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    Home » Drinks and Cocktails

    The Viral TikTok Parmesan Cheese Espresso Martini

    Published: Mar 30, 2023 by Melissa · This post contains links that pay me a small commission at no extra cost to you.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Pinterest image of the cocktail with the words "parmesan espresso martini" in text overlay.
    Pinterest image of the cocktail with the words "parmesan espresso martini cocktail" in text overlay.
    Pinterest image of the cocktail with the words "parmesan espresso martini cocktail" in text overlay.

    Looking for a trendy and impressive cocktail to serve at your next gathering? Look no further than this recipe for an Espresso Martini with Parmesan Cheese. This new viral cocktail is a unique twist on a classic and has been making waves on social media, namely TikTok, and for good reason… it’s really good.

    Espresso martini topped with shredded cheese and a block of parmesan with a grater on the side.

    Why This Recipe Works

    • Salty and savory notes of the cheese provide an unexpected depth of flavor that compliments the bitterness of the coffee and the sweetness of the liqueur. If you like sweet and salty flavor combos, this drink is for you. 
    • With just a few simple ingredients, it’s easy to make at home.
    • It’s a fun and impressive way to surprise and delight your friends and family.

    Ingredient Notes

    Ingredients for the cocktail spread out on a wood surface.
    • Vodka: Choose a good quality vodka for the best flavor. Something all purpose like Tito’s Vodka does the trick. Or, you can also go with coffee vodka for a bolder flavor.
    • Coffee Liqueur: Use a coffee liqueur, like Kahlua, to add sweet, coffee flavor to the cocktail.
    • Brewed Espresso: Use a freshly brewed shot of espresso for the best flavor and texture. Avoid the instant variety. 
    • Parmesan Cheese: Choose a fresh Parmesan cheese that has a funky salinity with a sharp flavor that can stand up to the sweetness of the cocktail. You definitely want to go with the freshly grated cheese, not the stuff that comes in the shaker.
    • Nutmeg: I added a slight spin on the original by adding a touch of freshly grated nutmeg to bring out the nutty saltiness of the parmesan. It’s a classic combination often found in cheese bechamel sauces. In a pinch, you can use pre-ground nutmeg.

    Pro Tip for Nutmeg: Buy plump, unblemished whole nutmeg and store in an airtight container in a cool, dry, dark place for up to two years. (Technically, I’ve had mine for waaayyyy longer – it keeps for a very long time!) 

    Grate what you need with a microplane grater and keep the rest whole to maintain the aroma. If your grocery store doesn’t carry whole nutmeg, check Amazon. It’s way better than the pre-ground kind.

    Instructions

    Steps 1 and 2 showing adding the vodka and coffee liqueur.

    Steps 1-2: Add the vodka and coffee liqueur to a cocktail shaker.

    Steps 3 and 4 showing adding the espresso and shaking in a cocktail shaker.

    Steps 3-4: Add the fresh espresso and add plenty of ice to the shaker. Shake until well chilled.

    Steps 5 and 6 showing straining the cocktail into a coupe glass and topping with shredded parmesan.

    Steps 5-6: Strain into a cocktail glass (coupe or martini glass). Grate fresh parmesan cheese and nutmeg on top.

    Espresso martini topped with shredded parmesan cheese on a wood surface.

    Substitutions and Variations

    • For a slightly different flavor and saltier profile, try using Pecorino cheese instead of Parmesan.
    • For a sweeter variation, sub some shaved chocolate instead of the cheese to the top of the cocktail before serving. Or, you can can add about ½ oz simple syrup for more sweetness.
    • For a saltier option, add a pinch of salt to the cocktail shaker before mixing.
    • Check out more espresso martini variations like my Hazelnut Espresso Martini or just the classic Kahlua Espresso Martini.

    Expert Tips

    • Shake the ingredients vigorously for at least 10 seconds (the longer the better!) to create the perfect foam on your Espresso Martini.
    • Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture and skip the pre-shredded.
    • Serve the cocktail in a chilled coupe glass for the best drinking experience.

    FAQ

    What makes the foam on an espresso martini?

    The foam on an Espresso Martini is created by shaking the ingredients vigorously with ice, which emulsifies the crema with the sugar from the liqueur. Crema is that light brown layer on top of an espresso shot that forms from the coffee bean’s natural oils.

    What kind of parmesan cheese should I use for a Parmesan Espresso Martini?

    Choose a salty and tangy Parmigiano Reggiano with a sharp flavor. Freshly grated is best, and you can also consider using Pecorino cheese for a slightly different and saltier flavor.

    Espresso martini on a wood surface with a wedge of parmesan cheese, whole nutmeg, and a bowl of coffee beans in the background.

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    Did you love this cocktail?
    Please leave a 5-star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 rating & review in the comments below.

    Espresso martini topped with shredded cheese and a block of parmesan with a grater on the side.

    Parmesan Espresso Martini Recipe

    Melissa
    Looking for a trendy and impressive cocktail to serve at your next gathering? Look no further than this recipe for an Espresso Martini with Parmesan Cheese.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Total Time 5 minutes mins
    Course Cocktails, Digestif
    Cuisine American, Italian
    Servings 1 cocktail

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 ½ ounce vodka
    • 1 ounce coffee liqueur (such as Kahlua)
    • 1 ounce brewed espresso
    • 1 tablespoon shredded parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
    • 1 dash ground nutmeg (freshly grated)

    Instructions
     

    • Add the vodka, coffee liqueur, and espresso into a cocktail shaker.
    • Add ice and shake until very well chilled. Strain into a martini or coupe glass.
    • Top with parmesan cheese and nutmeg.

    Notes

    Tips:
    • Buy whole nutmeg instead of pre-ground. Whole nutmeg’s flavor lasts way longer (2 years) if you store it in an airtight container in a cool, dry, dark place. Grate what you need with a microplane grater and keep the rest whole to maintain the aroma.
    • Choose a salty and tangy Parmesan with a sharp flavor. Freshly grated is best, and you can also consider using Pecorino cheese for a slightly different flavor.
     
     
    CLICK TO DISPLAY NUTRITION INFO

    Nutrition

    Calories: 224kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 2gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 4mgSodium: 94mgPotassium: 46mgFiber: 0.2gSugar: 14gVitamin A: 44IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 47mgIron: 0.1mg
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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