Tiramisu Martini, a delicious cocktail inspired by the popular Italian dessert. Serve this homemade creamy drink in martini glasses topped with whipped cream and cocoa powder at a party or event!
This tasty Tiramisu Martini is sure to be the best hit at your next holiday party or event! It’s a great dessert cocktail and great with my homemade Tiramisu Cookies or Cannoli Cookies. You can even make a big batch of the martini and serve in a pitcher for a fun party drink.
I love simple dessert cocktail recipes! Some of my favorites are these Mississippi Mudtini and Better Than Sex Caketini! Both fun drinks for the perfect holiday parties and special occasions and based on popular desserts.
As I mentioned above this cocktail, is based on the delicious Italian dessert, Tiramisu. If you’ve never tried it, give it a try! And if you have no idea what it is…
What is Tiramisu
Tiramisu is a delicious layered Italian dessert. There are many variations (just like everything else). Tiramisu generally consists of ladyfingers dipped in espresso or coffee, then layered with a creamy mixture of sugar and mascarpone cheese, and sprinkled with cocoa powder. Tiramisu may also contain alcohol such as rum, Marsala wine, coffee-flavored liqueurs, etc.
There are some other Tiramisu Martini drinks out there on the internet, so this is not necessarily a new thought. BUT this cocktail is a little different than some of the other ones out there.
Some Tiramisu Martini recipes include Baileys (Irish Cream), RumChata (cream liqueur with rum, cinnamon, vanilla, and sugar), espresso, Amaretto, Godiva liqueur, Frangelico, etc. All of those would be great choices too, but I just used what I had around or thought would be a good fit.
Tiramisu Martini Ingredients
- Half & Half
- Kahlúa
- Rum
- Sugar Cookie Vodka
- Mascarpone Cheese (optional)
- Toppings: whipped cream & unsweetened cocoa powder
How to Make a Tiramisu Martini
- Place half & half, Kahlúa, rum, cookie vodka, and cheese in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake for about 30 seconds or until cold and combined.
- Strain drink into a small martini glass.
- Top with whipped cream and sprinkle of unsweetened cocoa.
(Full printable recipe card is at bottom of post.)
Serving Suggestions
- Serve cold in small martini glasses.
- Top each drink with whipped cream and a sprinkle of unsweetened cocoa powder for the perfect touch.
- If you’re making a pitcher of multiple drinks, serve with some whipped cream and cocoa powder on the side.
- Instead of serving in martini glasses, you can also serve these in shot glasses for a fun small drink option or any type of glass.
- Serve with your favorite desserts like this Cannoli Tiramisu.
Quick Tips for Best Results
- You can make ingredient substitutions, but know that your results will vary.
- Shake with ice in a cocktail shaker. A cold drink will help the whipped cream from melting as well.
- You can use your favorite dairy or a dairy substitute for the half & half but just make sure it’s something you like.
Italian Tiramisu Martini FAQ
How should I store any extra martini?
If you make a large batch of the drink, you can store covered in the refrigerator away from any strong smells.
How long will the Tiramisu Martini last?
I haven’t made it ahead, but guessing it would be ok for a few days in the refrigerator if covered and ingredients are fresh. Be sure to whisk or shake before serving.
Substitutions?
Instead of half & half, you can use your favorite dairy (milk or cream), or a dairy substitute (such as almond or coconut milk). You can substitute your favorite liqueurs but know the taste will vary a lot. Instead of whipped cream you could use a dairy-free substitute or whipped topping.
What else can I add to this recipe?
You can add your favorite liqueurs, a little chocolate syrup for a chocolate version, or your favorite spices.
What should I serve this cocktail with?
Serve as a dessert with your favorite desserts.
Why do you put your cocktail ingredients in Tablespoons/teaspoons?
Yes, I know some of you are cringing that I don’t use “correct” cocktail form but I do this for the average home cook and also so people can multiply the ingredients easier for a larger batch or pitcher of the drink.
Can I make a big batch of this martini or a pitcher of it?
Yes! See the bottom of the recipe card below for the quantities for 4 or 8 drinks. You can whisk in a large pitcher or bowl (you can forget the ice if you want…) until smooth.
Can I make this vegan/vegetarian/low carb/gluten-free?
Here are some suggestions, but I can’t guarantee results. Be sure as always to check particular brands and ingredients if you’re following a specific diet or have diet restrictions or allergies.
Vegan – Use a dairy substitute for the half & half (such as almond or coconut milk) and a whipped cream substitute.
Vegetarian – It’s vegetarian. Be sure to check individual brands/products just to be sure though.
Low-Carb – Not sure how low carb this drink is, but for a lower carb option, omit the whipped cream or make your own homemade version with less sugar or a sugar substitute.
Gluten-Free – Check the particular brands of your alcohol to see if it’s gluten-free.
Other Italian Cocktail Recipes You May Enjoy
- Cranberry Limoncello Spritzer – a refreshing cocktail with lemon and cranberry.
- Strawberry Prosecco Slushie – a great frozen drink.
- Aperol Spritz – a delicious classic.
- Peach Bellini – a great brunch drink!
Hope you enjoy this tasty Tiramisu Martini. Tell me in the comments how you liked it!
You might also like this super popular Cannoli Cake or Mudslide Cookies!
Tiramisu Martini
Ingredients
- 3 Tablespoons half & half
- 2 Tablespoons Kahlúa
- 1 Tablespoon rum
- 1 Tablespoon sugar cookie vodka
- 1 teaspoon mascarpone cheese
- Toppings (optional): whipped cream, unsweetened cocoa powder
Instructions
- Place half & half, Kahlúa, rum, cookie vodka, and cheese in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake for about 30 seconds or until cold and combined.
- Strain drink into a small martini glass.
- Top with whipped cream and sprinkle of unsweetened cocoa.
Notes
For 4 drinks: 3/4 cup half & half, 1/2 cup Kahlúa, 1/4 cup rum, 1/4 cup cookie vodka, 4 teaspoons mascarpone For 8 drinks: 1 1/2 cups half & half, 1 cup Kahlúa, 1/2 cup rum, 1/2 cup cookie vodka, 2 Tablespoons & 2 teaspoons mascarpone
(Nutrition data is provided when available for informational purposes only and calculated using an online nutritional calculator. For the most accurate information please calculate based on specific ingredients and brands you use as well as any changes you made to the recipe. I am not a certified nutritionist or registered dietician and any nutritional information provided should only be used as a general guideline and estimate.)
About Lisa Huff
Lisa Huff is a Cookbook Author, Freelance Recipe Developer, Food Photographer, Blogger/Writer, and award-winning home chef. She loves creating unique recipes from healthy to decadent including cocktails, appetizers, main dishes, dessert recipes and more and has appeared on various shows, publications, and websites.
Hi Lisa, I got the ingredients to make the tiramisu martini, I can’t wait to try it! Thanks for sharing the recipe! I also want to say I ABSOLUTELY LOVE your cocktail shaker! Where did you get it?
Thank you so much Patty! I hope you enjoy the drink!! As far as the shaker, it’s quite old. I think I got it from TJ Maxx or HomeGoods years ago. They have some nice ones generally around the holidays like November/December.
Do you use light or dark rum? I’m just thinking that light might be a bit too sweet?
I used light rum. There’s a picture above with the specific brands/ingredients I used but you can change it up to your personal preference.
Yum! Judging by the ingredients, I bet this martini tastes just like tiramisu! Can’t wait to try
My husband really loved it! So delicious!
A tiramisu martini! It doesn’t et much better than this! Perfect for up coming holiday party as a signature drink! I know it’s going to be a huge hit.
I cannot think of a better cocktail for celebrating the holidays. I love how this has the flavor of tiramisu, a yummy dessert that everyone loves. The addition of whipped cream on top makes this extra fun!
I made one of these over the weekend and it was delicious! Definitely making them again for our Christmas party this weekend!