This pumpkin spice espresso martini is a fabulous twist on the classic drink. The inclusion of pumpkin spice syrup and spiced rum elevates the flavour profile lending cosy autumnal notes to this libation. Serve this pumpkin spice martini at your Halloween or Bonfire Night party.
It pairs well with espresso brownies cut into bite-sized pieces.
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This pumpkin spice espresso martini is a lovely take on the much-loved coffee cocktail. It is loaded with robust coffee flavour and the beautiful spice profile associated with autumnal baking. Think along the lines of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves and allspice, depending on the syrup that you include.
Although this this pumpkin spice martini can be enjoyed year-round it is particularly welcome in the cooler months of the year. It’s also a cosy addition to autumn gatherings such as Halloween and Bonfire Night.
If, like me, you have a slight espresso martini obsession, please take a look at my Baileys espresso martini, my ginspresso and my chocolate orange espresso martini. They are all noteworthy libations and not to be missed!
But if tea is more the way you like to roll then don’t overlook my spiced chai latte martini or my rum masala chai. Both are little gems for autumn.
What is a pumpkin spice martini?
A pumpkin spice martini can be many things, provided it contains pumpkin spice. Some, like this pumpkin martini, include pumpkin itself. Some do not.
My version of this cocktail is a pumpkin spice espresso martini. It is an espresso martini that includes pumpkin spice syrup instead of simple syrup. It does not, however, contain pumpkin.
Why you’ll love this cocktail
- Quick & easy – this libation takes 5 minutes to make and it’s very easy.
- Embraces autumn – it’s a spice-laden cocktail, making it deeply comforting and warming.
- Appearance – this pumpkin spice martini has all the charm of the classic espresso martini, including the glorious creamy foam float.
- Texture – luxuriously silky to sip on, this is a sublime drink.
- Taste – robust coffee, cosy spices and a gentle sweetness make this cocktail a winner.
- Versatile – you can easily turn it into a pumpkin spice mocktail.
Ingredients notes
Espresso – this pumpkin spice martini is best made with freshly brewed espresso. Use around 18g of espresso powder to brew the 40ml espresso needed per cocktail.
Rum – I used spiced amber rum to add a little extra punchy sway to the spice profile of this cocktail, but you can use regular amber rum or dark rum instead if preferred.
Pumpkin spice syrup – this is an essential ingredient. If you are short on time it’s fine to use a store-bought syrup. I used Monin. However, if you feel so inclined, you can make your own pumpkin spice syrup. Alternatively, you could make my chai spice syrup and use that instead.
Coffee liqueur – I used Kahlua. It is sweet, richly flavoured and relatively thick, an all-round winner in this pumpkin spice espresso martini. Less sweet options would be Tia Maria or Mr Black.
Equipment notes
A cocktail shaker is the ideal option when making your pumpkin spice espresso martini. Alternatively, a large screw-top jar will suffice but it must be strong enough to stand-up to having ice shaken in it.
Strain your drink using either a hawthorne strainer or a julep strainer to stop the ice falling into the glass. A small fine-meshed sieve works well too.
Step by step instructions
Full instructions and measurements are given in the printable recipe card at the end of this post.
Step 1. Put plenty of ice into the base of a cocktail shaker and pour in all of the ingredients.
Step 2. Secure the lid on the shaker and shake vigorously for 40 seconds. Strain into your cocktail glass and garnish your drink as desired.
Top Tip: Use freshly brewed coffee (no need for it to cool down) to ensure your pumpkin spice espresso martini comes topped with that delightful signature foam.
Expert Tips
- Chill the cocktail glass for 15 minutes to ensure this drink is served ice-cold.
- The ice dilutes the drink, chills it and also helps to build up that beautiful creamy top. Make sure that you use plenty of it.
- Don’t guess measurements. Use a cocktail jigger, digital kitchen scales or measuring spoons to ensure that you use the correct measures as it’s easy to upset the balance if too much pumpkin spice syrup is included.
- That said, if you prefer your drinker slightly sweeter & spicier add in a dash more syrup.
How to garnish this drink
- Dust with pumpkin spice mix/ cinnamon or nutmeg.
- Balance a cinnamon stick on the edge of the glass.
- Float star anise on the foam.
- Float a few coffee beans on the foam.
- Top with whipped cream and sprinkle with ground spice or grated chocolate for the ultimate indulgence.
Variations
- Swap the spiced rum for rum or vodka.
- Make a pumpkin spice mocktail (see the frequently asked questions section for details).
- Make a creamy version by adding in a splash of Baileys or Pumpkin spice Baileys (20ml should suffice).
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can use instant coffee, but the flavour will not be as rounded & mellow and you will struggle to achieve the creamy foam top. Try dissolving 1 teaspoon in 40ml hot water and proceed with the recipe.
I can’t lie, this pumpkin spice espresso martini will potentially hamper a peaceful nights sleep as it does contain caffeine. You can, however, switch to decaffeinated espresso if you wish to.
Yes, you can. To make your pumpkin spice mocktail follow my recipe for a shakerato, which is an iced espresso drink, and replace the demerara syrup with pumpkin spice syrup. Easy!
Serving suggestions
These are my favourite treats to serve with this pumpkin spice martini.
More coffee cocktails
Looking for other coffee cocktail recipes? Try these:
Have you made this recipe for pumpkin spice martini? Please give the recipe a rating or leave a comment – I love to hear how you get along with my creations.
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📖 Recipe
Pumpkin Spice Espresso Martini (a Pumpkin Spice Cocktail)
Equipment
- 1 Cocktail shaker
- 1 Hawthorne strainer, julep strainer or a small fine meshed sieve
Ingredients
- 40 ml Espresso freshly brewed, made with 18g ground espresso
- 40 ml Spiced rum or amber rum/ dark rum
- 15 ml Pumpkin spice syrup such as Monin
- 10 ml Kahlua coffee liqueur
Instructions
- Half-fill the cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
- Pour in the espresso, rum, pumpkin spice syrup and coffee liqueur.
- Secure the lid and shake for around 40 seconds until the drink is well-chilled.
- Strain it into a cocktail glass using a hawthorne or julep strainer (or a small fine-meshed sieve if you do not have a strainer)
- Garnish as desired and serve immediately.
Notes
- Chill the cocktail glass for 15 minutes to ensure this drink is served ice-cold.
- The ice dilutes the drink, chills it and also helps to build up that beautiful creamy top. Make sure that you use plenty of it.
- Don’t guess measurements. Use a cocktail jigger, digital kitchen scales or measuring spoons to ensure that you use the correct measures as it’s easy to upset the balance if too much pumpkin spice syrup is included.
- That said, if you prefer your drinker slightly sweeter & spicier add in a dash more syrup.
Jane Coupland
This is a fun rendition of a classic cocktail that I had a great deal of fun creating and photographing for you. I hope you love it too!