This espresso martini float is my dream cocktail and dessert; it combines my goto espresso martini recipe (plus a little chocolate liqueur) and ice cream for an absolutely out-of-this-world experience.
This is perfect for any time of year and any ice cream, but as I am making this in December, we are doing a peppermint version. Both vanilla and chocolate ice cream would also be delicious. I use my Bourbon Espresso Martini recipe and adjust it to include chocolate liqueur to make it more dessert-friendly.
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Why you will love this recipe:
- Perfect for espresso martini and ice cream lovers! This is like a boozy espresso martini milkshake!
- Mix it up and use chocolate, vanilla, or even eggnog ice cream!
- It's so easy, and it's a dessert and a cocktail in one!
Key Ingredients:
- Bourbon: I like using bourbon over vodka here because the flavors in bourbon naturally go so well with the espresso, brown sugar, and ice cream. A sweet but well-balanced bourbon is my favorite. I used Heaven Hill Bottled In Bond for this version.
- Espresso: a single shot of freshly brewed espresso is the coffee element used in the cocktail. Using true espresso is key; I would not substitute for regular drip coffee as it's not as strong.
- Brown sugar syrup: I use a homemade brown sugar simple syrup that is 1 cup water to 1 cup brown sugar. But a store-bought version works great as well!
- Coffee Liqueur: A small amount is added to enhance and sweeten the espresso flavor.
- Chocolate Liqueur: Chocolate and bourbon are such wonderful compliments, and this little bit of liqueur adds a wonderful nuance of flavor and helps the drink to meld with the ice cream.
- Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla adds a little sweetness and brings all the flavors together to make a really rounded drink!
- Ice cream: I used Jeni's Peppermint White Chocolate here, and it was divine! But so many other flavors would be delicious, like the eggnog or darkest chocolate.
How to make this cocktail:
- Step 1: Start by brewing 1 shot of espresso.
- Step 2: Then Add the 1 ½ ounces of bourbon, the shot of espresso, ½ ounce of coffee liqueur, ½ ounce of chocolate liqueur, ½ ounce of brown sugar syrup, and ½ teaspoon of vanilla.
- Step 3: Top with ice and shake vigorously.
- Step 4: Add 3-4 scoops (or as much as you like!) ice cream to a glass big enough to hold the ice cream and martini.
5. Step 5: Top with the shaken cocktail and garnish with peppermint shards, chocolate sauce, or shaved chocolate.
Top Tips:
Suggested Barware: Use a jigger to measure your bourbon and syrup accurately. Use a reliable cocktail shaker to mix the cocktail.
Use freshly brewed espresso and shake the shaker vigorously to get that signature espresso martini foam.
Make your own syrup: making your own brown sugar syrup is so easy and cost-effective. Just cook 1 cup water and 1 cup brown sugar until all the sugar has melted, then let cool. This syrup will be kept in the fridge for up to two weeks.
Use slightly softened ice cream for the most milkshake-like texture.
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Esspresso Martini Float
- Prep Time: 5
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 drink 1x
- Category: cocktail
- Method: shaken
- Cuisine: american
Description
This espresso martini float is my dream cocktail and dessert; it combines my goto espresso martini recipe (plus a little chocolate liqueur) and ice cream for an absolutely out-of-the-world experience.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ ounces bourbon
- 1 shot of freshly brewed espresso (about 1.5 ounces)
- ½ ounce coffee liqueur
- ½ ounce chocolate liqueur
- ½ ounce brown sugar syrup
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 4 scoops peppermint, vanilla, or chocolate ice cream (or your favorite that would also pair well with espresso)
Instructions
- Start by brewing 1 shot of espresso.
- Then Add the 1 ½ ounces of bourbon, the shot of espresso, ½ ounce of coffee liqueur, ½ ounce of chocolate liqueur, ½ ounce of brown sugar syrup, and ½ teaspoon of vanilla.
- Top with ice and shake vigorously.
- Add 3-4 scoops (or as much as you like!) ice cream to a glass big enough to hold the ice cream and martini.
- Top with the shaken cocktail and garnish with peppermint shards, chocolate sauce, or shaved chocolate.
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