Name: Apple Caramel Espresso Martini with Vegan Caramel and Spiced Apple Syrup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ¼ cup filtered water; 2 tablespoons organic brown sugar; 1 teaspoon instant coffee or espresso powder; 1 Granny Smith apple, sliced; ¼ cup organic brown sugar; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup filtered water; Pinch of ground cinnamon; Pinch of ground nutmeg; Pinch of ground allspice; ⅓ cup brewed espresso; ¼ cup simple apple syrup; ¼ cup almond milk (or your favorite plant-based milk); ¼ cup dairy-free condensed milk (e.g. Let’s Do…Organic); 2-3 tablespoons vegan caramel sauce, homemade or store-bought; 2 tablespoons Kahlua substitute mixture; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Crushed ice; Granny Smith apple slices; Rosemary sprigs; Vegan caramel sauce drizzle

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If you’re like me and love a cocktail that surprises your taste buds, the Apple Caramel Espresso Martini with Vegan Caramel and Spiced Apple Syrup Recipe might just become your new favorite. It combines that rich, velvety espresso kick we adore with a cozy hint of spice and sweetness from the vegan caramel and apple syrup. Honestly, it’s like autumn coziness in a glass, perfect for cool evenings or when you want a dessert and a drink rolled into one.

This recipe isn’t just tasty; it’s a fun twist on the classic espresso martini that feels a little more special and sophisticated. Plus, making your own vegan caramel and spiced apple syrup means you control the flavors and keep things dairy-free without sacrificing that indulgent feel. Trust me, once you’ve made it, you’ll want to share it with friends or keep it all to yourself for your next cozy night in.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Apple Caramel Espresso Martini with Vegan Caramel and Spiced Apple Syrup Recipe plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture. When shopping, look for organic and high-quality components to get the best taste, especially in the coffee and spices.

Filtered Water: Using filtered water ensures your espresso and syrup taste clean and pure, which really matters when you want those subtle flavors to shine.
Organic Brown Sugar: This adds just the right hint of molasses depth, making your caramel and syrup richer and more satisfying.
Instant Coffee or Espresso Powder: I recommend a good quality espresso powder for that authentic espresso punch without the hassle of brewing.
Granny Smith Apples: Their tartness balances the sweetness perfectly, and the fresh slices make a gorgeous garnish too.
Vanilla Extract: Vanilla adds warmth and rounds out the flavors beautifully.
Ground Cinnamon, Nutmeg, and Allspice: These spices bring that seasonal, festive vibe to the syrup without overpowering the other ingredients.
Brewed Espresso: The star of the show—freshly brewed espresso makes all the difference in flavor and aroma.
Almond Milk (or your favorite plant-based milk): This keeps the drink creamy yet light. Feel free to swap for oat or cashew milk if you prefer.
Dairy-Free Condensed Milk: Using a quality condensed milk alternative like the “Let’s Do…Organic” brand helps get that sweet creaminess without dairy.
Vegan Caramel Sauce: Whether homemade or store-bought, vegan caramel adds lush, buttery sweetness that ties everything together.
Kahlua Substitute Mixture: The homemade Kahlua substitute keeps the drink rich and coffee-forward without any alcohol you might avoid.
Crushed Ice: Essential for chilling the cocktail perfectly without diluting the flavors too much.
Rosemary Sprigs: A fragrant, eye-catching garnish that pairs surprisingly well with the apple and caramel notes.

Variations

I love playing around with this Apple Caramel Espresso Martini with Vegan Caramel and Spiced Apple Syrup Recipe to fit different moods or dietary preferences. Whether you’re cutting back on sugar or making it a little boozier, there are plenty of easy tweaks you can try.

Alcoholic Version: Adding a splash of your favorite coffee liqueur or vodka can instantly turn this vegan treat into a classic martini vibe—just adjust the sweetness accordingly.
Spice It Up: If you’re a fan of warm spices, double the cinnamon and nutmeg. I find it makes the cocktail feel extra cozy on chilly nights.
Less Sweet: If you prefer a drier cocktail, reduce the brown sugar in the caramel and syrup by half—it still tastes amazing but feels lighter.
Different Apples: While Granny Smiths are my go-to for their tart contrast, Gala or Honeycrisp apples offer a sweeter, softer flavor profile that’s worth exploring.
Nut-Free: Substitute almond milk with oat milk if you have nut allergies. It still lends creaminess without overpowering the flavors.

How to Make Apple Caramel Espresso Martini with Vegan Caramel and Spiced Apple Syrup Recipe

Step 1: Craft Your Kahlua Substitute

Start by combining ¼ cup filtered water, 2 tablespoons organic brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon instant coffee or espresso powder in a small saucepan. Heat gently while stirring until the sugar dissolves completely. Once cooled, this simple mixture becomes a smooth, coffee-rich syrup that mimics Kahlua’s complexity without any alcohol.

Step 2: Make the Spiced Apple Syrup

Slice one Granny Smith apple and add it to a saucepan with ¼ cup brown sugar, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, a pinch each of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, plus 1 cup filtered water. Simmer gently for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are soft and the syrup has thickened slightly. Strain out the solids and let the syrup cool—this syrup brings that beautiful spiced apple flavor to your cocktail.

Step 3: Brew Your Espresso

While the syrup cooks, brew about ⅓ cup of fresh espresso. I usually use my espresso machine, but a strong Aeropress or stovetop moka pot works wonderfully too. Make sure it’s piping hot and fresh – this is where the cocktail gets its robust backbone.

Step 4: Shake It Up

In a cocktail shaker, combine the brewed espresso, ¼ cup spiced apple syrup, ¼ cup almond milk, ¼ cup dairy-free condensed milk, 2-3 tablespoons vegan caramel sauce, 2 tablespoons of your Kahlua substitute, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Add crushed ice, secure the lid tightly, and shake vigorously for about 30 seconds. You want it cold and frothy with a hint of creamy sweetness blending everything together.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Strain your cocktail into a chilled martini glass filled halfway with crushed ice. Drizzle some vegan caramel sauce over the top, garnish with thin Granny Smith apple slices and a sprig of fresh rosemary—it adds an herbal note and looks stunning. Sip and enjoy immediately for the best flavor!

How to Serve Apple Caramel Espresso Martini with Vegan Caramel and Spiced Apple Syrup Recipe

Apple Caramel Espresso Martini with Vegan Caramel and Spiced Apple Syrup Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

For me, the rosemary sprig and thin Granny Smith slices are non-negotiable—they add just the right fresh bite and look so inviting. Sometimes I’ll even lightly torch the rosemary before placing it on top to release that smoky aroma that pairs beautifully with the caramel notes.

Side Dishes

This cocktail loves cozy, comforting snacks. I often serve it alongside spiced pecans, crispy apple chips, or vegan shortbread cookies. If you want something more substantial, a vegan pumpkin cheesecake or a warm apple crisp fits perfectly with the flavor profile.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to rim the glass with cinnamon sugar or drizzle vegan caramel down the inside before pouring the martini—it’s an instant wow. Another fun touch is using edible gold dust on top of the drink for a little sparkle that feels festive and fancy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftover spiced apple syrup or Kahlua substitute, store them in airtight jars in the fridge. They typically last about a week, and trust me, they’re great drizzled over oatmeal or stirred into hot tea too.

Freezing

Because this cocktail includes fresh espresso and dairy-free condensed milk, freezing the mixed drink isn’t ideal—it can affect texture and flavor. Instead, I recommend freezing the spiced apple syrup in ice cube trays. That way, you can pop a cube into hot drinks or future cocktails whenever you want.

Reheating

This cocktail is best enjoyed fresh, so I don’t usually reheat it—but if you want to warm up the spiced apple syrup to make a cozy drink, gently heat it on the stove or microwave until warm but not boiling. Just stir occasionally to keep the flavors balanced.

FAQs

Can I make the Apple Caramel Espresso Martini with Vegan Caramel and Spiced Apple Syrup Recipe without espresso?

Absolutely! If you don’t have espresso on hand, strong brewed coffee or cold brew concentrate can work as substitutes. Just keep in mind espresso has a richer, bolder flavor, so your martini might be a bit lighter in taste but still delicious.
Is the vegan caramel sauce difficult to make at home?

Not at all! Vegan caramel usually uses coconut milk and sugar, simmered until thickened. If you want to save time, there are great store-bought options available that taste excellent and keep things simple.
Can I prepare the spiced apple syrup in advance?

Yes! The spiced apple syrup keeps well in the fridge for up to a week. Making it ahead of time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, so it often tastes even better when used the next day.
What’s the best plant-based milk to use for this cocktail?

I typically use almond milk for its subtle nutty flavor and creaminess, but oat milk or cashew milk are fantastic alternatives that won’t overpower the other tastes.
How can I make this Apple Caramel Espresso Martini with Vegan Caramel and Spiced Apple Syrup Recipe boozier?

Simply add a shot of vodka or coffee liqueur like Kahlua or a vegan-friendly alternative. Remember to balance the sweetness by slightly reducing the syrup or caramel to avoid it becoming too sweet.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Caramel Espresso Martini with Vegan Caramel and Spiced Apple Syrup Recipe is one of those rare cocktails that feels like a treat and a cozy hug all at once. I love how the layers of flavor from the homemade syrups come together in every sip, and I know you’ll appreciate how approachable the recipe is. Whether you’re unwinding after a long day or impressing friends with your mixology skills, this drink fits the bill perfectly. Give it a try—you might just find it becoming a staple in your evening rotation!