Adults deserve Halloween treats too, and Ina Garten's festive cocktail is as stylish as it is spirited. In a recent TikTok, Garten shared her take on the perfect dark cocktail for Halloween: espresso martinis. Her recipe is simple, elegant, and designed to keep the party going without anyone leaving jittery or tired.
Garten recently reminisced about her espresso martini recipe, explaining that she wanted a drink that felt perfectly seasonal and moody. “Espresso martinis did the trick,” she said, noting that the recipe is ideal for a crowd or for individual servings.
How to Make Ina Garten's Halloween Espresso Martini
Make a big batch of Garten's Halloween espresso martinis by combining the following ingredients in a pitcher, then shaking with ice before serving:
- 2 cups cooled espresso
- 2 cups orange vodka
- 1 cup coffee liqueur
- Ice for shaking
- Orange twists for garnish
Garten likes to use decaf espresso, ensuring guests get the coffee flavor without having to drink caffeine at night. “I don’t want jittery guests,” she said. This thoughtful touch makes the cocktail enjoyable for everyone.
Part of what makes Garten's espresso martinis feel so special is the presentation. Once shaken, the drinks are served over ice, ideally in a shaker, and finished with a twist of orange. The orange accent adds a subtle citrus note, elevating the dark, rich cocktail into something that feels festive.
Garten wanted her cocktail to be as close to a Halloween-colored cocktail drink as possible. The deep espresso color, contrasted with the bright orange garnish, perfectly captures the black-and-orange vibe she was aiming for.
How to Serve for One or a Crowd
This espresso martini recipe is easy to scale. For a party, she prefers to make a big pitcher that serves eight, but the cocktail also works beautifully for one-on-one servings. The formula is straightforward: Per person you aim to serve, shake together 2 oz. of cooled espresso, 2 oz. of orange vodka, and 1 oz. of coffee liqueur with ice. For larger groups, simply multiply the ingredients and mix in a pitcher, then shake with ice just before serving.
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Why Espresso Martinis Work for Halloween
Espresso martinis are inherently versatile, and Garten's addition of orange vodka gives the drink a playful, seasonal twist. This Halloween espresso martini shines when paired with rich, indulgent treats that complement its coffee and orange flavors. Serve them alongside dark chocolate truffles, chocolate-dipped orange peels, or spiced biscotti for a sweet pairing.
For savory options, try mini quiches, prosciutto-wrapped figs, or a simple cheese platter with nuts and dried fruit. Present everything on black or orange plates, and add candles or small pumpkins for a festive, grown-up Halloween vibe.