Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cocktail is bold, creamy, and full of fall flavor. The espresso adds a deep coffee kick, while pumpkin spice brings seasonal warmth and nostalgia. It’s easy to make, gorgeous to serve, and endlessly impressive — no barista skills required. Whether you’re a coffee lover, a pumpkin spice fan, or both, this drink is guaranteed to satisfy.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Vodka (plain or vanilla)
Freshly brewed espresso (or strong coffee)
Coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa)
Pumpkin spice syrup or pumpkin purée + maple syrup
Ground pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon (for garnish)
Ice

Directions

Brew a fresh shot of espresso and let it cool slightly.
In a cocktail shaker, combine vodka, coffee liqueur, espresso, and pumpkin spice syrup (or pumpkin purée and maple syrup).
Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds until well chilled and frothy.
Strain into a chilled martini or coupe glass.
Garnish with a light dusting of pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon.
Serve immediately.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 1 cocktail.

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: None
Total time: 5 minutes

For multiple servings, simply scale up the ingredients and shake in batches.

Variations

Creamy Version: Add a splash of cream or half-and-half for a smoother texture.
Pumpkin Lattini: Add a touch of steamed milk and serve warm in a mug for a cozy spin.
Vegan: Use dairy-free pumpkin spice syrup or maple syrup and espresso with non-dairy milk if adding cream.
Spiced Rim: Rim the glass with cinnamon sugar for extra flair.
Flavored Vodka: Use vanilla or caramel vodka to enhance the dessert vibes.

Storage/Reheating

This cocktail is best made fresh and enjoyed immediately.

Make-ahead tip: You can brew the espresso and store it in the fridge for a few hours.
Pumpkin syrup: Store homemade pumpkin spice syrup in the fridge for up to 1 week.

Do not freeze or reheat — serve shaken and chilled.

FAQs

Can I use regular coffee instead of espresso?

Yes, use a very strong brewed coffee if espresso isn’t available.

What’s in pumpkin spice syrup?

Typically a mix of pumpkin purée, maple syrup or sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.

Do I need a cocktail shaker?

It’s best for texture and froth, but you can use a mason jar with a tight lid in a pinch.

Can I make it sweeter?

Yes, adjust the amount of syrup to your taste or add a splash of simple syrup.

What type of vodka should I use?

Plain or vanilla vodka works best. Choose a smooth, mid-range brand for the best flavor.

Is this drink dairy-free?

Yes, unless you add cream. Use non-dairy milk or skip it entirely for a dairy-free version.

How do I get the frothy top?

Shake vigorously with ice — this helps emulsify and create the signature espresso martini foam.

Can I make it decaf?

Yes, use decaf espresso or coffee to make a caffeine-free version.

What’s a good garnish?

Pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, coffee beans, or even a swirl of whipped cream.

Can I serve this at a party?

Absolutely. Pre-brew your espresso, batch your ingredients, and shake to order for guests.

Conclusion

The Pumpkin Spice Espresso Martini is your go-to fall cocktail when you want to combine bold coffee flavor with cozy autumn spices. It’s rich, stylish, and surprisingly simple to make — perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a seasonal nightcap. Whether served after dinner or as a festive happy hour drink, this martini delivers fall flavor in every sip.