Velvet Coffee-Cream Martini

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A smooth, slightly sweet martini blending rich espresso, vanilla vodka, and a touch of cream for a luxurious finish. This cocktails-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 7 minutes brings together vanilla vodka, freshly brewed espresso, coffee liqueur for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 230 calories and feeds 1, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 7 min Serves 1 Cocktails cuisine 230 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Brew 1 oz of fresh espresso and let it cool slightly.
  2. Step 2: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes to the brim. Pour in 1.5 oz vanilla vodka, 1 oz cooled espresso, 0.75 oz coffee liqueur, 0.5 oz heavy cream, and 0.25 oz simple syrup.
  3. Step 3: Shake vigorously for 15 seconds until the shaker is frosty and the ingredients are well combined.
  4. Step 4: Double strain into a chilled coupe glass to avoid ice shards.
  5. Step 5: Garnish with three coffee beans arranged in the center for a classic touch.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Velvet Coffee-Cream Martini take to make?

Total time is about 7 minutes (7 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.

How do I store leftover Velvet Coffee-Cream Martini?

Refrigerate any leftover velvet coffee-cream martini in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.

Can I substitute ingredients in Velvet Coffee-Cream Martini?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Velvet Coffee-Cream Martini for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Velvet Coffee-Cream Martini?

Cocktails cocktails & drinks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.