Whipped Honey Espresso Cocktail (Christmas Edition)

A festive coffee martini with whipped Steens Mānuka Honey

If Christmas had a signature cocktail, this would be it. Rich, bold, and irresistibly creamy, the Whipped Honey Espresso Cocktail is a festive twist on the classic espresso martini — elevated with whipped Steens Mānuka Honey for a smooth, mousse-like texture that feels indulgent and celebratory.

Inspired by whipped coffee trends but taken in a more grown-up direction, this Christmas version blends strong coffee flavour, vanilla vodka, coffee liqueur, and honey into a cloud-like cocktail that’s as fun to make as it is to drink. Think dessert-meets-cocktail, finished with a dusting of cocoa powder and served ice-cold.

Why Whipped Mānuka Honey Changes Everything

Whipping Steens Mānuka Honey before blending transforms the texture of this drink entirely. Instead of dissolving like a syrup, the honey aerates, creating a light, creamy base that gives the cocktail its signature mousse consistency.

It balances the bitterness of coffee beautifully and removes the need for sugar syrups — resulting in a smoother, more rounded flavour profile.

Whipped Honey Espresso Cocktail Recipe (Serves 2)

Ingredients

• 60g Steens Mānuka Honey (we used MGO85+), whipped

• 15g instant coffee

• 45ml Kahlúa coffee liqueur

• 60ml vanilla vodka

• 150g ice

• Cocoa powder, to garnish

Method

• Whip the honey
  Add the Steens Mānuka Honey to a bowl and whip with an electric beater until light, creamy, and aerated.
• Prepare the blender
  Add the ice to a high-speed blender.

• Layer the ingredients
  Spoon the whipped honey over the ice, then add the instant coffee, Kahlúa, and vanilla vodka.

• Blend until smooth
  Blend on high until thick, creamy, and fully combined. The texture should be smooth and mousse-like.

• Serve
  Pour into chilled in glasses.

• Finish
  Lightly dust with cocoa powder just before serving.

Texture, Flavour & Festive Appeal

The whipped honey creates a velvety mouthfeel that makes this cocktail feel indulgent without being heavy. The coffee remains bold and aromatic, balanced by vanilla notes and natural honey sweetness.

Served cold and topped with cocoa, it looks just as good as it tastes — perfect for Christmas entertaining.

How to Serve It for the Holidays

For a festive finish, try:

• Chocolate shavings or grated dark chocolate
• A coffee bean garnish
• Cocoa powder stenciled into a Christmas shape
• A chilled glass rimmed with cocoa

This cocktail works beautifully as an after-dinner drink or a dessert-style serve at holiday gatherings.

Perfect Pairings

Pair this whipped honey espresso cocktail with:

• Gingerbread or spiced cookies
• Chocolate desserts
• Christmas cheeseboards
• Late-night festive conversations

Why This Cocktail Belongs on Your Christmas Menu

With minimal prep and maximum impact, this cocktail delivers bold flavour, luxurious texture, and festive charm. Using Steens Mānuka Honey elevates the drink beyond a standard espresso martini — creating something smoother, richer, and unmistakably special.

It’s the kind of holiday drink that becomes a tradition.

Final Thoughts

This Whipped Honey Espresso Cocktail – Christmas Edition is proof that small details make all the difference. Whipping Mānuka honey adds depth, texture, and character, turning a classic into a Christmas showstopper.

Creamy, bold, and beautifully festive — it’s a cocktail worth slowing down for.