If you’re searching for a cocktail that’s smooth, bold, and irresistibly creamy, the Espresso Cannoli Cream Martini is your dream in a glass. It combines the elegance of an espresso martini with the luxurious flavor of cannoli cream—rich ricotta, a kiss of amaretto, and a splash of sweet cream. It’s a dessert and a cocktail all at once, perfect for after-dinner sipping or when you want to impress guests with something totally unique. This indulgent drink is layered with flavors: the boldness of espresso, the sweetness of coffee liqueur, the creaminess of ricotta and half & half, and the nutty undertones of amaretto. The addition of ricotta cheese might sound unusual for a drink, but it’s the secret to capturing the authentic taste of Italian cannoli cream. Topped with mini chocolate chips and a dusting of powdered sugar, and served in a graham- or cannoli-crusted rimmed glass, this cocktail is the full cannoli experience—no pastry shell needed. Let’s get into the details of how to shake up this smooth, sippable stunner.
Ingredients
-
1 oz freshly brewed espresso (cooled)
-
1 oz coffee liqueur (such as Kahlúa)
-
1 oz vodka
-
1 oz sweet cream or half & half
-
1 oz ricotta cheese (whole milk, for creaminess)
-
½ oz amaretto (optional but highly recommended)
-
Ice (enough to fill shaker)
-
Crushed cannoli shell or graham cracker crumbs (for rimming)
-
Mini chocolate chips (for garnish)
-
Powdered sugar (for garnish)
Optional: -
Dash of cinnamon or nutmeg on top
-
Drizzle of chocolate syrup inside the glass before pouring
Preparation
Prepare the glass
Step 1: Rim the glass
Pour a bit of sweet cream or amaretto onto a small plate and dip the rim of your martini glass into it. Then dip the wet rim into crushed cannoli shell or graham cracker crumbs until fully coated. Set aside or place in the freezer to chill.
Blend the base
Step 2: Combine ingredients
In a cocktail shaker, add 1 oz of espresso (cooled), 1 oz vodka, 1 oz coffee liqueur, 1 oz sweet cream, 1 oz ricotta cheese, and ½ oz amaretto. Add a generous amount of ice to the shaker—this is key to chilling and frothing the drink well.
Step 3: Shake vigorously
Secure the lid on your shaker and shake forcefully for 15–20 seconds. The goal is to emulsify the ricotta and cream into the alcohol and espresso, creating a frothy, silky consistency that mimics cannoli filling.
Strain and garnish
Step 4: Strain into glass
Strain the cocktail into your prepared martini glass. The drink should be creamy with a slight foam on top.
Step 5: Add finishing touches
Sprinkle mini chocolate chips into the center of the foam and lightly dust with powdered sugar. You can also add a small pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a spicy-sweet kick.
Variation
This cocktail is endlessly customizable depending on your mood or occasion:
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Frozen Cannoli Martini: Blend all ingredients with ice until smooth for a frozen dessert cocktail.
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Mocha Twist: Add ½ oz chocolate liqueur or a drizzle of chocolate syrup.
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Tiramisu Martini: Use mascarpone instead of ricotta and a dusting of cocoa powder for a tiramisu-inspired version.
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Light Version: Substitute skim milk or almond milk for half & half and use a lighter ricotta.
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Decaf Option: Use decaffeinated espresso to enjoy the flavor without the buzz.
COOKING Note
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Use freshly brewed espresso and let it cool before shaking, or use cold brew concentrate if preferred.
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Strain through a fine mesh if your ricotta is chunky—smooth texture is key.
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Whole milk ricotta gives the best creamy texture, but you can blend it smoother before adding.
-
Always shake vigorously to blend the ricotta fully; otherwise, you may see separation in the drink.
Tips
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Chill your martini glass in the freezer before pouring for the best serving temperature.
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Make a batch of the liquid base and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours—shake with ice when ready to serve.
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Garnish creatively: try chocolate curls, espresso beans, or a drizzle of caramel.
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If the ricotta makes your drink too thick, add a splash of milk or cream to thin it out.
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For parties, serve in mini dessert glasses as a drinkable “cannoli shot.”
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving)
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Calories: 250
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Protein: 4g
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Fat: 10g
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Carbohydrates: 22g
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Sugar: 17g
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Sodium: 60mg
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and vary based on specific ingredients used.
FAQs
Can I make this cocktail ahead of time?
Yes, mix the liquid ingredients (without ice) and refrigerate. Shake with ice right before serving for best texture.
Is it weird to use ricotta in a drink?
Not at all! It’s the signature ingredient that brings the rich, creamy texture of cannoli cream to life in liquid form.
What’s a good substitute for amaretto?
Hazelnut liqueur or vanilla liqueur can work in a pinch, though amaretto adds the best nutty-cannoli flavor.
Can I make this non-alcoholic?
Yes! Replace vodka and liqueurs with cold brew coffee and flavored syrups like almond or hazelnut. Keep the ricotta and cream for texture.
Does it have caffeine?
Yes, due to the espresso. Use decaf espresso or cold brew concentrate if you prefer it caffeine-free.
Conclusion
The Espresso Cannoli Cream Martini is more than a cocktail—it’s an elegant dessert in a glass. Rich, frothy, and deeply satisfying, it blends the boldness of espresso with the silky indulgence of cannoli filling. The ricotta may surprise some, but once you take a sip, you’ll understand why it’s the secret ingredient. Perfect for holiday gatherings, date nights, or whenever you crave something sweet and a little sophisticated, this martini brings bold Italian flair to your cocktail lineup. And with endless ways to customize it, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again—because dessert should be sipped as well as savored.
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Espresso Cannoli Cream Martini Recipe
- Total Time: 5 min
Ingredients
Ingredients
-
1 oz freshly brewed espresso (cooled)
-
1 oz coffee liqueur (such as Kahlúa)
-
1 oz vodka
-
1 oz sweet cream or half & half
-
1 oz ricotta cheese (whole milk, for creaminess)
-
½ oz amaretto (optional but highly recommended)
-
Ice (enough to fill shaker)
-
Crushed cannoli shell or graham cracker crumbs (for rimming)
-
Mini chocolate chips (for garnish)
-
Powdered sugar (for garnish)
Optional: -
Dash of cinnamon or nutmeg on top
-
Drizzle of chocolate syrup inside the glass before pouring
Instructions
Prepare the glass
Step 1: Rim the glass
Pour a bit of sweet cream or amaretto onto a small plate and dip the rim of your martini glass into it. Then dip the wet rim into crushed cannoli shell or graham cracker crumbs until fully coated. Set aside or place in the freezer to chill.
Blend the base
Step 2: Combine ingredients
In a cocktail shaker, add 1 oz of espresso (cooled), 1 oz vodka, 1 oz coffee liqueur, 1 oz sweet cream, 1 oz ricotta cheese, and ½ oz amaretto. Add a generous amount of ice to the shaker—this is key to chilling and frothing the drink well.
Step 3: Shake vigorously
Secure the lid on your shaker and shake forcefully for 15–20 seconds. The goal is to emulsify the ricotta and cream into the alcohol and espresso, creating a frothy, silky consistency that mimics cannoli filling.
Strain and garnish
Step 4: Strain into glass
Strain the cocktail into your prepared martini glass. The drink should be creamy with a slight foam on top.
Step 5: Add finishing touches
Sprinkle mini chocolate chips into the center of the foam and lightly dust with powdered sugar. You can also add a small pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a spicy-sweet kick.
Notes
-
Use freshly brewed espresso and let it cool before shaking, or use cold brew concentrate if preferred.
-
Strain through a fine mesh if your ricotta is chunky—smooth texture is key.
-
Whole milk ricotta gives the best creamy texture, but you can blend it smoother before adding.
-
Always shake vigorously to blend the ricotta fully; otherwise, you may see separation in the drink.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 0 min
Nutrition
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 17 g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Protein: 4g