightly nutty sweetness to the mix. It’s the ingredient that makes your martini velvety smooth, almost like mascarpone in the original tiramisu recipe.
  • Tip: If you’re feeling adventurous, try flavored Irish creams (like salted caramel or espresso) to add an unexpected twist.
• Chocolate Liqueur or Crème de Cacao: 1 oz
  • This gives the cocktail its chocolatey undertone, reminiscent of the cocoa dusted over a slice of tiramisu. Choose white crème de cacao for a lighter color or go dark for a richer appearance and flavor.
  • Tip: If you don’t have chocolate liqueur on hand, a teaspoon of chocolate syrup can work in a pinch.

Non-Alcoholic Ingredients

• Heavy Cream or Half-and-Half: 1 oz
  • The cream is essential for creating that luscious, dessert-like texture in your martini. It balances the booze and adds richness, turning this drink from “cocktail” to “decadent treat.”
  • Tip: For a lighter version, you can substitute with milk, but let’s be honest—this is tiramisu. Go big or go home.
• Optional: Strongly Brewed Espresso or Cold Brew Concentrate: 0.5–1 oz
  • If you’re a true coffee lover, adding a splash of espresso takes this martini to the next level. It enhances the coffee flavor without adding sweetness, giving you a more robust, authentic tiramisu experience.
  • Tip: Use cooled espresso to avoid melting your ice or watering down the drink.

For Garnish

• Cocoa Powder or Finely Grated Chocolate:
  • A light dusting of cocoa powder or a sprinkle of grated chocolate on top of the martini mimics the classic tiramisu topping. It adds a slightly bitter contrast to the drink’s sweetness.
  • Tip: Use unsweetened cocoa powder for a more authentic, dessert-like flavor.
• Ladyfinger Cookie (Classic Tiramisu Garnish):
  • A single ladyfinger resting on the rim of the glass or served on the side makes for a delightful visual and textural pairing. It’s also a nod to the dessert’s signature ingredient.
  • Tip: Dip the ladyfinger lightly in espresso or coffee liqueur before serving for a more authentic touch.
• Whipped Cream (Optional):
  • A dollop of whipped cream on top takes the indulgence to the next level. It adds a creamy texture and makes the drink feel even more luxurious.
  • Tip: Pipe the whipped cream with a star tip for an Instagram-worthy presentation.

Step-by-Step Recipe: How to Make the Perfect Tiramisu Martini

Preparation Tips

1. Chill Your Martini Glass

• Place your martini glass in the freezer for about 10-15 minutes before you start. A frosty glass not only keeps your drink colder longer but also gives it a professional, polished look.

Tip: If you’re short on time, fill the glass with ice water while you prepare the drink. Dump the water and dry the glass just before serving.

2. Prepare Your Espresso or Cold Brew

• If you’re using espresso, brew a fresh shot and let it cool to room temperature or chill it in the refrigerator for a few minutes. Using hot espresso can melt the ice too quickly and dilute your drink.

• For cold brew concentrate, ensure it’s strong and robust to give your martini that rich coffee flavor.

Tip: If you want an extra coffee kick, double the espresso or cold brew amount and reduce the cream slightly to balance the texture.

Mixing the Drink

3. Fill Your Cocktail Shaker with Ice

• Add enough ice to fill the shaker about halfway. The ice is critical for chilling the drink and slightly diluting the alcohol for a smoother flavor.

4. Add the Ingredients

• Measure and pour the following into the shaker:
  • 2 ounces vodka (plain or vanilla-flavored for added sweetness).
  • 1 ounce coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa).
  • 1 ounce Irish cream liqueur (like Baileys).
  • 1 ounce chocolate liqueur (or crème de cacao).
  • 1 ounce heavy cream or half-and-half.
  • Optional: 0.5–1 ounce of espresso or cold brew concentrate for a stronger coffee flavor.
• Tip: Always add the cream last to avoid curdling if your shaker gets too cold!

5. Shake It Up

• Secure the lid on the shaker and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds. This mixes and chills the ingredients while creating a frothy, velvety texture.

Tip: If your hands get too cold, wrap a kitchen towel around the shaker for grip and comfort. You’ll know it’s ready when the outside of the shaker feels frosty to the touch.

Garnishing the Glass

6. Optional: Rim the Glass

• For an elevated presentation, rim your chilled martini glass with cocoa powder or finely grated chocolate:
  • Pour a small amount of simple syrup or water onto a shallow plate.
  • Dip the rim of the glass into the liquid, then dip it into a plate of cocoa powder or grated chocolate. Rotate to coat evenly.

Tip: If you want extra pizzazz, try combining cocoa powder with powdered sugar for a slightly sweetened rim.

7. Strain and Pour

• Remove the lid with the strainer from your shaker and carefully pour the martini into the prepared glass. The frothy, creamy texture should settle beautifully.

8. Add the Final Touches

• Dust the top of the drink with a light sprinkle of unsweetened cocoa powder or grated chocolate.
• Optional: Pipe or dollop a swirl of whipped cream on top for an indulgent finish.
• Garnish with a whole ladyfinger cookie balanced on the rim or resting on the side of the glass.

Serving the Tiramisu Martini

• Serve your tiramisu martini immediately, while it’s cold and fresh. This cocktail is best enjoyed as an after-dinner treat or during a cozy evening in.

Recommendations for Better Taste

• Use premium-quality liqueurs to ensure a smooth, well-balanced drink. Bargain brands can result in overly sweet or harsh flavors.
• Adjust the sweetness by tweaking the ratio of chocolate liqueur or Irish cream. If it’s too sweet, add more vodka or a splash of espresso.
• For a lighter option, replace the heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, but note that this will slightly reduce the drink’s creaminess.

By following these steps and tips, you’ll have a perfectly crafted tiramisu martini that looks stunning and tastes even better. Time to raise a glass and toast to dessert in cocktail form!

Tasty Drink Variations to Try

The beauty of the tiramisu martini is its versatility. Whether you’re a coffee enthusiast, a chocolate lover, or just looking for a fun twist, there’s a version to suit every mood and occasion.

Here’s how you can customize your martini to match your cravings:

1. Double Espresso Tiramisu Martini

For those who believe coffee should be the main event, this variation amps up the coffee flavor with extra espresso.

• How to Make It:
  • Add an additional 1 ounce of freshly brewed espresso or cold brew concentrate to the original recipe. This brings a bolder coffee kick, balancing the sweetness of the liqueurs.
  • You can also reduce the amount of cream slightly to let the coffee flavor shine through.
• Why It Works:
  • The added espresso intensifies the tiramisu-like flavor, making it a perfect pick-me-up for after-dinner conversations or late-night indulgence.
• Serving Tip:
  • Garnish with a single coffee bean or a sprinkle of instant espresso powder on top for an elegant touch.

2. Chocolate Lover’s Tiramisu Martini

If chocolate is your love language, this variation is for you. It doubles down on the chocolatey richness, creating a drink that’s pure decadence.

• How to Make It:
  • Increase the chocolate liqueur to 1.5–2 ounces in the recipe.
  • Add a drizzle of chocolate syrup inside the martini glass before pouring the cocktail for a decorative swirl.
  • Optional: Blend in a teaspoon of cocoa powder with the other ingredients for a deeper chocolate flavor.
• Why It Works:
  • The extra chocolate enhances the dessert-like profile of the drink, making it taste even closer to the rich cocoa layers in tiramisu.
• Serving Tip:
  • Garnish with a chocolate-dipped ladyfinger or a chocolate curl for an over-the-top presentation.

3. Non-Alcoholic Tiramisu Martini

Perfect for non-drinkers or a family-friendly option, this variation captures the essence of a tiramisu martini without the booze.

• How to Make It:
  • Replace the vodka, coffee liqueur, Irish cream, and chocolate liqueur with:
    • 1 ounce of decaf espresso or strongly brewed coffee.
    • 1 tablespoon of chocolate syrup for sweetness.
    • 2 ounces of cream for the creamy texture.
  • Shake the ingredients with ice and strain into a martini glass.
• Why It Works:
  • The combination of decaf espresso, chocolate syrup, and cream mimics the flavors of tiramisu, making it a delightful drink for kids or those avoiding alcohol.
• Serving Tip:
  • Top with whipped cream and cocoa powder for a festive, dessert-like experience.

4. Frozen Tiramisu Martini

Turn your martini into a blended masterpiece for a creamy, frappé-style treat. This variation is great for warmer weather or when you want something a little more indulgent.

• How to Make It:
  • Combine the original ingredients (including ice) in a blender and blend until smooth and frothy. Adjust the amount of ice based on your preferred consistency.
  • Optional: Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra creaminess.
• Why It Works:
  • Blending the ingredients with ice creates a thick, milkshake-like texture, making it feel like a frozen dessert in a glass.
• Serving Tip:
  • Serve in a wide-rimmed glass with a dollop of whipped cream, a drizzle of chocolate syrup, and a ladyfinger as a garnish.

Other Fun Twists

• Salted Caramel Tiramisu Martini: Add a splash of salted caramel liqueur or syrup for a sweet and salty twist.
• Spiced Tiramisu Martini: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the mix for a warm, spiced flavor that’s perfect for the holidays.
• Layered Tiramisu Martini: Layer the ingredients by carefully pouring them over the back of a spoon for a visually stunning presentation.

These variations let you explore the tiramisu martini’s full potential, whether you want bold flavors, extra sweetness, or a unique texture.

Don’t be afraid to experiment—the tiramisu martini is as flexible as it is delicious!

Pin this post for later!

Tiramisu Martini Recipe