Forget Traditional Espresso Martinis: This Creamy Upgrade Makes Every Sip Into A Fall Treat

An espresso martini is all of the rage these days, and it makes sense that many of us love indulging in one to achieve an energetic and boozy boost at the same time. But when the weather starts to cool down and the leaves begin to drop, you might also crave an autumnal cocktail. Luckily for all of your drinking needs, Tasting Table has an original cocktail that checks all of those boxes.

It's all about our creamy caramel apple espresso martini from Tasting Table recipe developer Ksenia Prints. At the core of this cocktail are ingredients that go into a traditional espresso martini like vodka, espresso, and Kahlúa. But what really makes it ideal for fall is the homemade spiced apple syrup that goes into the shaker with the rest of the ingredients. The syrup has Granny Smith apples, allspice, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, which really leans into the flavors of the season. It's topped off with whipped cream and a generous drizzle of caramel syrup, and is reminiscent of those candy apples you might have bitten into at a fall carnival growing up.

You can check out the recipe for the full breakdown, but there are some tips worth noting. Start with spiced apple syrup, and be sure to simmer all of the ingredients for 15 minutes per the instructions in the recipe. If you want a stronger flavor profile, steep it for a few minutes longer, but don't overdo it or the syrup might overpower the cocktail. Afterwards, carefully strain the liquid so there's a smooth syrup left. When you're ready to drink (or serve) the cocktail, chill the martini glasses like your favorite steakhouse does to keep the drink cold. Then, opt to drizzle some caramel syrup on the glass for decorative purposes.

As delicious and flavorful as this festive cocktail is, there are some ways to upgrade the drink. If you don't have any espresso, use store-bought cold brew or iced coffee instead. You can also amp up the decorating for a festive party during the fall months. Garnish it with a cinnamon stick, or a thinly sliced Granny Smith apple to lean into the drink's ingredients. Other festive fall drink garnishes include rosemary springs, candied apple, or dried apple slices.