The Ultimate Espresso Martini Tiramisu Cups with Salted Caramel Drizzle

Experience the perfect marriage of a sophisticated cocktail and a classic Italian dessert. These Espresso Martini Tiramisu Cups take the bold, caffeine-fueled energy of the legendary 1980s cocktail and layer it into a velvety, decadent treat. Finished with a decadent Salted Caramel Drizzle, this is the ultimate “pick-me-up” for your next dinner party or indulgent night in.

Ingredients

For the Espresso Martini Soak:

• 1 cup strong freshly brewed espresso (cooled)
• 2 oz Premium Vodka
• 1 oz Coffee Liqueur (e.g., Kahlúa)
• 1 tbsp Granulated sugar

For the Mascarpone Filling:

• 8 oz Mascarpone cheese (room temperature)
• 1 cup Heavy whipping cream (chilled)
• 1/3 cup Powdered sugar
• 1 tsp Vanilla extract
• 12–14 Savoiardi ladyfingers

For the Salted Caramel Drizzle:

• 1/2 cup Store-bought or homemade caramel sauce
• 1/2 tsp Flaky sea salt
• Unsweetened cocoa powder (for dusting)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Boozy Soak

In a shallow bowl, whisk together the cooled espresso, vodka, coffee liqueur, and sugar until the sugar is fully dissolved. Set aside.

2. Whip the Mascarpone Cream

In a large mixing bowl, beat the chilled heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. In a separate bowl, gently soften the mascarpone with a spatula. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone in two batches until the mixture is smooth and light. Do not over-mix.

3. The First Layer

Break the ladyfingers into pieces that fit your serving cups or martini glasses. Quickly dip each piece into the espresso martini soak (about 1-2 seconds per side) and place a layer at the bottom of each cup.

4. Layer and Repeat

Add a generous dollop of the mascarpone cream over the ladyfingers and smooth it out. Repeat the process with a second layer of soaked ladyfingers and a final layer of cream.

5. Chill and Garnish

Refrigerate the cups for at least 4 hours (ideally overnight) to allow the flavors to meld and the ladyfingers to soften. Just before serving, dust the tops with a fine layer of cocoa powder.

6. The Salted Caramel Finish

Mix the flaky sea salt into your caramel sauce. If the sauce is too thick, warm it slightly in the microwave for 10 seconds. Drizzle generously over each cup and serve immediately.

Fact-Check: Coffee & Cocktails

• The “Pick Me Up”: The word Tiramisu literally translates from Italian to “pick me up,” referring to the energy boost from the caffeine and cocoa.
• Cocktail Origins: The Espresso Martini was invented by bartender Dick Bradsell in 1983 at Soho Brasserie in London, reportedly for a famous model who asked for a drink to “wake her up.”
• The Trio: Traditionally, an Espresso Martini is garnished with three coffee beans, representing health, wealth, and happiness.