If you love the rich, deep flavors of espresso and want to add a nutty touch, the Hazelnut Espresso Martini is the perfect choice. This variation of the classic Espresso Martini combines the bold coffee flavors with the warm, toasted notes of hazelnut liqueur. The result is a decadent, smooth, and indulgent cocktail that will elevate any occasion. Whether you’re a coffee lover or just enjoy a bit of nutty sweetness, this twist on the original Espresso Martini is sure to be a hit.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the recipe, offer some tips, and share variations to help you perfect this nutty cocktail.
Ingredients for the Hazelnut Espresso Martini
To make this delicious Hazelnut Espresso Martini, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 50ml vodka: A neutral vodka is ideal, allowing the coffee and hazelnut flavors to shine.
- 30ml freshly brewed espresso: Fresh, hot espresso adds that signature coffee taste and a slight bitterness that balances the sweetness.
- 15ml hazelnut liqueur: A good hazelnut liqueur, such as Frangelico, adds a sweet, nutty flavor that complements the espresso beautifully.
- 10ml coffee liqueur: This ingredient enhances the coffee flavor and adds a layer of sweetness to the cocktail.
- Ice cubes: Ice is essential for chilling the drink and creating the frothy top.
- Garnish: A sprinkle of chopped hazelnuts or a few whole hazelnuts on top of the drink adds both a visual appeal and a nutty crunch.
Instructions for Making the Hazelnut Espresso Martini
Here’s how to prepare this nutty and indulgent cocktail:
- Brew the Espresso: Start by brewing 30ml of espresso. Let it cool down slightly before adding it to the cocktail shaker.
- Prepare the Shaker: Add the brewed espresso, vodka, hazelnut liqueur, and coffee liqueur into the cocktail shaker.
- Add Ice: Fill the shaker with ice cubes to ensure the drink is chilled.
- Shake Vigorously: Shake the ingredients for about 15-20 seconds to create a frothy texture and to chill the mixture thoroughly.
- Strain and Serve: Double strain the cocktail into a chilled martini glass, removing any ice shards or coffee grounds.
- Garnish: Sprinkle a few chopped hazelnuts or add a whole hazelnut on top as a garnish.
Tips for the Perfect Hazelnut Espresso Martini
- Use Fresh Espresso: Freshly brewed espresso will give the cocktail a robust flavor. If you can, use a high-quality espresso to get the best taste.
- Choose a Good Hazelnut Liqueur: Hazelnut liqueur is the star of this cocktail, so make sure to choose one that has a rich, authentic flavor, like Frangelico.
- Shake Well: Shaking the cocktail vigorously is key to achieving a frothy texture and ensuring that the ingredients are well mixed.
- Garnish with Hazelnuts: Adding a sprinkle of chopped hazelnuts or a whole hazelnut on top of the cocktail provides a delicious, crunchy contrast to the smooth drink.
- Chill Your Glass: Pre-chill your martini glass by filling it with ice water while preparing the cocktail. This keeps the drink colder for longer once served.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutrition facts for one serving of Hazelnut Espresso Martini:
- Calories: 220-250 kcal (depending on the liqueur used)
- Carbs: 22–28g
- Sugar: 20–25g
- Fat: 0g
- Caffeine: ~63mg (from the espresso)
- Protein: 1g
When to Enjoy a Hazelnut Espresso Martini
The Hazelnut Espresso Martini is a versatile cocktail that works well for various occasions:
- After Dinner Drink: Its nutty sweetness makes it a perfect dessert cocktail, ideal for sipping after a nice meal.
- Romantic Evenings: The smooth, indulgent nature of this cocktail makes it perfect for a cozy date night.
- Coffee Lovers: If you love espresso, this nutty variation is a great way to enjoy a delicious twist on the classic.
- Holiday Celebrations: The hazelnut flavor brings warmth and comfort, making it a great choice for holiday parties or winter gatherings.
Variations of the Hazelnut Espresso Martini
If you’re looking to experiment and put your own spin on the Hazelnut Espresso Martini, here are a few variations to consider:
1. Chocolate Hazelnut Espresso Martini
Add a chocolatey touch to this nutty cocktail by incorporating chocolate liqueur. This variation combines two classic flavors — chocolate and hazelnut — to create a rich and decadent drink.
Ingredients:
- 50ml vodka
- 30ml freshly brewed espresso
- 15ml hazelnut liqueur
- 15ml chocolate liqueur
- Garnish with shaved chocolate or cocoa powder.
2. Spiced Hazelnut Espresso Martini
For a little kick, add a splash of spiced rum or ginger liqueur to your Hazelnut Espresso Martini. The spicy notes complement the nuttiness and provide an interesting flavor contrast.
Ingredients:
- 50ml vodka
- 30ml freshly brewed espresso
- 15ml hazelnut liqueur
- 10ml coffee liqueur
- Splash of spiced rum
- Garnish with a cinnamon stick or ground cinnamon.
3. Caramel Hazelnut Espresso Martini
If you have a sweet tooth, add a drizzle of caramel syrup to the cocktail for a rich, sugary twist. This version combines the sweetness of caramel with the nutty hazelnut flavor.
Ingredients:
- 50ml vodka
- 30ml freshly brewed espresso
- 15ml hazelnut liqueur
- 10ml coffee liqueur
- 10ml caramel syrup
- Garnish with a drizzle of caramel or a caramel candy.
4. Nutty Hazelnut Espresso Martini
Enhance the nutty flavor by adding a hazelnut syrup or hazelnut-infused vodka. This variation takes the hazelnut experience to the next level.
Ingredients:
- 50ml hazelnut-infused vodka
- 30ml freshly brewed espresso
- 15ml hazelnut liqueur
- 10ml coffee liqueur
- Garnish with chopped toasted hazelnuts.
Final Thoughts
The Hazelnut Espresso Martini is an indulgent and sophisticated twist on the classic Espresso Martini, with the rich flavors of espresso and hazelnut liqueur coming together for a smooth and decadent cocktail. Whether you’re enjoying it after dinner or serving it at a celebration, this drink is sure to impress. The nutty flavors and frothy texture make it an irresistible option for cocktail lovers.
Try it today and enjoy the rich, warm flavors of the Hazelnut Espresso Martini — a perfect treat for coffee lovers and nut enthusiasts alike!
