Hazelnut Espresso Martini – A Luxurious Coffee Cocktail

If you love espresso martinis and crave a nutty, chocolatey twist, this Hazelnut Espresso Martini is your new go-to indulgence! A rich blend of Frangelico, chocolate liqueur, espresso, and cream, this cocktail is smooth, bold, and irresistibly decadent—perfect for coffee lovers, dessert cocktail fans, or anyone who enjoys a sophisticated, after-dinner drink.

Why You’ll Love This Cocktail

Indulgent & Velvety – Creamy with deep coffee and chocolate flavors.
Perfect for Espresso Lovers – Bold espresso with a nutty, sweet twist.
Easy to Customize – Make it stronger, creamier, or extra chocolatey!
Ideal for Special Occasions – A show-stopping cocktail for parties, date nights, or celebrations.

this RECIPE

Ingredients

• 1 ½ oz Hazelnut Liqueur (Frangelico) – Adds a deep, nutty sweetness.
• 1 oz Espresso (or strong brewed coffee) – For that bold, roasted coffee kick.
• 1 oz Chocolate Liqueur (Godiva or Mozart) – Velvety and indulgent.
• ½ oz Vodka (Optional for an extra kick!)
• ½ oz Heavy Cream (or milk) – Smooths everything out.
• Ice Cubes – To chill and balance the drink.

Garnish

• Chocolate Syrup – Drizzled inside the glass for a stylish, decorative look.
• Crushed Hazelnuts or Cocoa Powder – For an elegant, nutty finish.

Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the Glass

• Drizzle chocolate syrup inside a chilled martini or coupe glass for a fancy, decorative touch.

2️⃣ Shake the Cocktail

• In a cocktail shaker, combine:
  Hazelnut liqueur
  Espresso
  Chocolate liqueur
  Vodka (if using)
  Heavy cream
• Add ice cubes and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds until well chilled and frothy.

3️⃣ Strain & Serve 🍸

• Strain the smooth, rich mixture into your prepared glass.

4️⃣ Garnish & Enjoy

• Sprinkle crushed hazelnuts or cocoa powder on top for a sophisticated finish.
• Sip, savor, and enjoy responsibly!

Helpful Tips for the Perfect Hazelnut Espresso Martini

Use Freshly Brewed Espresso – Fresh espresso creates a rich crema on top and enhances the bold coffee flavor. If you don’t have an espresso machine, use cold brew concentrate or strong brewed coffee as an alternative.

Shake Vigorously! – A strong shake (15-20 seconds) with ice helps create a smooth, frothy texture that makes this cocktail extra luxurious.

Chill Your Glass – Place your martini glass in the freezer for 5-10 minutes before serving to keep the drink cold longer.

Balance the Strength & Sweetness – Adjust the ratios to your preference:

• Want it stronger? Add ½ oz more vodka.
• Prefer it sweeter? Increase the chocolate liqueur slightly or add a splash of simple syrup.

Dairy-Free Option – Swap heavy cream for oat milk, almond milk, or coconut cream for a creamy, vegan-friendly version.

Experiment with Garnishes – Try grated dark chocolate, cocoa powder, or a chocolate-covered espresso bean for an elegant touch.

Make it Dessert-Worthy – Add a small scoop of vanilla ice cream instead of cream for a decadent, milkshake-like twist!

Try a White Chocolate Version – Use white chocolate liqueur instead of dark chocolate for a smoother, creamier variation.

Conservation and Storage

The Hazelnut Espresso Martini is best enjoyed fresh for the creamiest texture and boldest espresso flavor. However, if you need to prepare it in advance, follow these tips:

Short-Term Storage:

• Pre-Mix the Liquids: Combine the hazelnut liqueur, chocolate liqueur, espresso, and vodka ahead of time and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 12 hours.
• Shake Before Serving: When ready to serve, add the heavy cream and ice, shake vigorously, and strain into your prepared glass.

Long-Term Storage (Not Recommended):

• Avoid Freezing: The espresso and liqueurs may separate or lose their flavor, and dairy-based ingredients do not freeze well.
• No Ice Until Serving: Adding ice before storing will cause dilution, affecting the drink’s strength and texture.

Best Practices for Storing Leftovers:

• If you’ve already shaken and served the cocktail, store any leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 6 hours.
• The flavors may settle over time, so give it a good stir or shake before re-serving.

Storage Instructions

• Best Served Fresh – This cocktail is meant to be enjoyed immediately.
• Short-Term Storage: If needed, mix the ingredients (except ice and cream) in advance and store in the fridge for up to 12 hours. Shake with ice before serving.
• Do Not Freeze – Freezing changes the texture and affects the espresso crema.

Substitutions and Variations

• No Frangelico? Use amaretto or Baileys Hazelnut as a substitute.
• Prefer a Classic Espresso Martini? Skip the chocolate liqueur and cream.
• Make It Spiked Mocha Style – Add a splash of Kahlúa or Irish cream.
• Want It Vegan? Use oat milk or coconut cream instead of dairy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this without alcohol?

Yes! Replace the liqueurs and vodka with hazelnut syrup and extra espresso for a delicious non-alcoholic coffee mocktail.

What’s the best espresso to use?

A freshly brewed espresso shot from an espresso machine is ideal. Strong cold brew concentrate works too.

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

Yes! Whole milk, oat milk, or almond milk are great alternatives.

What’s the difference between this and a regular Espresso Martini?

This version has hazelnut and chocolate liqueur, making it richer, nuttier, and more dessert-like than the classic.

Conclusion: A Dream Drink for Coffee & Dessert Lovers!

The Hazelnut Espresso Martini is a decadent, smooth, and sophisticated cocktail perfect for coffee enthusiasts and those who love a dessert-style drink. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, celebrating a special occasion, or just treating yourself, this luxurious martini is a must-try!

Craving more dessert cocktails? Try these next!

Classic Espresso Martini – Bold, simple, and smooth.
Mudslide Cocktail – A creamy mix of Baileys, Kahlúa, and vodka.
Chocolate White Russian – A rich, indulgent coffee-cocoa blend.

Tried this recipe? Share your photos on Pinterest or tag me on Instagram! Cheers!

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