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Carrot Cake Espresso Martini

Carrot Cake Espresso Martini

The Carrot Cake Espresso Martini is bold, rich, and full of cozy flavor. It takes the warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg, the sweetness of cream liqueur, and the kick of fresh espresso, then ties it all together with a hint of spiced cake flavor. It’s smooth but strong, sweet but not too much. Think dessert meets after-dinner coffee with a little buzz. Serve it cold in a chilled glass, maybe with a dusting of cinnamon or a touch of cream on top. The Carrot Cake Espresso Martini is a fun twist that turns heads and keeps people asking for another.

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Tasting Notes

The Carrot Cake Espresso Martini is a rich, indulgent dessert cocktail that combines bold espresso with warm, spiced sweetness. Coffee liqueur and vodka provide the traditional base, while horchata adds creamy cinnamon notes and carrot cake syrup delivers nutty, spiced depth reminiscent of the beloved dessert. A cream cheese icing and crushed walnut rim adds texture and decadence, making each sip taste like liquid carrot cake—with a caffeinated kick.

Equipment and Glassware

Use a cocktail shaker and jigger for mixing. Serve in a chilled martini glass rimmed with cream cheese frosting and crushed walnuts. A fine mesh strainer ensures a smooth pour, and garnish tweezers help place espresso beans precisely.

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Carrot Cake Espresso Martini

Ingredients

  • 1 oz vodka
  • 1 oz coffee liqueur
  • 1 oz freshly brewed espresso (cooled)
  • 0.5 oz horchata
  • 0.75 oz carrot cake simple syrup*
  • Cream cheese frosting (for rimming)
  • Crushed walnuts (for rimming)
  • 3 espresso beans (for garnish)

Instructions

  • Rim the Glass: Spread cream cheese frosting around the rim of a martini glass. Dip into crushed walnuts to coat. Set aside.
  • Shake: In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine vodka, coffee liqueur, espresso, horchata, and carrot cake syrup. Shake vigorously until chilled and frothy.
  • Strain: Strain into the prepared martini glass.
  • Garnish: Float three espresso beans on top for a classic espresso martini finish.
Carrot Cake Espresso Martini

*Carrot cake simple syrup recipe:
2 medium sized carrots
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup water
Cinnamon stick
Pumpkin pie spice
1 lemon peel
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Put all ingredients in a pot and let simmer for 10-15 minutes stirring occasionally. Carrots should be soft. Turn off heat and let cool for 20 minutes. Strain out ingredients and store in an air tight container for 1-2 weeks.

Carrot Cake Espresso Martini

Pro Tips

  • Use fresh, hot espresso for the best crema and a rich top layer.
  • Homemade carrot cake syrup can be made by simmering sugar, water, shredded carrot, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of vanilla, then straining.
  • Chill your glass for at least 10 minutes for optimal presentation and temperature.

When to Serve

The Carrot Cake Espresso Martini is a decadent dessert cocktail that combines the bold richness of espresso with the comforting, spiced sweetness of carrot cake. This cozy twist on the classic espresso martini features vodka, coffee liqueur, a splash of cream, and hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla—capturing the essence of a beloved dessert in a single sip.

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Perfect for dinner parties, holiday celebrations, or any time you’re craving a sweet, caffeinated indulgence, this cocktail offers both warmth and sophistication. Garnish with a dusting of cinnamon or a cream cheese–inspired rim for extra flair. Whether served after a festive meal or as a seasonal signature drink, the Carrot Cake Espresso Martini is an irresistible way to end the evening on a smooth, spiced note.

Carrot Cake Espresso Martini

Recommended Brands

  • Horchata: RumChata (if alcoholic) or homemade for non-alcoholic richness
  • Vodka: Tito’s, Absolut, or Ketel One
  • Coffee liqueur: Kahlúa, Mr Black, or Tia Maria

Similar Cocktails

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Carrot Cake Espresso Martini

Carrot Cake Espresso Martini

Prep Time: 4 minutes
No ratings yet
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Carrot, Espresso, espresso cocktails, Martini cocktails
Servings: 1
Author: Paul Kushner

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 oz vodka
  • 1 oz coffee liqueur
  • 1 oz freshly brewed espresso cooled
  • 0.5 oz horchata
  • 0.75 oz carrot cake simple syrup*
  • Cream cheese frosting for rimming
  • Crushed walnuts for rimming
  • 3 espresso beans for garnish

Instructions

  • Rim the Glass: Spread cream cheese frosting around the rim of a martini glass. Dip into crushed walnuts to coat. Set aside.
  • Shake: In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine vodka, coffee liqueur, espresso, horchata, and carrot cake syrup. Shake vigorously until chilled and frothy.
  • Strain: Strain into the prepared martini glass.
  • Garnish: Float three espresso beans on top for a classic espresso martini fin

Notes

Pro Tips

  • Use chilled espresso to avoid watering down the cocktail.
  • For extra decadence, lightly dust the top with cinnamon or nutmeg.
  • Keep your glass in the freezer while mixing for a perfectly frosty serve.
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Paul Kushner

Written by Paul Kushner

Founder and CEO of MyBartender. Graduated from Penn State University. He always had a deep interest in the restaurant and bar industry. His restaurant experience began in 1997 at the age of 14 as a bus boy. By the time he turned 17 he was serving tables, and by 19 he was bartending/bar managing 6-7 nights a week.

In 2012, after a decade and a half of learning all facets of the industry, Paul opened his first restaurant/bar. In 2015, a second location followed, the latter being featured on The Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.

Follow them on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Youtube, Google Guide and MuckRack.

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