Dulce de leche martini is a rich, indulgent dessert cocktail made with dark spiced rum, cream, and real dulce de leche blended directly into the drink. Unlike cocktails where dulce de leche is used only for drizzling or decoration, here it becomes an essential part of the cocktail itself, adding deep caramel flavour and luxurious texture.
Hello, folks – I hope you all are doing well!
After all the light and refreshing drinks, I sometimes crave something a little more decadent – and this cocktail fits the bill perfectly. Creamy, smooth, and gently spiced, it feels more like a dessert in a glass than a classic aperitif. So, let’s dive into this creamy dessert cocktail.
Why You’ll Love This Dulce de Leche Martini
- Deep caramel flavour. Real dulce de leche is shaken into the cocktail, not just used as a garnish.
- Creamy and smooth. The combination of cream and rum creates a velvety, dessert-like texture.
- Simple but elegant. Only a handful of ingredients, yet impressive enough for entertaining.
- Customisable sweetness. Easily adjust the balance of rum, cream, and dulce de leche to taste.
Flavour and Consistency Profile
This martini is rich and silky, with pronounced caramel notes from the dulce de leche, warmth from dark spiced rum, and a gentle dairy sweetness from the cream. A pinch of cinnamon adds subtle spice without overpowering the drink. The texture is thick, smooth, and luxurious – unmistakably a dessert cocktail.
Ingredients You’ll Need for This Dessert Martini
This dulce de leche cocktail relies on a few carefully chosen ingredients that work together to create its signature richness.
- Dark spiced rum. Provides warmth and depth, pairing beautifully with caramel flavours.
- Dulce de leche. The star ingredient, fully incorporated into the cocktail for real caramel flavour and body.
- Cream (10%). Adds smoothness without making the drink overly heavy.
- Cinnamon (optional). A light spice note that enhances the caramel and rum.
- Extra dulce de leche (optional). For rimming or drizzling, adding visual appeal and extra sweetness.
How to Make Dulce de Leche Martini
To make this martini, combine the rum, dulce de leche, cream, and cinnamon (if using) in a cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously for 40–60 seconds, allowing enough time for the dulce de leche to fully dissolve and emulsify. Taste and adjust sweetness or strength if needed.
If desired, create a dulce de leche rim by spreading it on a plate and dipping the glass. Pour the cocktail into the prepared glass, optionally drizzle with more dulce de leche, and serve immediately.
More Decadent Dessert Cocktails
Are you looking for more fun recipes, like this Dulce de Leche Martini? Be sure to check more recipes below:
- Black Forest Cocktail
- Festive Brandy Alexander Dessert Cocktail
- Dulce de Leche Coffee Martini (Creamy and Decadent)
I hope you enjoy and give this decadent cocktail a try. If you do, please let me know in the comment section below, send me a message on Instagram, or share your photos using the hashtag #havocinthekitchen.
Cheers!
Dulce de Leche Martini
1-2
servings5
minutesCreamy dulce de leche martini made with real dulce de leche, dark rum, and cream. A rich dessert cocktail with deep caramel flavour.
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Ingredients
2 oz. (60 ml) dark spiced rum
1 to 1 1/2 oz. (30-45 g) dulce de leche
1 to 1 1/2 oz. (30-45 ml) cream 10%
a pinch of cinnamon (optional)
optional: more dulce de leche for garnish and rim
Directions
- In a shaker combine the rum, dulce de leche, cream, and cinnamon (if using) and shake vigorously for 40-60 seconds; it takes more time to incorporate the dulce de leche. Try and adjust the taste, as desired (add more dulce de leche, cream, or rum.)
- If you would like to make a dulce de leche rim, spread 1-2 tablespoons on a flat plate and dip a cocktail glass into it. If possibly, use thick dulce de leche for best result.
- If desired, drizzle with more dulce de leche (of course, it will result in a sweeter drink) or/and cinnamon. You can also serve it with a cinnamon stick for the presentation and stirring! Enjoy right away.
Notes
- Since we do not use ice cubes, you can chill rum along with cream and dulce de leche.
I also forgot to wish you a happy birthday there too Ben, happy belated birthday!!
Beautiful drink here Ben! I love the dulce de leche lining the rim. That and the cinnamon stick make this drink so elegant! I hope you and Andrew are enjoying Croatia, and taking lots of pictures that you’ll share here when you get back! Safe travels and happy birthday!
Interesting that you use the word “decadent,” because that’s the first thing that came to mind when I read the title and saw the opening shot. This sounds like a fabulous martini! I hope you’re enjoying Croatia! I was there years ago, and have many fond memories of it (plus a couple of ties that I continue to cherish).
Happy birthday to you!!! You are celebrating it right. Croatia is a beautiful country, and you will certainly be taken in by its lovely people, great food and scenery.
As for this decadent martini-wow! Looks incredible.
Safe and happy adventures to you!
Happy birthday, Ben! I’m overseas, too, but stopping by to visit while it’s raining!
Happy birthday, Ben! I’m overseas, too, but it’s raining so we’re hanging out in our hotel for a bit. Can’t wait to hear about your trip upon your return.
I hope you had a super time in Croatia! And happy 40th :)
oh if only I still drank. this sounds wonderful. Happy birthday to you; life just gets better each decade :) We loved Zagreb! Except for the tap water which made me ill till we left!
Ah – you snuck this recipe in before your trip! I’m glad I caught it though as a dulce de leche martini sounds pretty fantastic. I could see sipping on this one by a bonfire on a summer evening! Hope you guys had fun on vacation!
Yay! And couple crepes aside! My oh my!
Happy early birthday! Croatia sounds like an amazing place to celebrate such a special occasion, I am sure of that as I had visited the place and really loved it. Hope you have a wonderful trip!
Happy Birthday! And happy (and safe) travels! I remember 40 (25 years ago! hahahaha) Make the best of this wonderful time — I know you will!
Wow! What a decadent adult beverage! It looks absolutely incredible. I’m not into sweet cocktails but I know some people who are and they would go crazy for this.
Hope you have an awesome time on your holiday. Stay safe.
I loved the photo of you at ‘the cat bar’ on Instagram – so glad you’re having a fun birthday trip (better after the luggage arrives, lol).
This dessert martini looks decadent, divine! Love the sweet rim…
Whoa what a decadent and delicious martini — definitely my kind of drink! Love the creativity!
Ooh, this is my kind of martini!!! So perfect to sip!!!
Hope you are enjoying your holiday or wherever you are, Ben! I love this cocktail. As I may have said before, Lynne is the cocktail maker in this household so I’ve passed this recipe over to her. Can’t wait for her to make it for me! Ha ha!
Never knew that you could use dulce de leche in cocktails! This sounds and looks incredibly yummy, Ben.