Viral Espresso Martini Tiramisu Cups

Serves 6 · 25 min prep

Ingredients

• 1 cup strong brewed espresso or coffee, cooled
• 1/4 cup coffee liqueur (Kahlúa or similar)
• 2 tbsp vodka
• 8 oz mascarpone cheese, room temperature
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 18-20 cookies ladyfinger cookies
• 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup dark chocolate shavings
• 1/4 tsp pinch of flaky sea salt

Instructions

1. 1Brew strong espresso or coffee and let it cool completely to room temperature, about 20 minutes; stir in the coffee liqueur and vodka until combined and set the mixture aside in a shallow bowl.
2. 2In a large mixing bowl, beat the room-temperature mascarpone with an electric mixer on medium speed for 30 seconds until smooth and free of lumps.
3. 3In a separate chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract on medium-high speed for 2–3 minutes until stiff peaks form that hold their shape when the beaters are lifted.
4. 4Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone in three additions using a rubber spatula, turning the bowl as you go, until the mixture is light, fluffy, and fully combined with no white streaks.
5. 5Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the espresso-vodka mixture for 1–2 seconds per side—just long enough to moisten without sogginess—and arrange a single layer broken to fit in the bottom of six 8-oz clear cups or glasses.
6. 6Spoon or pipe mascarpone cream over the soaked ladyfingers in each cup, smoothing the top gently with the back of a spoon.
7. 7Repeat with a second layer of dipped ladyfingers and another generous layer of cream, finishing with cream on top so the cookies are fully covered.
8. 8Cover the cups loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight so the flavors meld and the texture sets to a spoonable consistency.
9. 9Just before serving, dust the tops generously with cocoa powder through a fine-mesh sieve, then sprinkle with dark chocolate shavings and a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt for contrast.
10. 10Serve chilled straight from the fridge; the cups should taste like a boozy espresso martini meets classic tiramisu with creamy layers and a slight coffee kick.