Decadent Tiramisu Martini

Indulge in a taste of pure bliss with this exquisite Tiramisu Martini Recipe!
This sophisticated yet incredibly easy-to-make dessert cocktail is the perfect
addition to any party, gathering, or a relaxing evening at home. Its rich,
creamy, and subtly boozy flavors perfectly capture the essence of the beloved
Italian dessert, Tiramisu, in liquid form.

The Iconic Tiramisu Martini: A Carnival Cruise Favorite

Among the celebrated “Classic Cocktails” found on Carnival Cruise Line, the
Tiramisu Martini stands out as an absolute fan favorite. We are thrilled that
Carnival was generous enough to share this fantastic Tiramisu Martini Recipe
with us, allowing you to recreate the magic of a cruise ship bar right in your
own kitchen.

Tiramisu holds a special place in our hearts as one of our all-time favorite
desserts. This delicious cocktail effortlessly blends the delightful flavors
of the classic Italian treat with a boozy kick, making it an ideal choice for
those who appreciate a drink that doubles as a decadent dessert. It’s
particularly wonderful for holiday celebrations or any occasion where you want
to offer guests something truly unique and memorable.

Be forewarned: this dessert cocktail is a celebration of liqueurs! It’s an
“all booze” concoction that truly packs a punch. For this reason, we highly
recommend serving this rich drink after dinner, allowing guests to have some
food in their stomachs to balance the alcohol content. If you’re hosting a
party, ensure a variety of
appetizers
are readily available for everyone to enjoy alongside this potent libation.

The presentation of this martini is just as important as its taste. Get
creative by decorating your martini glasses with themed messages or fun,
intricate designs. We were particularly inspired on a recent Carnival Panorama
cruise, where an Alchemy Bar bartender skillfully adorned our martini glasses
with stunning chocolate patterns. This personal touch elevated the drinking
experience and made each cocktail feel like a work of art.

Crafting Your Tiramisu Martini: The Essential Ingredients

Creating an epic Tiramisu Martini requires a careful selection of liqueurs,
each contributing a unique layer of flavor that mimics the complexity of a
traditional Tiramisu dessert. Below is a quick overview of the simple
ingredients you’ll need. For precise measurements and step-by-step
instructions, please refer to the comprehensive recipe card at the bottom of
this post.

• Malibu Coconut Rum: This provides a subtle tropical sweetness and a smooth, mellow rum base
  that pairs beautifully with the other rich flavors.
• Baileys Irish Cream Liqueur: The creamy cornerstone of this cocktail,
  delivering that signature velvety texture and rich dairy sweetness that
  makes dessert cocktails so irresistible.
• Frangelico: With its distinct hazelnut flavor, Frangelico introduces a nutty depth
  that is reminiscent of the cocoa and coffee notes found in tiramisu.
• Peach Schnapps: An unexpected but brilliant addition, peach schnapps adds a bright,
  fruity lift that prevents the cocktail from becoming overly heavy and adds a
  delicate sweetness.
• Disaronno Amaretto: This almond-flavored liqueur is a classic Italian touch,
  imparting a warm, slightly bitter-sweet note that enhances the overall
  “dessert” profile.
• Butterscotch Schnapps: For a luxurious, buttery caramel finish, butterscotch schnapps adds a
  layer of richness that perfectly complements the other sweet and nutty
  liqueurs.

Tools for the Perfect Tiramisu Martini

Having the right equipment ensures your Tiramisu Martini is perfectly mixed
and chilled. Here are the essential tools you’ll need:

• Cocktail Shaker: An absolute must-have for any home mixologist. A good cocktail shaker,
  especially one that comes with a fantastic set of tools, allows you to
  thoroughly chill and blend your ingredients without watering them down too
  much. Shaking ensures all the liqueurs are well integrated and the drink
  achieves its optimal temperature.
• Martini Glass: While any glass will do, a classic martini glass is essential
  for the elegant presentation this cocktail deserves. Its wide brim allows
  for beautiful garnishes, and its stem keeps your hands from warming the
  drink. For an extra chill, place your martini glass in the freezer for a
  few minutes before pouring.
• Jigger or Measuring Spoons: Precision is key in cocktail making. While not
  listed in the original, a jigger helps ensure you get the exact proportions
  for a perfectly balanced drink every time.

Mixing Your Masterpiece: Easy Tiramisu Martini Instructions

Crafting this delectable Tiramisu Martini is surprisingly simple, making it
accessible even for novice bartenders. I’ve provided a quick version of the
instructions here, with complete, detailed guidance available in the printable
recipe card at the end of this article.

1. Gather your ingredients and chill your martini glass: Before you begin,
   ensure all your liqueurs are at room temperature or slightly chilled. For
   the best experience, place your martini glass in the freezer for at least
   10-15 minutes prior to mixing. This will help keep your cocktail colder for
   longer.
2. Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker: Fill your cocktail shaker
   about two-thirds full with fresh ice. Carefully measure and pour the Malibu
   Coconut Rum, Baileys Irish Cream, Frangelico, Peach Schnapps, Disaronno
   Amaretto, and Butterscotch Schnapps into the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously: Secure the lid on your cocktail shaker and hold it firmly
   with both hands. Shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds. You want to hear
   the ice clinking and feel the outside of the shaker become very cold. This
   vigorous shaking is crucial for properly chilling and slightly diluting the
   drink, ensuring a smooth and perfectly blended cocktail.
4. Strain and serve: Remove the lid and use a cocktail strainer to pour the
   chilled mixture directly into your frozen martini glass. Serve immediately
   and enjoy as-is, or get creative with your garnishes as desired to elevate
   the presentation.

Smart Preparation & Storage Tips

Planning ahead can make serving this impressive cocktail even easier. Here are
some tips for preparation and storage:

Make Ahead & Storage: This Tiramisu Martini can be largely prepared the
day before your event! Simply combine all the liquid ingredients (excluding
any garnishes) in an airtight storage container. Store this mixture in the
refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. Just before serving, give it a quick
shake or stir, pour into decorated martini glasses, and add your chosen
fresh garnishes. This method is perfect for entertaining, as it minimizes
last-minute fuss.

Freezing/How to Freeze: For a truly decadent twist, consider a frozen
version of the Tiramisu Martini. Add all the cocktail ingredients to a blender
filled with ice, and for an extra layer of creaminess, include a scoop of
vanilla ice cream. This creates a luxurious, milkshake-like consistency
similar to our popular
LuLu’s Famous Bushwacker
or the
Spirit of Kentucky Bourbon Milkshake. Blend with a splash of half and half, heavy cream, or even regular milk to
achieve your desired consistency and thickness.

Elevate Your Tiramisu Martini: Creative Variations & Dietary Adjustments

While the original recipe is divine, don’t hesitate to experiment with
variations to suit your taste or dietary needs.

Substitutions: We often feature Malibu, Baileys, and Disaronno in many
of our cocktail recipes. However, you absolutely do not need to stick to these
specific brands to achieve the wonderful flavor of this Tiramisu Martini. Feel
free to use your preferred brands of coconut rum, Irish cream, hazelnut
liqueur, peach schnapps, amaretto, and butterscotch schnapps. You can also
try adding a dash of coffee liqueur (like Kahlua or Tia Maria) for an even
more pronounced coffee flavor, typical of traditional tiramisu.

Optional Garnishes: Elevate your cocktail with delightful garnishes.
Add a dash of cocoa powder or finely grated dark chocolate on top for an
authentic tiramisu aesthetic. Serve alongside a few ladyfingers for dipping,
or top with a dollop of freshly whipped cream and chocolate shavings for a
truly luxurious presentation. A chocolate swirl inside the glass, as seen in
the image, adds an artistic touch.

For a Chilled Glass: As mentioned, placing your martini glass in the
freezer while preparing this beautiful after-dinner drink ensures it stays
perfectly chilled throughout your enjoyment.

Vegetarian Option: This Tiramisu Martini recipe is naturally
vegetarian, making it suitable for most guests who follow a vegetarian diet.

Vegan Option: To make this indulgent recipe vegan, you will need to
replace specific ingredients with their plant-based alternatives.

• Replace Baileys Irish Cream with
  Baileys Almande, which is the brand’s almond milk-based, dairy-free alternative.
  Alternatively, you can make a
  homemade Irish cream
  using your favorite plant-based milk (almond, oat, or soy milk work well).
• For the Malibu Coconut Rum, ensure you select a vegan-friendly brand. While
  many rum products are vegan, some, including certain coconut rums, may use
  finishing agents that are not. Malibu states its Original product line is
  vegan-friendly.
• Butterscotch schnapps are generally considered vegan, as most manufacturers
  use extract forms rather than real butter. However, it’s always best to
  double-check the product label on your specific bottle to confirm its vegan
  status.

Gluten-Free: Guests with gluten sensitivities will be pleased to know
that many of the ingredients in this sweet cocktail are generally safe for a
gluten-free diet.

• Malibu’s product line, including the Original Coconut Rum, is
  gluten-free.
• Baileys states in its
  FAQs
  that it cannot definitively confirm whether its products are gluten-free due
  to potential cross-contamination. Gluten-free drinkers should seek out a
  certified gluten-free Irish cream alternative to be completely safe.
• Frangelico, peach schnapps, and butterscotch schnapps are typically found on
  Celiac.com’s
  list of gluten-free liqueurs. This resource is an excellent one to bookmark if you frequently mix
  cocktails for gluten-free individuals.
• Disaronno Amaretto is confirmed to be
  gluten-free and nut allergy-free, making it a safe choice for those with these concerns.

Alcohol-Free Option: For a delicious alcohol-free dessert martini,
replace each alcoholic ingredient with a non-alcoholic (NA) alternative. There
are many excellent NA spirits and liqueurs available today. Alternatively, if
you prefer a more traditional Tiramisu experience without alcohol, we also
offer an
Easy Tiramisu Recipe
on our site.

Smaller Serving Size: If you’re looking for a delightful shot version,
simply halve the written recipe to create yummy Tiramisu Martini Shots,
perfect for quick toasts or samplers.

Larger Group/More Servings (Pitcher Style): Hosting a crowd? Scale the
written recipe to your desired yield and combine all ingredients (minus ice
and garnishes) in a large airtight container or pitcher. Refrigerate this
mixture until you’re ready to serve. When it’s time, pour into a large pitcher
or bowl filled with ice, or allow guests to serve themselves from the chilled
mixture, adding ice and garnishes to their individual glasses.

Sugar-Free: The original written recipe contains approximately 24 grams
of sugar per serving, as each ingredient naturally contains sugar. We have not
seen readily available sugar-free alternatives from most manufacturers for
these specific liqueurs. To significantly lower the sugar content, you would
need to actively seek out specialized sugar-free or low-sugar substitutes for
each component, which may alter the flavor profile.

Expert Tips for an Unforgettable Tiramisu Martini

• Get Creative with Glass Decorations: Want to truly impress? Try
  making different designs inside the glass with chocolate syrup or caramel
  sauce. A
  chocolate decorating pen
  can be a fantastic tool for creating fun and intricate patterns that will
  make your martini truly stand out.
• Master the Shake: When you shake your
  cocktail shaker, always use both hands to hold the lid firmly in place. Shake vigorously
  enough for the cocktail ingredients to become thoroughly cold and slightly
  frothy, but don’t overshake to the point where excessive ice melt
  unnecessarily waters down the drink. A good 15-20 second shake is usually
  sufficient.
• Choose the Right Glassware: Make sure to use a
  martini glass
  that beautifully showcases your creative chocolate designs and the alluring
  color of the cocktail. A clear, elegant glass is ideal.
• Whipped Cream Topping: For an even richer, more dessert-like
  experience, you can generously top this Tiramisu Cocktail with a dollop of
  freshly whipped cream.
• Cocoa Powder Dusting: If you love the deep, slightly bitter flavor of
  cocoa that is characteristic of Tiramisu, add a light dusting of good
  quality cocoa powder to the top of your cocktail. However, exercise caution
  and only apply a small amount; too much cocoa powder can overpower the
  delicate balance of flavors in the drink.
• Add a Coffee Kick: For an even more authentic Tiramisu flavor,
  consider adding a very small dash of chilled espresso or a coffee liqueur
  (like Kahlua) to your shaker. This will deepen the coffee notes without
  overpowering the other elements.

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve Alongside Your Tiramisu Martini

This dessert-inspired, easy Tiramisu Martini is an absolutely fantastic choice
for a sophisticated cocktail night with friends, a romantic date night dinner
with your sweetie, or any festive gathering. Given its rich profile, it pairs
well with a variety of dishes. Here are some menu planning suggestions to
complement this delightful drink:

Sides:
Sugared Cranberries,
Hasselback Potatoes,
Caprese Pasta Salad,
Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash,
Carrot Soufflé,
Crock Pot Stuffed Tomatoes,
CrockPot Shrimp and Grits,
Strawberry Bruschetta,
Shrimp Remoulade,
CrockPot Bacon Wrapped Potatoes

Main Dishes:
CrockPot Port Braised Beef Short Ribs,
CrockPot Rosemary Pork,
Caprese Eggs Benedict,
Balsamic Chicken Skewers,
CrockPot Salisbury Steak,
CrockPot Beef Tips & Gravy,
Shrimp Linguini,
CrockPot Roast with Red Potatoes,
Grilled Shrimp with Avocado Butter

Desserts (if you dare to have more sweets!):
Hershey Pie,
Sweet & Salty Chocolate Dessert Bar,
Creme Brulee Cheesecake Bars,
Carrot Cake with Pineapple, Coconut & Port Wine,
CopyCat Olive Garden Lemon Cream Cake,
Strawberry Shortcake,
CrockPot Cherries Jubilee,
Apple Blackberry Fruit Tart

Other Drinks to Explore:
Alchemy Bar Revved Up Mojito Martini,
Chocolate Cake Shot,
Chocolate Covered Cherry Shot,
Classic Grasshopper Drink,
Cranberry Mimosa,
Raspberry Pomegranate Lemonade Cocktail,
40 Is the New 20 Martini Cocktail,
Martini Seduction,
Alchemist Sidecar

The Ideal Occasions for Your Tiramisu Martini

This versatile and delectable cocktail is perfect for a wide array of events
and moments. Consider serving the Tiramisu Martini for:

• An elegant Cocktail Night with friends or family
• A themed Italian Night dinner celebration
• A romantic Dinner Date Night with your loved one
• Any evening dedicated to Dinner and Drinks
• Festive occasions like Christmas gatherings
• General Holiday celebrations throughout the year
• Special romantic days like Valentine’s Day
• As a beautiful and sophisticated After-Dinner Drink
• When you simply crave a Classic Dessert Martini
• Anytime you’re looking to serve festive cocktails that delight

Explore More Delicious Recipes

Dive deeper into our curated collections of recipes, perfect for expanding
your culinary and mixology repertoire:

Carnival Cruise Drink Recipes
– Discover the best Carnival Cruise Cocktails, including favorites from the
Alchemy Bar, Pool Bar, and more, allowing you to bring the cruise experience
home.

Martini Recipes
– Whether you prefer yours shaken or stirred, explore a wide array of martini
recipes designed to elevate your cocktail hour with classic and creative
options.

Christmas Cocktails
– Find epic Christmas Cocktails that everyone will adore! These festive drinks
are perfect for your holiday party, helping you celebrate the season with cheer
and delicious flavors.

Valentine’s Day Cocktails
– Indulge in delicious and easy Valentine’s Day Cocktails, perfectly crafted
for celebrating this holiday of love with a special touch.

Winter Cocktails
– Explore easy cocktails and shots that are ideal for warming up on a cold
winter day or night, offering comfort and delightful flavors.

Kahlua Cocktails
– An epic guide to Kahlua Coffee Liqueur, covering its taste profile, best
mixing practices, and storage tips for your home bar.

Crème de Cacao Cocktails
– Discover all our best cocktails crafted with both light and dark Creme de
Cacao, perfect for chocolate lovers and those seeking sweet, rich drinks.

Do you love recipes? Check out our
copycat recipes, dessert recipes,
and our CrockPot Recipes
for more culinary inspiration.

Follow Tammilee Tips on MSN,
Facebook,
Instagram, and
Pinterest for our latest
recipe posts and tips.

A huge thank you to Carnival Cruise Line for generously sharing this fantastic
recipe and photo with us, allowing everyone to enjoy a taste of their cruise
experience at home.