Eggnog Espresso Martini Cocktail Recipe

Eggnog Espresso Martini Nutrition Facts

Calories:~250

Fat:~4g

Protein:~6g

Carbohydrates:~18g

Alcohol:~14%

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: August 23, 2024

History

The Eggnog Espresso Martini is a festive twist on the classic Espresso Martini, which itself is a product of 1980s London. The cocktail was created to satisfy the craving for a drink that could both energize and celebrate the holiday season.

  • Origins: The original Espresso Martini was invented by British bartender Dick Bradsell.
  • Evolution: Over time, bartenders have experimented with various ingredients, leading to the creation of the Eggnog Espresso Martini.
  • Popularity: This cocktail is particularly popular during the winter holidays, combining the rich flavors of eggnog with the bold kick of espresso.

How Eggnog Espresso Martini Tastes?

The Eggnog Espresso Martini is a delightful balance of creamy, sweet, and robust flavors. The eggnog provides a velvety texture and rich, spiced undertones, while the espresso delivers a strong coffee punch. The vodka adds a clean, alcoholic warmth without overpowering the other ingredients.

Interesting facts about Eggnog Espresso Martini

  • The Eggnog Espresso Martini is often garnished with a sprinkle of nutmeg or cinnamon to enhance its holiday appeal.
  • This cocktail is a perfect after-dinner drink, combining the dessert-like qualities of eggnog with the digestif properties of espresso.
  • Despite its name, the Eggnog Espresso Martini does not actually contain any traditional martini ingredients such as vermouth.

Ingredients

A few good options for Eggnog Espresso Martini are:

  • Grey Goose
  • Belvedere
  • Khor
  • Smirnoff

Learn everything on which Vodka to choose

Eggnog

Eggnog is the heart and soul of this festive cocktail. At 2 oz, it lends a creamy texture and holiday cheer to each sip. It's what makes this drink feel like Christmas in a glass. Less would lose that signature custardy feel, and more might turn your martini into a heavy, dairy-forward drink. No eggnog? Try a mix of heavy cream and a touch of vanilla and cinnamon, but remember, it's not a true nog without the nog!

Mary Mitkina

Espresso

At 1 oz, espresso brings a robust coffee flavor that wakes up the drink (and possibly the drinker!). It’s a punch of rich, bitter notes that balance the sweetness of the eggnog and liqueur. Too little and you'll miss the coffee essence, too much and your martini becomes a jittery joe. If espresso isn't on hand, a strong brewed coffee could step in, though the flavor will be milder.

Alex Green

Vodka

Vodka at 1.5 oz is the spirit backbone, providing alcohol's warmth and little additional flavor to muddle the mix. It's like a ghost - you don't see it, but you know it's there! Too much vodka and the drink becomes less merry, more scary; too little and it might not stand up to the bold flavors of espresso and eggnog. For a twist, try vanilla-flavored vodka for extra dessert vibes.

Emma Rose

Coffee Liqueur

Half an ounce is just enough coffee liqueur to add a hint of sweetness and a depth of coffee flavor that complements the espresso. Like adding sugar to a latte, it's the little touch that makes a difference. More could make the drink cloyingly sweet, less could leave it flat. If you're out, a splash of amaretto could add a nutty spin, but you’ll be playing in a different flavor playground.

Mary Mitkina

Nutmeg

The pinch of nutmeg is the garnish that ties it all together, a fragrant nod to holiday traditions and eggnog's best buddy. Skipping it wouldn’t be a crime, but why miss the chance to add that extra spark of flavor? It also makes your drink look as good as it tastes, and who doesn't love a little sweater for their martini?

Alex Green

Recipe. How to make Eggnog Espresso Martini Drink

  1. Chill your martini glass by placing it in the freezer or filling it with ice water.
  2. Brew a shot of espresso and allow it to cool slightly.
  3. Fill a shaker with ice and add the cooled espresso, eggnog, vodka, and coffee liqueur.
  4. Shake vigorously until well-chilled.
  5. Strain the mixture into the chilled martini glass.
  6. Garnish with a pinch of nutmeg on top.

Pro Tips

  • Espresso Temperature: Make sure the espresso is not too hot when added to the shaker to prevent diluting the drink too much.
  • Shake Time: Shake for at least 15 seconds to create a nice froth from the eggnog.
  • Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality, fresh eggnog and freshly brewed espresso for the best flavor.

Perfect Pairings

Desserts

  • Chocolate Fondue: The richness of chocolate paired with the creamy eggnog and espresso notes makes a delightful combination.
  • Cinnamon Spice Cookies: The warm spices will complement the nutmeg garnish and the creamy eggnog flavors.
  • Tiramisu: The coffee elements in both the cocktail and this classic dessert echo each other for a harmonious match.

Snacks

  • Roasted Nuts: The saltiness and crunchiness of nuts provide a nice textural contrast to the creamy cocktail.
  • Dark Chocolate: A piece of high-quality dark chocolate can enhance the coffee liqueur's depths.

Brunch

  • Quiche: A savory quiche balances the sweetness of the cocktail perfectly.
  • French Toast: Incorporate the theme of eggnog into your brunch with this sweet pairing.

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What you could change in Eggnog Espresso Martini

  • Vodka: You can use vanilla-flavored vodka for an added depth of flavor.
  • Coffee Liqueur: Kahlúa is a popular choice, but Tia Maria can also be used for a slightly different taste profile.
  • Espresso: If you don't have an espresso machine, strong brewed coffee can work in a pinch.

Explore all drinks starting with E here

And of course - twists🍹

Bourbon Eggnog Espresso Martini

Replace vodka with bourbon for a deeper, more caramel-like flavor. This twist adds a bold American whiskey profile that stands up nicely to the strong flavors of coffee and eggnog.

Peppermint Eggnog Espresso Martini

Add a 1/2 oz of peppermint schnapps to the mix. The minty freshness will give the cocktail a cool edge, reminiscent of a peppermint mocha. Perfect for those who love their holidays with a side of minty freshness!

Vegan Eggnog Espresso Martini

Use almond milk or another dairy-free alternative in place of eggnog, and choose a vegan coffee liqueur. With a plant-based twist, this drink becomes accessible to all, ringing in the cheer without the dairy dear.

In case you forgot basics how to make Eggnog Espresso Martini

Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.

Learn everything on how to shake

Place your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.

Learn everything on how to strain

Garnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).

Learn everything on garnishing

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Frequently Asked Questions on Eggnog Espresso Martini

Can I make the Eggnog Espresso Martini in advance?

It's best to make it right before serving to maintain the texture and temperature, but you can pre-mix the ingredients except for the espresso and ice, and keep it refrigerated.

How can I achieve the best froth for my Eggnog Espresso Martini?

Using a fresh egg-based eggnog and a vigorous shake will create a nice frothy top. A shaker with a coil inside can also help build a better froth.

Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for vodka in this cocktail?

For a non-alcoholic version, you can use a vodka-flavored syrup or simply omit the vodka to enjoy a lighter cocktail.

What type of glass is best suited for serving an Eggnog Espresso Martini?

Traditionally, it is served in a martini glass, but it can also be presented in a coupe glass for an elegant look.

How important is the quality of coffee in an Eggnog Espresso Martini?

The quality of coffee is very important as it contributes significantly to the flavor profile of the cocktail. Freshly brewed, high-quality espresso is recommended.

Can I use pre-made store-bought eggnog for this recipe?

Yes, store-bought eggnog can be used, but for best results, choose a high-quality brand with a creamy texture and rich flavor.

What can I use if I don't have a cocktail shaker?

You can use a large jar with a tight-fitting lid as a substitute for a cocktail shaker.

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