Name: Carrot Cake Espresso Martini
Prep time: 4 min
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)

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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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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

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