Sip on an espresso martini made with peanut butter whiskey and Kahlua
The classic espresso martini is getting a twist with cold brew coffee, peanut butter whiskey, and some heavy cream foam on top. It's everything you love about an espresso martini kicked up a notch. This is the perfect sophisticated cocktail to mix up with Skrewball, Skatter Brain, or Bird Dog.
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I'm obsessed with espresso martinis. They're basically a dessert and coffee all combined into one perfect cocktail.
What makes this drink so special is the addition of peanut butter whiskey along with the traditional Kahlua and espresso. Plus, one of my favorite additions to this recipe is the foam on top. Think of this almost like the cold foam you drink on your morning coffee - it's SO GOOD!
If you love peanut butter whiskey as much as I do, don't forget to check out other popular recipes like these pudding shots or tropical paradise cocktail.
What You'll Learn In This Recipe
In this recipe, I'll teach you a few bartender tips and tricks including:
- The difference between using freshly brewed espresso and cold brew espresso in a cocktail
- The importance of double straining martinis after you hand shake the cocktail
- Some of my favorite martini glasses to present the drink in
Ingredient Notes
There are only five major ingredients needed for our peanut butter whiskey & Kahlua espresso martini.
- Kahlúa: This is a type of coffee liqueur. It adds another depth of flavor to the cocktail that is unmatched!
- Espresso cold brew coffee: Traditionally, espresso martinis are made with freshly brewed espresso. I've opted to use an espresso cold brew coffee concentrate. It's easy to store in your fridge and pull out whenever you need a quick cocktail.
- Peanut butter whiskey: This is the unique ingredient in this recipe. Most traditional espresso martinis don't use peanut butter whiskey. However, it adds an amazing taste! Feel free to use whatever brand you can find. My personal favorite is Skrewball.
- Simple syrup: This helps bring a touch of sweetness to the cocktail. Feel free to adjust (more or less) depending on your personal taste.
- Heavy cream: Typically, the foam on top of an espresso martini made with freshly brewed espresso forms naturally when you mix everything together in a cocktail shaker. Since we're using cold brew, we have to mix the foam on top by hand. It's definitely worth a bit of extra effort.
- Coffee beans: This is completely optional! However, a few whole coffee beans make the perfect elegant garnish.
Tools & Equipment
There are a few bartender tools you'll need for this recipe.
- Boston shaker: Espresso martinis are traditionally shaken with ice.
- Jigger: This is an important tool to make sure all the ingredients have the right proportions so the flavor is balanced.
- Hawthorne strainer: A necessary tool to help strain the drink from the Boston shaker after all the ingredients have been mixed up.
- Mesh strainer: Since martinis are served straight up (without ice), you'll want to double strain the cocktail to avoid an ice shards. Trust me, you don't want to skip this step. It helps make the drink silky smooth!
- Martini glass: Serve this cocktail in a chilled martini glass. I love a unique martini glass or a silver rimmed martini glass. It just makes the presentation that much better!
Recipe Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can make this substitution. However, you will not need to make the heavy cream foam as listed below in the recipe. When you make espresso martinis with freshly brewed espresso, it naturally creates foam for the cocktail.
Yes! However, you won't need to beat for a full 60 seconds if you're using a frother.
Personally, I love Skrewball! The peanut butter flavor is super rich without having an artificial taste.
Recipe Video Tutorial
Peanut Butter Whiskey & Kahlua Espresso Martini
Ingredients
- 1 ½ ounces coffee liqueur (Kahlúa)
- 1 ½ ounces espresso cold brew coffee
- 1 ½ ounces peanut butter whiskey
- ¾ ounce simple syrup divided
- 1 ounce heavy cream
- 3 coffee beans for garnish
Instructions
- Add coffee liqueur, espresso cold brew, peanut butter whiskey, and ½ ounce of simple syrup to a shaker filled with ice. Shake until well chilled, about 30 seconds.
- Double strain with a hawthorne and mesh strainer into a chilled martini glass.
- Add heavy cream and remaining ¼ ounce simple syrup to a medium bowl. Hand whisk for 60 seconds until frothy. Pour on top of martini.
- Garnish with 3 coffee beans.
Nutrition
Other Recipes You'll Enjoy
If you're looking for other delicious cocktails to make with peanut butter whiskey, check out these recipes:
Em
I'm never drinking another regular espresso martini. Skrewball adds SO much more flavor to it!