This Rum Espresso Martini is a fun rum twist on the classic espresso martini that's made with vodka. Golden and dark rum goes really well with coffee and Kahlua and makes a great fall drink. Add some chocolate bitters and maple syrup to make it extra special!
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Why This Recipe Works
A fun twist on the classic - We all know and love the classic espresso martini with vodka but it's fun to mix things up once in a while which is how this rum version came about. I shared a Tequila Espresso Martini a while ago so I had to try it with rum too. I might just like this one even more!
The perfect flavor combination - Gold or dark rum both go really well with coffee and chocolate and it just works really well in this cocktail. You can also use spiced rum for even more flavor! The cocktail calls for maple syrup and chocolate bitters and both of them pair really well with coffee and rum.
Easy to make - This drink doesn't require any homemade syrups or any special ingredients or steps. The only thing you need is an espresso maker for the coffee. I like my Nespresso but any machine works! The recipe comes together in under 5 minutes and it's almost totally foolproof!
Ingredients
- Rum - I recommend making this cocktail with golden or dark rum. White rum is more tropical and summery and doesn't work as well in this particular drink with coffee.
- Coffee liqueur - You can use any coffee liqueur you have but Kahlua is the most common one and it works well in this cocktail because it's made with rum.
- Espresso - Freshly brewed espresso is what's used in a classic espresso martini and what I recommend. It will yield the best foam on top of your cocktail. If you don't have an espresso maker, you can use cold-brew coffee, strongly brewed coffee, or french press.
- Maple syrup - Instead of making simple syrup, I decided to just keep it simple and use maple syrup for this drink. Plus it adds a little maple flavor that goes well with this rum. If you want to make your own syrup, I recommend this Vanilla Simple Syrup!
- Bitters - This one is optional but I like adding chocolate bitters for added flavor. Chocolate and coffee go really well together and it works in this drink. My favorite are these hazelnut chocolate bitters from a local Toronto brand called Nickel 9.
Variations and Substitutions
Different coffee - If you don't have an espresso machine, you can use strong brewed coffee or cold brew. It just may not give you the same foam you'd get with an espresso. I use a Nespresso machine, it's super easy to use and makes good espresso for cocktails.
Decaf - Use decaf espresso or your favorite decaf coffee if you're trying to avoid caffeine.
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Non-alcoholic - You can make the drink non-alcoholic by leaving out the Kahlua and substituting the rum for a non-alcoholic spirit that mimics the flavor of rum. If you can't find one, simply leave it out and add a splash of almond or oat milk to make the drink less bitter and more creamy. You can also add rum extract to have the flavor but no alcohol. Start small with max ¼ teaspoon and add more to taste.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Into a cocktail shaker, add golden or dark rum, Kahlua, maple syrup, chocolate bitters, and a shot of freshly brewed espresso.
- Add a handful of ice and shake the cocktail vigorously for about 10 seconds until extra frothy.
- Strain the drink into a martini glass or coupe glass and garnish with three coffee beans. Enjoy!
Serving and Storing
This cocktail is best served and enjoyed right away. You can make the espresso ahead of time but the best foam is achieved with fresh espresso so I highly recommend making it right before mixing the cocktail.
FAQs
It all depends on your preference. You can make the cocktail with the classic vodka but rum, tequila, or even gin all work if you prefer. Rum intensifies the flavor of this cocktail and makes it great for fall parties or the holidays.
You can add a splash of Bailey's if you have it on hand. It goes well with the flavors and it will make the cocktail creamy which is great if you're a fan of lattes, rather than black coffee.
You can use any golden or dark rum you have. If you have spiced rum, that's also a great option! Bacardi is the most common brand for both gold and dark rum. I like Appleton Estate's gold rum and Sailor Jerry's spiced rum.
Similar Recipes
If you're looking to try even more variations of the classic espresso martini, check out the three below plus one extra coffee cocktail! There's one with Bailey's that makes the cocktail extra creamy, one with tequila, and one with homemade raspberry chocolate syrup which might just be my favorite cocktail of all time! To see all the latest ones, head over to Cocktails.
- Creamy Espresso Martini
- Tequila Espresso Martini
- Raspberry Chocolate Espresso Martini
- Chai White Russian (not an espresso martini but still a tasty coffee cocktail!)
📖 Recipe
Rum Espresso Martini
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 1x
- Category: Cocktails
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Rum Espresso Martini is a rum twist on the classic cocktail that's made with vodka. Rum goes really well with coffee and Kahlua and makes a great fall drink!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ oz golden or dark rum
- ½ oz Kahlua
- ½ oz maple syrup
- 1-2 dashes chocolate bitters (optional)
- 1 shot espresso
- Ice
- 3 coffee beans for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Into a cocktail shaker, add rum, Kahlua, maple syrup, chocolate bitters, and a shot of freshly brewed espresso.
- Add a handful of ice and shake the cocktail vigorously for about 10 seconds until extra frothy.
- Strain into a martini or coupe glass and garnish with three coffee beans. Enjoy!
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Jess says
I like this so much more than a regular espresso martini! Especially with the chocolate bitters!