The coffee lover's holiday masterpiece
This espresso martini Christmas tree cocktail is the talk of TikTok and Instagram! With its coffee bean tree topper and frothy texture, it's the perfect holiday drink that looks as good as it tastes.
If you've scrolled past this viral sensation, you're missing out! This festive cocktail combines the bold flavor of espresso with the elegance of a martini, topped with a whimsical coffee bean Christmas tree decoration.
What makes this drink truly special is its Instagram-worthy presentation. The coffee bean tree topper and cinnamon stick trunk create a festive holiday vibe that's perfect for holiday parties, New Year's Eve, or just enjoying some cozy winter evenings.
Whether you're a coffee enthusiast or a cocktail lover, this recipe is sure to impress your guests. It's incredibly easy to make in just 2 minutes with basic ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
So why is this espresso martini Christmas tree recipe breaking the internet? Because it's the perfect combination of delicious flavor and stunning presentation that turns every drink into a holiday masterpiece.
Why This Recipe Works
☕ Coffee Lover's Dream
This cocktail satisfies coffee lovers with its rich espresso base and frothy texture that mimics the perfect latte foam.
💰 Budget-Friendly
You'll only need 5 simple ingredients that are likely already in your kitchen or pantry.
🎁 Festive Presentation
The coffee bean Christmas tree topper and cinnamon stick trunk create a holiday masterpiece that looks like it came from a barista.
🌟 Instantly Impressive
This drink is guaranteed to impress your guests with its perfect balance of flavor and festive presentation.
Espresso Martini Christmas Tree
The viral holiday cocktail that's breaking the internet!
🛒 Ingredients
- - 2 oz espresso (hot)
- - 1 oz coffee liqueur (like Kahlua)
- - 1 oz vodka (optional)
- - 1/2 oz coffee syrup
- - 1/2 oz heavy cream
- - Coffee beans (for tree topper)
- - Cinnamon stick (for trunk)
👨🍳 Instructions
Prepare Glass: Chill your martini glass in the freezer for 15 minutes before serving.
💡 Tip: Add a few coffee beans to the freezer with your glass for extra festive flair.
Mix Ingredients: In a shaker, combine hot espresso, coffee liqueur, vodka, coffee syrup, and heavy cream.
💡 Tip: Shake well to create a frothy texture similar to a latte.
Pour and Garnish: Strain into the chilled glass. Arrange coffee beans in a Christmas tree shape on top, using a cinnamon stick as the trunk.
💡 Tip: Use a toothpick to position the coffee beans precisely.
Nutrition (per serving):
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Coffee Liqueur
The coffee liqueur gives this cocktail its signature bold flavor. Kahlua is a popular choice, but you can use any brand you prefer.
Substitutions: You can substitute with 1 oz of brewed espresso or 1/2 oz of cold brew concentrate.
Coffee Syrup
The coffee syrup adds sweetness and depth to the cocktail. You can adjust the amount based on your taste preferences.
Substitutions: You can substitute with 1/2 oz of simple syrup or 1/2 oz of brown sugar syrup.
Heavy Cream
The heavy cream gives this cocktail its rich, frothy texture. You can adjust the amount based on your desired consistency.
Substitutions: You can substitute with 1/2 oz of half-and-half or 1/2 oz of milk for a lighter texture.
Vodka
The vodka adds a smooth, neutral flavor to the cocktail. You can adjust the amount based on your desired strength.
Substitutions: You can substitute with 1 oz of brandy or 1 oz of rum for a different flavor profile.
Pro Tips for Perfect Espresso Martini Christmas Tree
☕ Coffee Bean Arrangement
Use a toothpick to position the coffee beans in a triangular shape for the perfect Christmas tree. Add a few extra beans for a more festive look.
🎄 Cinnamon Stick Placement
Insert the cinnamon stick vertically in the center of the coffee bean tree to create the trunk. Gently press it into the foam to keep it in place.
❄️ Chilling the Glass
Chill the glass in the freezer for 15 minutes before serving to keep your cocktail cold and refreshing. Add a few coffee beans to the freezer with your glass for extra festive flair.
✨ Presentation Tips
Serve this cocktail in a clear glass to showcase the beautiful coffee bean tree topper. Add a few festive lights or candles around the glass for a magical holiday vibe.
Variations & Customizations
Peppermint Twist
Add 1/2 oz of peppermint syrup to the cocktail for a festive holiday flavor. Garnish with a peppermint stick instead of a cinnamon stick.
Minty Fresh
Add a few fresh mint leaves to the cocktail for a refreshing twist. Garnish with a mint sprig instead of a cinnamon stick.
Spiced Version
Add 1/4 tsp of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cocktail for a spiced holiday flavor. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and a sprinkle of cinnamon on top.
Chocolate Lovers
Add 1/2 oz of chocolate liqueur to the cocktail for a rich, chocolatey flavor. Garnish with a chocolate shavings or a chocolate snowman.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
🍽️ Best Served With:
- Mini savory bites like stuffed mushrooms or mini quiches
- Festive holiday cookies like gingerbread or peppermint cookies
- Dark chocolate truffles or other rich desserts
🍷 Drink Pairings:
This cocktail pairs perfectly with a rich red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or a bold dessert wine like Port.
Make-Ahead Instructions & Storage
Make-Ahead Tips
You can prepare the cocktail ingredients in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just assemble and garnish right before serving.
Refrigerator Storage
Store any leftover cocktail in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The flavor will remain fresh, but the texture may change slightly.
Freezer Storage
You can freeze the cocktail mixture for up to 1 month. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before using. Note that the texture may change after freezing.
Reheating Instructions
This cocktail is best served chilled. If you need to reheat it, gently warm it in a microwave for 10-15 seconds. Stir well before serving.
Troubleshooting & Common Questions
Q: Can I make this cocktail without alcohol?
A: Yes, you can make a non-alcoholic version by omitting the vodka and coffee liqueur. Use 2 oz of hot espresso, 1/2 oz of coffee syrup, and 1/2 oz of heavy cream for a delicious mocktail version.
Q: How do I keep the coffee beans in place?
A: Use a toothpick to gently press the coffee beans into the foam. The natural oils from the beans will help them stick in place. For extra stability, you can add a small amount of whipped cream to the base of the tree.
Q: Can I make this cocktail in advance?
A: Yes, you can prepare the cocktail mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just assemble and garnish right before serving to maintain the best texture and presentation.
Q: What if I don't have a martini glass?
A: You can use any type of glass you have available. A coupe glass or a small tumbler glass will work well. Just make sure the glass is chilled for the best results.
Final Thoughts
This espresso martini Christmas tree cocktail is more than just a drink - it's a holiday masterpiece that combines the bold flavors of coffee with the elegance of a martini. With its festive presentation and delicious taste, it's sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering.
Whether you're hosting a holiday party, celebrating New Year's Eve, or just enjoying some cozy winter evenings, this recipe is a must-try. It's easy to make, incredibly delicious, and guaranteed to impress your guests. So why wait? Try this viral sensation today and make your own holiday magic!
