Pumpkin Spice Espresso Martini

Rich coffee, warm pumpkin spice and a silky foam top make this chilled cocktail a cozy choice for autumn evenings. Inspired by the martini-style drink pictured with Wolf Ember Coffee’s Pumpkin Spice blend, this version brings those fall flavors into your glass.

Serves: 1
Glass: 5–6 oz martini glass or coupe
Prep time: About 5 minutes, plus cooling the coffee

Ingredients

• 1 oz (2 tablespoons) vodka
• 1 oz (2 tablespoons) coffee liqueur, such as Kahlúa
• 1 oz (2 tablespoons) freshly brewed espresso, cooled
• ¼ oz (1½ teaspoons) pumpkin spice syrup, or up to ½ oz (1 tablespoon) for a sweeter drink
• 1 generous cup ice, for shaking
• 3 coffee beans and a very light dusting of cinnamon, for garnish

Wolf Ember coffee option: Use Wolf Ember Coffee’s Pumpkin Spice blend brewed as espresso with the appropriate fine grind. If you have coarse-ground coffee, use a concentrated brew made with a suitable brewing method instead; coarse grounds are not suitable for an espresso machine. Strong brewed coffee or cold brew concentrate works, although the foam may be lighter. Pumpkin spice syrup supplies the seasonal flavor if you use plain espresso.

Step-by-step instructions

1. Chill your glass.
   Place a martini glass or coupe in the freezer for a few minutes, or fill it with ice while you prepare the drink.
2. Brew and cool the coffee.
   Measure 1 oz of espresso and let it cool before adding it to the shaker so it won’t melt the ice too quickly.
3. Measure the ingredients.
   Add the vodka, coffee liqueur, cooled espresso and ¼ oz pumpkin spice syrup to a cocktail shaker. Use up to ½ oz syrup if you prefer a sweeter drink.
4. Add the ice.
   Add a generous cup of ice and close the shaker securely.
5. Shake vigorously.
   Shake for 15–20 seconds, until the shaker feels cold. A strong shake helps create the fine, creamy foam.
6. Strain into the chilled glass.
   Empty any chilling ice from the glass. Pour through a cocktail strainer and a fine-mesh strainer to catch small ice shards.
7. Garnish and serve.
   Let the foam settle briefly, then gently place 3 coffee beans on top and add a tiny dusting of cinnamon. Serve immediately, without ice in the glass.

Make it your own

Try vanilla vodka for a softer vanilla note. Reduce or omit the pumpkin spice syrup if your coffee already provides enough seasonal flavor and the coffee liqueur gives you enough sweetness. For a creamier variation, add ½ oz (1 tablespoon) milk or oat milk before shaking.

Wolf Ember tip

Fresh espresso and a vigorous shake give this drink its signature foam. If you’re using concentrated brewed coffee, expect a thinner foam cap—the coffee flavor can still be delicious. Shake each serving just before pouring.

This seasonal variation uses the classic espresso, vodka and coffee-liqueur base described in Kahlúa’s Espresso Martini guide.