Pumpkin Spice Espresso Martini
Pumpkin spice espresso martini are the perfect cocktail for fall. This martini is light and refreshing with just the right amount of sweetness and spice.

Espresso martinis have been everywhere for the past few years, and for good reason – they’re incredibly tasty and a great pick me up.
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Since I am in Italy for three weeks, my daughter, Denisa, is helping me by guest-posting a recent favorite cocktail she has been making. I thought that it’s the perfect addition for an autumnal tipple!
Take it away DENISA: The recipe I’ve come up with for a pumpkin spice espresso martini is the lightest and most flavorful I’ve had, and friends agree.

Living in NYC, I’ve had my fair share of happy hour martinis. Recently, I’ve noticed a trend towards super complex cocktails. These are, in my opinion, overpowering, often cloyingly sweet and disappointing.
I’ve tried pumpkin martinis and other fall-themed drinks that were just too heavy and dairy forward. No one wants to feel bloated after one drink, just for the sake of having a themed cocktail.
Using a homemade simple syrup (or if you’d like to buy simple syrup here), this pumpkin spice espresso martini recipe has a seasonal twist on the classic drink without being overpowering, too heavy, or too sweet.

If you enjoy themed and seasonal cocktails, here are recipes for a peppermint martini and eggnog martini. Not to mention the seasonal drinks like the classic hot toddy, Irish coffee, and authentic Rüdesheimer coffee that are perfect to warm you up as the temperatures drop.

With only a few ingredients, you’ll have an impressive homemade cocktail that would easily cost you $20 in New York.

Pumpkin Spice Espresso Martini
Recipe by Denisa Wartinbee Serves 2
FULL PRINTABLE RECIPE BELOW
Ingredients
- espresso
- vodka
- Kahlua
- pumpkin spice simple syrup (you can buy this premade syrup, but I make my own!)
- if making homemade, you will need sugar and pumpkin pie spices
- ice
- cinnamon or espresso beans (optional)
Directions

Make the Pumpkin Spice Simple Syrup (optional)
(If you’re like me and like making the homemade version you will find the printable recipe card below)

Make the Espresso
Brew the espresso. Set aside to cool.
Combine the Ingredients
Combine the vodka, Kahlua, and pumpkin spice simple syrup over ice in a cocktail shaker.

Add the espresso last, as to not melt the ice too quickly.

Shake!
Shake the cocktail 50 times for the best ratio of froth to liquid.

Pour into two glasses. Garnish with espresso beans or a sprinkle of cinnamon, if desired.

Enjoy with a friend!

Pumpkin Spice Espresso Martini
Special Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 fl oz espresso freshly made
- 3 fl oz vodka
- 3 fl oz Kahlua or other coffee liqueur
- 1 fl oz pumpkin spice simple syrup see recipe card below
- 1 cup ice
- cinnamon or espresso beans optional, for garnish
Instructions
Make the Pumpkin Spice Syrup (optional – if not purchasing) – recipe below
Make the Martini
- Brew the espresso. Set aside to cool.
- Combine the vodka, Kahlua, and pumpkin spice simple syrup over ice in a cocktail shaker. Add the espresso last.
- Shake the cocktail 50 times for the best ratio of froth to liquid.
- Pour into two glasses. Garnish with espresso beans or a sprinkle of cinnamon, if desired.
Notes
- Making the pumpkin spice simple syrup ahead of time and storing for the season will save you a lot of time and money in future!
- You can jar and store the simple syrup in the fridge for weeks if you don’t use the purée.)
Nutrition
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Pumpkin Spice Simple Syrup
Special Equipment
- 1 saucepan
Ingredients
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 8 oz water
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp ginger
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ¼ tsp allspice
- ⅓ cup pumpkin puree (OPTIONAL)
Instructions
- Combine equal parts sugar (brown and/or white – you can use either or both) and water in a saucepan.
- Add in your pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and allspice).
- Stir and simmer over medium/low heat until slightly thickened (approximately 10 mins).
- Let cool before using.
Notes
- The pumpkin puree can be omitted if desired – the pumpkin spice flavor will come through with the spices added. Try the syrup and add cinnamon/ginger, etc as needed.
- This can be stored in a jar in the fridge for a few weeks. The pumpkin puree may separate, but you can stir and enjoy.
I love the combination of espresso and pumpkin. This is a must-try. Thanks!
This sounds really fun! I love following along on your lovely trip through Italy! I absolutely adore Orvieto.
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Look at you taking martinis to a new level!
That’s my daughter, David! Thanks all the same! :)
Perfect fall cocktail of choice!
This is the most delicious martini I have had to date. The simple syrup recipe is genius. Thank you so much for sharing this with me.