Recipes
Recipes
The Table of Friends Brown Sugar Vanilla Espresso Martini
The Table of Friends Brown Sugar Vanilla Espresso Martini
Jul 5, 2025



Prep time: 6 minutes Serving Size: 1
Tip: Measure with your heart
Ingredients:
Double shot espresso (I used a Nespresso Double Espresso Chiaro)
1 shot Smirnoff Vanilla Vodka
1 shot Bolivar Coffee Liqueur (we don’t have Kahlúa in Canada!)
1 tsp brown sugar
1 tsp cocoa powder
Ice
Instructions:
Chill your martini glass by placing it in the freezer for a few minutes or filling it with ice while you prep.
Brew your espresso, and while it’s still hot, stir in the brown sugar until it is fully dissolved.
In a cocktail shaker, add a cup of ice, the sweetened espresso, vanilla vodka, and coffee liqueur.
Shake well for 30–45 seconds until chilled and frothy.
Double strain into your chilled martini glass.
Finish with a light dusting of cocoa powder using a fine mesh strainer for that perfect garnish.
Why My Twist?
I added my own twist by using brown sugar instead of simple syrup. I’m obsessed with brown sugar shaken espressos and love the depth it adds to coffee, so it only felt right to bring that into this recipe. I also opted for vanilla vodka instead of regular, which adds an extra layer of flavour and makes the whole drink feel smoother and more elevated.
It’s not just an espresso martini…It’s the Table of Friends version. A little warmer, a little softer, and perfect for sharing with friends.
Tag @table.of.friends if you try this recipe!
Happy Hosting!
Prep time: 6 minutes Serving Size: 1
Tip: Measure with your heart
Ingredients:
Double shot espresso (I used a Nespresso Double Espresso Chiaro)
1 shot Smirnoff Vanilla Vodka
1 shot Bolivar Coffee Liqueur (we don’t have Kahlúa in Canada!)
1 tsp brown sugar
1 tsp cocoa powder
Ice
Instructions:
Chill your martini glass by placing it in the freezer for a few minutes or filling it with ice while you prep.
Brew your espresso, and while it’s still hot, stir in the brown sugar until it is fully dissolved.
In a cocktail shaker, add a cup of ice, the sweetened espresso, vanilla vodka, and coffee liqueur.
Shake well for 30–45 seconds until chilled and frothy.
Double strain into your chilled martini glass.
Finish with a light dusting of cocoa powder using a fine mesh strainer for that perfect garnish.
Why My Twist?
I added my own twist by using brown sugar instead of simple syrup. I’m obsessed with brown sugar shaken espressos and love the depth it adds to coffee, so it only felt right to bring that into this recipe. I also opted for vanilla vodka instead of regular, which adds an extra layer of flavour and makes the whole drink feel smoother and more elevated.
It’s not just an espresso martini…It’s the Table of Friends version. A little warmer, a little softer, and perfect for sharing with friends.
Tag @table.of.friends if you try this recipe!
Happy Hosting!

Table of Friends is all about making every gathering feel special. It’s about creating fun and meaningful experiences around the table, whether it’s with close friends or new faces.
Table of Friends is all about making every gathering feel special. It’s about creating fun and meaningful experiences around the table, whether it’s with close friends or new faces.