Name: Pumpkin Spice Espresso Martini
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 2 oz vodka; 1 oz coffee liqueur (such as Kahlúa); 1 oz freshly brewed espresso, cooled; 1 oz pumpkin puree; 1/2 oz simple syrup (adjust to taste); 1/2 tsp pumpkin spice; Ice; Optional Garnish:; Ground cinnamon; Coffee beans

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Pumpkin Spice Espresso Martini is the ultimate cozy cocktail for fall—rich, creamy, and packed with bold coffee flavor and warming autumn spices. It’s quick to whip up in under 5 minutes, making it perfect for impromptu gatherings or solo indulgence. The Pumpkin Spice Espresso Martini balances smooth espresso with velvety pumpkin spice liqueur, creating a festive sip that’s both comforting and invigorating.

The first time I made this drink, it was a chilly October evening with Emma by my side, both of us testing recipes in our kitchen, hands dusted in cinnamon and sugar. We paired it with our spiced apple fritters, and the moment was pure autumn magic. Now, every time I shake up a Pumpkin Spice Espresso Martini, I’m reminded of that night—laughter, clinking glasses, and the joy of creating something special together.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with Pumpkin Spice Espresso Martini

There’s something undeniably magical about the combination of bold espresso and cozy pumpkin spice—it’s like sipping autumn in every luxurious sip. The Pumpkin Spice Espresso Martini isn’t just a cocktail; it’s a whole mood. With its velvety texture, rich coffee base, and warm hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove, this drink delivers both comfort and a gentle kick of energy. It’s perfect for those crisp fall evenings when you want something indulgent yet elegant, whether you’re catching up with friends or treating yourself to a quiet night in.

One of the best things about this martini is how easy it is to make, yet it feels like something you’d order at a fancy cocktail bar. The ingredients come together in just minutes, but the flavor is layered, sophisticated, and absolutely unforgettable. If you love pumpkin spice lattes and espresso martinis separately, you’ll be completely smitten when they come together in this festive fusion. From the creamy foam on top to the warming notes throughout, the Pumpkin Spice Espresso Martini is the perfect fall cocktail you’ll want to make again and again.

Do espresso martinis wake you up?

Yes, espresso martinis can provide a caffeine boost due to the espresso in them. However, it’s important to remember that they also contain alcohol, which is a depressant. So while you might initially feel more alert from the caffeine, the alcohol can still have relaxing or sedative effects. It’s a bit of a mixed bag, so it’s best to enjoy this classic cocktail responsibly and not rely on them as a source of energy.

Ingredients

Since this is such a simple recipe, you’ll only need a few simple ingredients!

vodka – your favorite vodka would work great in this recipe, or you could even try vanilla vodka for an even richer fall flavor!
coffee liqueur – provides a richer coffee flavor for any coffee martini recipe! I used Kahlua.
freshly brewed espresso – I recommend using fresh espresso brewed in an espresso maker — just be sure to let it cool to room temperature before you get started. You can place it in the fridge or freezer to speed up the chilling process.
pumpkin spice syrup – we’ll use my homemade Starbucks Pumpkin Sauce for this cocktail! It’s so easy to make and you can use it for so many fall goodies! You can also use a store-bought pumpkin syrup as well.
pumpkin pie spice and whipped cream – a traditional espresso martini is topped with three coffee beans, but I love adding a decadent whipped cream topping with a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice! Or you can garnish yours with caramel, maple syrup, cinnamon sticks, or any toppings you like! And if you love these warm spices, check out the flavors in my Cinnamon Rolls Peach Cobbler or my Chai Spice Bundt Cake!

Pumpkin Spice Syrup

For this espresso martini recipe, we’re using my Starbucks Pumpkin Sauce! It’s a pumpkin spice simple syrup made the way Starbucks makes it, with real pumpkin puree and condensed milk! It adds a rich and creamy texture and perfectly spiced pumpkin flavor, and makes this truly the BEST pumpkin spice espresso martini recipe!

And if you’re a major pumpkin lover, you’ll also want to check out my Pumpkin Pie in Graham Cracker Crust!

Equipment

As with any cocktail recipe, you’ll want to start with the right glass! This pumpkin spice espresso martini recipe calls for a stemmed cocktail glass, such as a martini glass or a coupe glass.

Once you have your martini glasses, in order to get that frothy top, you’ll want to use an espresso machine to brew your espresso. I used my Nespresso mini espresso maker!

You’ll also want the right bar tools for mixing your pumpkin spice martini, such as a jigger for measuring ounces and half ounces and of course, a great cocktail shaker.

Instructions

Here’s how to make this quick espresso martini recipe:

Add vodka, coffee liqueur, pumpkin spice sauce, and cooled espresso to a cocktail shaker with ice.

Shake very well to help the mixture foam up.

Pour into your chilled martini glass, shaking the shaker a bit to get all of the foam out.

Hint: pop your glasses in the freezer for about 15 minutes before preparing your pumpkin spice espresso martini recipe for an added chilled effect..

Variations

Dairy-Free Creaminess: Add a splash of unsweetened oat milk or coconut milk for a silky texture without dairy.
Boozier Kick: Swap vodka for vanilla or caramel-flavored vodka for added warmth.
Less Sweet: Reduce the simple syrup or use unsweetened cold brew instead of espresso.
Pumpkin Spice Latte Vibes: Add a small splash of heavy cream or whipped topping for a cozy, café-inspired finish.
Frozen Version: Blend all ingredients with ice for a refreshing frozen twist—perfect for warmer fall days.

Conclusion

This Pumpkin Spice Espresso Martini brings together everything you love about fall—warm spices, bold coffee, and just the right amount of indulgence. It’s a simple yet stunning cocktail that’s sure to impress guests or give you that perfect sip of autumn at home. Whether you’re curled up by the fire or celebrating with friends, this cozy creation adds seasonal charm to every moment. Cheers to pumpkin season!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this cocktail ahead of time?
Yes! Mix everything except the ice and garnishes, then chill in the fridge. Shake with ice just before serving.

What if I don’t have pumpkin spice?
You can make your own by mixing cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and a pinch of clove.

Can I use cold brew instead of espresso?
Absolutely! Cold brew works great and gives a smoother coffee flavor.

Is there a non-alcoholic version?
Yes, skip the vodka and coffee liqueur and use cold brew coffee, pumpkin puree, syrup, and a touch of vanilla extract.

Do I need to strain the pumpkin puree?
If you want a smoother texture, you can strain it—but it’s totally optional!

Can I use canned pumpkin pie mix instead of pumpkin puree?
It’s not recommended since the mix already contains sugar and spices, which could throw off the balance.

How do I get that classic martini foam on top?
Shake the cocktail vigorously for at least 15 seconds to create that beautiful foam layer.

What’s the best glass for serving?
A chilled martini or coupe glass works beautifully for this recipe.

Can I double or batch this recipe?
Yes! Simply scale up the ingredients and shake in batches, or prepare a pitcher ahead of time and shake with ice when serving.

What can I serve with this cocktail?
It pairs wonderfully with fall desserts like spiced cookies, apple fritters, or mini pumpkin cheesecakes.

Pumpkin Spice Espresso Martini

Why You’ll Fall in Love with Pumpkin Spice Espresso Martini