White Chocolate Espresso Martini Cocktail Recipe

If you’re into a mix of smooth sweetness and bold coffee flavor, this cocktail’s probably going to be a hit. The blend of white chocolate and espresso makes for a rich drink that feels both indulgent and kind of energizing.

A White Chocolate Espresso Martini brings together creamy chocolate notes and the sharp kick of espresso, so it’s simple but still manages to impress.

Honestly, I like this drink because it works for dessert or as a nightcap. It’s easy enough to throw together at home with just a few ingredients, and it looks pretty classy in a martini glass.

The recipe doesn’t take much time, but the flavor feels special—nothing complicated, just good. You’ll see how to prep it step by step, and get a sense of what to expect when you take that first sip.

The tasting notes help you know how the white chocolate and espresso actually come together in this cocktail, which is always helpful before making it for someone else.

White Chocolate Espresso Martini Cocktail Recipe

I tend to make this drink when I’m craving something smooth, creamy, and a little bold. Espresso, vodka, and white chocolate liqueur give it a rich hit, and the garnish just tops it off nicely.

Equipment

To get started, I keep a few tools nearby. A cocktail shaker is key—it chills and blends everything evenly, which is kind of important here.

I use a martini glass since the wide rim lets that creamy top layer show off a bit. For measuring, a jigger keeps things balanced.

A fine mesh strainer gets rid of ice chips so the drink looks smooth and clean. For garnish, I’ll grab a grater to shave chocolate on top.

If I’m feeling extra, I’ll use a bar spoon to drizzle chocolate syrup inside the glass. Sometimes a small whisk comes out if I want to froth some heavy cream before layering it. Little touches like this make the drink look and taste better, honestly.

Ingredients

I like to keep the ingredients simple and easy to blend. The base is usually vodka or vanilla vodka if I’m after a little extra sweetness.

Then I add white chocolate liqueur (Godiva’s a good pick) for that creamy texture.

• 1 ½ oz vodka (plain or vanilla)
• 1 oz white chocolate liqueur
• 1 oz coffee liqueur (like Baileys or Kahlúa)
• 1 oz freshly brewed espresso or instant espresso
• ½ oz heavy cream (optional, if you want it creamier)
• Chocolate syrup (for glass drizzle, totally optional)
• Ice cubes

For garnish, I usually go with:

• White chocolate shavings
• Regular chocolate shavings
• A dusting of cocoa powder, cinnamon, or nutmeg
• Maybe a few coffee beans on top

Instructions

First, I chill the martini glass in the freezer for a few minutes. Then I fill the cocktail shaker with ice.

• Pour in the vodka, white chocolate liqueur, coffee liqueur, and espresso.
• Add heavy cream if I’m in the mood for a thicker, creamier drink.
• Shake hard for about 15–20 seconds, until the shaker’s super cold.
• Strain into the chilled martini glass using a fine mesh strainer.
• Garnish with chocolate shavings, cocoa powder, or coffee beans.

Sometimes I’ll drizzle chocolate syrup inside the glass before pouring. It just looks cool and adds a little extra sweetness.

Notes

Fresh espresso makes the drink taste best, at least in my experience, but instant espresso works if I’m short on time. Using vanilla vodka gives it a subtle flavor that pairs nicely with the white chocolate liqueur.

If I want something lighter, I just skip the heavy cream. For a full-on dessert vibe, I’ll top it with a bit of whipped cream and maybe sprinkle on some cinnamon or nutmeg.

I like to switch up the garnish depending on the mood. White chocolate shavings look clean and kind of elegant, while cocoa powder gives a more classic look. Coffee beans on top? Simple, but always makes the drink look finished.

Tasting Notes

I get this smooth mix of sweet white chocolate and bold espresso right away. The sweetness really takes the edge off the coffee’s bitterness, so it tastes more like a treat than some super strong drink.

The texture? Creamy and rich, honestly almost like a light dessert cocktail. That chilled shake gives it a velvety mouthfeel, and it just kind of hangs around after each sip.

After the first taste, I start to notice these hints of vanilla and cocoa sneaking in. They blend in nicely with the roasted coffee flavor, and it turns into this layered experience that’s honestly pretty interesting.

The finish stays a little sweet, with a gentle warmth from the vodka. It never drowns out the chocolate or espresso, so the whole thing stays balanced and easy to sip.

If I take my time, there’s this faint nutty edge from the coffee that comes through. That little twist adds some depth and keeps it from going overboard on the sweetness.

I’d say it works well as an after-dinner cocktail, but honestly, it’s just as good as a small indulgence on its own. It’s comforting, but it doesn’t feel heavy.