If you are looking for a good cocktail you can enjoy with your friends on a cold winter night, this hazelnut espresso martini drink is the perfect choice. It has all of the warmth and spice that is associated with hazelnuts, but also adds a hint of sweetness to make it the ideal after-dinner drink.
If you are looking for a good cocktail you can enjoy with your friends on a cold winter night, this hazelnut espresso martini drink is the perfect choice. It has all of the warmth and spice that is associated with hazelnuts, but also adds a hint of sweetness to make it the ideal after-dinner drink.
Frangelico hazelnut liqueur adds a warm, nutty flavor. Any coffee liqueur will work, but we prefer the flavor of kahlua. Godiva chocolate liqueur can be subbed in for the frangelico if you prefer. You can also use black cold brew or strong brewed coffee to replace the espresso.
Why you will like this Espresso martini drink recipe:
Flavor: The intense, warm flavor that you get from the combination of the espresso, with hazelnut liqueur, coffee liquer and vodka is incredible.
Cost: The cost to make these at home, versus spending upwards of $15 for an espresso martini at a club or restaurant is so much lower!
Wow Factor: Everyone is always so impressed by espresso martinis! Floating the the coffee beans on the froth is such a finish! You will be the ultimate bartender at home!
What you will need to make these hazelnut espresso martinis:
- Espresso – Provides a strong, rich coffee flavor, essential to the martini.
- Cocoa – Adds a hint of chocolate for depth and balance with the coffee.
- Crystal sugar – Adds sweetness and a bit of texture to enhance the flavor.
- Frangelico hazelnut liqueur – Brings a nutty hazelnut flavor that complements the coffee.
- Vodka – The base spirit that provides the alcohol content without overpowering other flavors.
- Kahlua coffee liqueur – Adds another layer of coffee flavor with a touch of sweetness.
- Chocolate bitters (optional) – Offers a subtle complexity with a hint of bitterness to offset the sweetness.
- Ice – Chills and dilutes the drink slightly, creating a smooth, sippable texture.
- Half and half or cream – Adds creaminess and balances the strong coffee and alcohol flavors.
- Espresso beans for garnish – Provides a visual touch and emphasizes the coffee theme.
Instructions for the Perfect Hazelnut Espresso Martini
- Prepare the Espresso
Start by brewing your espresso, and let it come to room temperature before using. This will ensure that it doesn’t dilute the martini with heat once mixed with the other ingredients. - Create a Festive Glass Rim
In a small plate, combine cocoa powder and crystal sugar. Next, pour a small amount of hazelnut liqueur over the rim of your martini glass, holding it over the cocktail shaker to catch any drips. Gently roll the rim of the glass back and forth over the cocoa-sugar mixture to coat it, creating a festive and delicious rim that will add a sweet, chocolatey touch to each sip. Once done, set the glass aside. - Mix the Martini
In your cocktail shaker, pour in the remaining Frangelico hazelnut liqueur, vodka, Kahlua, and room-temperature espresso. If you’d like to add a bit more complexity to the drink, add in 3 drops of chocolate bitters for an extra layer of flavor. Add a generous amount of ice to the shaker and shake vigorously to chill and mix all the ingredients thoroughly. Once shaken, strain the mixture into your prepared martini glass. - Froth the Cream
To give your martini a luxurious, creamy finish, froth the half-and-half (or your choice of dairy-free substitute like coconut cream or oat milk). You can use a handheld frother, or if you don’t have one, a small whisk works just as well—simply spin the whisk between your palms to create foam. Once frothed, gently spoon the foam over the top of your martini. - Garnish with Espresso Beans
For the final touch, delicately place three espresso beans onto the foam. This garnish not only adds a touch of elegance but also reinforces the coffee flavor in a simple, understated way.
Can I use cold brew instead of espresso?
Yes, you can use cold brew instead of espresso in your hazelnut espresso martini! Cold brew is less acidic and smoother than espresso, but it will still provide the rich coffee flavor needed for the martini. Here’s how it may affect the recipe:
- Flavors: Cold brew will bring a smoother, less intense coffee flavor compared to the sharp, concentrated taste of espresso. This may make the martini feel a bit lighter in coffee intensity.
- Balance: You might want to adjust the amount of cold brew slightly if you prefer a stronger coffee kick, as cold brew is generally more diluted than espresso.
- Temperature: Cold brew is already chilled, so it could make the drink a bit colder and more refreshing right from the start.
Using cold brew can be a great alternative, especially if you prefer its smoothness!
Dairy-Free Substitutions:
Yes, there are several excellent dairy-free substitutes you can use in place of half-and-half or cream to keep your hazelnut espresso martini rich and creamy without dairy. Here are some options:
- Coconut cream – Thick and creamy with a slight coconut flavor, it adds a tropical richness that pairs well with coffee and hazelnut.
- Almond milk – A lighter option with a subtle nutty flavor that complements the Frangelico hazelnut liqueur.
- Oat milk – Creamy and neutral, oat milk is a great dairy-free substitute that won’t overpower other flavors.
- Cashew milk – Offers a rich, creamy texture similar to dairy cream, with a mild flavor that blends well with coffee and liqueurs.
- Soy milk – A common dairy-free substitute with a thicker texture than almond or oat milk, and a neutral taste.
These options will keep your martini creamy without the dairy! If you prefer a thicker consistency, go for coconut cream or cashew milk. For a lighter version, almond or oat milk works well.
If you love Frangelica go check out 11+ BEST Frangelico Cocktails
Equipment
- Shot Glasses
Ingredients
- 2 ounces espresso
- 1 tablespoon cocoa
- 1 teaspoon crystal sugar
- 1 ounce Frangelica hazelnut liqueur
- 1 ounce vodka
- 1 ounce Kahlua Coffee liqueur
- 3 drops chocolate bitters optional
- Ice
- 1 ounce half and half or cream
- 3 Espresso beans for garnish
Instructions
- Allow espresso to come to room temperature.2 ounces espresso
- Place cocoa powder and crystal sugar on a plate. Pour hazelnut liqueur over rim of martini glass, over the cocktail shaker. Gently roll rim of martini glass back and forth to create a festive rim of chocolate and sugar. Set glass aside.1 tablespoon cocoa, 1 teaspoon crystal sugar
- Pour the rest of the Frangelico, vodka, Kahlua, and espresso into the cocktail shaker. Add in 3 drops of chocolate bitters. Add ice and shake vigorously. Strain into martini glass.1 ounce Frangelica hazelnut liqueur, 1 ounce vodka, 1 ounce Kahlua Coffee liqueur, 3 drops chocolate bitters, Ice
- Froth the half and half using a hand held frother. You can also use a small whisk, spinning back and forth with your hands. Add froth to the top of the cocktail, and gently place 3 coffee beans onto the foam.1 ounce half and half or cream, 3 Espresso beans for garnish
Nutrition
Give these other festive martinis a try!
Pomegranate Lemon Drop Martini
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I love anything with hazelnut and this martini was amazing. Perfect for a dinner party.
This is such an easy and delicious recipe, I cannot wait to make it again!
Such a gorgeous espresso martini! I especially love the flavor from the hazelnut liqueur. So easy too!
My wife made this for girls night and they all raved about it! Thank you!
Ned,
Best husband award! So happy!
Dina and Bruce
My 2 favorite things combined into one! This is such a fun cocktail
Michelle,
So good! Thank you! Enjoy!
Dina and Bruce
The addition of Frangelica in this hazelnut espresso martini is SO good. Definitely the best version of an espresso martini!
Ali,
Our day is made with your sweet comment! Thank you! Cheers to the weekend!
Dina and Bruce
This really takes espresso martinis to the next level! Love the added hazelnut flavor, this might be my new favorite cocktail. Thanks for sharing!
Oh, wow. That’s what I call a martini. I love the combination of that smooth hazelnut flavor with the kick of espresso!
This drink came out great! Tasted just like from a craft cocktail bar!
Delicious! This was perfect for after dinner.
Wow never thought to use hazelnut in martini! The taste is exquisite!
I was gifted a bottle of Frangelica hazelnut liqueur over Christmas and we decided to make these on New Years Day. It’s fair to say, it’s one of the best espresso martinis we’ve ever had. Loved the hazelnut flavour and the fact that they are not too high in calories 😉
Leva,
Loved that you cheersed the New Year in with this cocktail! Happy 2024!!
Dina and Bruce
I love espresso martinis but never had it with hazelnut liqueur before now! This is my new favorite cocktail!
Holley,
Excited for that! Cheers to 2024!
Dina and Bruce
Such a delicious and beautiful drink! I love that rim and the flavors sound amazing.
Tara,
You are so kind. Thank you!
Dina and Bruce
I went out and bought hazelnut liqueur specifically for this recipe and it did not disappoint! Such a great cocktail.
Bobby,
Nice! Cheers to 2024!
Dina and Bruce
This is such a tasty combination – the nutty flavor from the Frangelica pairs perfectly.
Caroline,
Thank you! Cheers to 2024!
We made these martinis at our NYE party and they were a total hit! My new go to cocktail!
This is such an incredibly satisfying drink with amazing flavors. Perfect for enjoying by the fire in the cooler months!
I just tried your Hazelnut Espresso Martini recipe, and it’s absolutely delightful! The rich hazelnut flavor pairs wonderfully with the bold espresso, creating a sophisticated yet indulgent drink. It’s the perfect blend of nutty and caffeinated notes, ideal for a relaxing evening or a special occasion. Really enjoyed this unique twist on a classic martini!
Tavo,
Thank you so much! We are glad you enjoyed it! Cheers to the weekend!
Dina and Bruce
Oh I love the fact that I can enjoy this martini on a cold winter night for it has warm and cozy flavors! I need to give my girl friends a call today! 😉
This was so tasty! The espresso gave it such a smooth flavor – it went so well with dessert.
MAde this for a girls night! total hit!!
Carol,
That is so awesome! So glad you enjoyed!
Dina and Bruce