Apple Caramel Espresso Martini with Vegan Caramel and Spiced Apple Syrup Recipe
A sophisticated and cozy Apple Caramel Espresso Martini that combines rich espresso, autumnal apple syrup, and creamy dairy-free condensed milk for a decadent vegan cocktail. This recipe includes a homemade Kahlua substitute and is garnished with fresh Granny Smith apple slices, rosemary, and a drizzle of vegan caramel sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 1 cocktail 1x
- Category: Cocktail
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
Scale
Kahlua Substitute
- ¼ cup filtered water
- 2 tablespoons organic brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon instant coffee or espresso powder
Simple Apple Syrup
- 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
Martini
- 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
Garnish
- Crushed ice
- Granny Smith apple slices
- Rosemary sprigs
- Vegan caramel sauce drizzle
Instructions
- Prepare the Kahlua Substitute: In a small saucepan, combine ¼ cup filtered water, 2 tablespoons organic brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon instant coffee or espresso powder. Heat over medium heat, stirring until sugar and coffee dissolve completely. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Make Simple Apple Syrup: In a separate saucepan, add 1 sliced Granny Smith apple, ¼ cup organic brown sugar, 1 cup filtered water, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, and a pinch each of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 15-20 minutes until the apple is soft and the mixture has thickened slightly. Strain the syrup through a fine sieve, discarding solids. Set aside to cool.
- Brew Espresso: Brew ⅓ cup fresh espresso using your preferred method.
- Mix the Martini: In a cocktail shaker, combine the brewed espresso, ¼ cup simple apple syrup, ¼ cup almond milk, ¼ cup dairy-free condensed milk, 2 to 3 tablespoons vegan caramel sauce, 2 tablespoons of the cooled Kahlua substitute, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Fill the shaker with crushed ice.
- Shake and Chill: Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to ensure all ingredients are well combined and chilled, forming a light froth on top.
- Serve and Garnish: Strain the cocktail into a chilled martini glass filled with fresh crushed ice. Garnish with thin Granny Smith apple slices, a sprig of rosemary, and a drizzle of vegan caramel sauce on top.
Notes
- You can prepare the syrups in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Adjust the amount of vegan caramel sauce to your desired sweetness level.
- If espresso is not available, strong brewed coffee can be used as a substitute.
- For an extra kick, add a splash of your favorite vodka to the martini mixture.
- Use organic ingredients where possible for the best flavor and quality.
Keywords: Apple Caramel Espresso Martini, vegan cocktail, dairy-free martini, espresso martini, autumn drinks, vegan caramel, Kahlua substitute