Happy Friday, gang! There’s a particular kind of evening I love — the one where dinner is done, the dishes can wait, and all that’s left is good conversation and something sweet. This week on Fridays with Oscar, Kelly and I are leaning into that moment with two recipes made for lingering: a Salted Caramel Espresso Martini that tastes like dessert in a glass, and Spiced Marcona Almonds that are dangerously addictive. The martini is rich and velvety with a hint of salt that makes everything pop, while the almonds — warm from the oven with brown sugar, rosemary, and a touch of cayenne — are the kind of snack you can’t stop reaching for. It’s an indulgent little pairing that feels special without being fussy, and honestly, after the long stretch of January, I think we’ve earned it.
🐾 What You’ll Find in Today’s Post
- Salted Caramel Espresso Martini & Spiced Marcona Almonds
- ☕ Salted Caramel Espresso Martini
- FAQS – Salted Caramel Espresso Martini
- 🥜 Spiced Marcona Almonds
- FAQs – Spiced Marcona Almonds
- 🐾 Oscar & Ollie: Forever Part of Fridays
- A Little Indulgence: What We’re Wearing
- ☕ Cheers to a Little Indulgence
- Catch up With Fridays with Oscar
Salted Caramel Espresso Martini & Spiced Marcona Almonds
Sometimes you don’t want a full dessert — you want something small and indulgent that lets the evening stretch a little longer. These two recipes are made for exactly that. The Salted Caramel Espresso Martini is everything you want in an after-dinner drink: the deep, roasted notes of espresso, the sweetness of caramel, and that hit of flaky salt that brings it all together. Paired with warm Spiced Marcona Almonds — buttery, slightly sweet, and kissed with rosemary and spice — it’s the kind of combination that makes you want to sink into the couch and savor every sip and bite.
☕ Salted Caramel Espresso Martini
This version of an Espresso Martini — with salted caramel — has become a favorite after-dinner indulgence. The combination of vodka, coffee liqueur, fresh espresso, and a generous drizzle of salted caramel sauce creates something that’s rich without being too sweet, with just enough caffeine to keep the conversation going a little longer. It’s dessert, cocktail, and coffee all in one!
✨ Beth’s Tip: If you don’t have an espresso machine, cold brew concentrate works beautifully. You can also use instant espresso dissolved in a small amount of hot water, then cooled. The key is strong coffee flavor.
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FAQS – Salted Caramel Espresso Martini
A clean, smooth vodka works best — you want it to support the coffee and caramel without competing. Tito’s, Grey Goose, or Ketel One are all solid choices. Some people prefer vanilla vodka for extra sweetness.
Absolutely! Cold brew concentrate is an excellent substitute — use it straight, no dilution. You can also dissolve 1-2 teaspoons of instant espresso powder in 1 oz of hot water, then let it cool before using.
Kahlúa is the classic choice and widely available. For a more intense coffee flavor with less sweetness, try Mr Black Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur — it’s become a bartender favorite.
You can pre-mix everything except the ice in a pitcher and refrigerate. When ready to serve, shake individual portions with ice — the shaking is essential for that frothy top.
You can buy excellent salted caramel sauce (Trader Joe’s makes a great one), or make your own by cooking sugar until amber, then whisking in butter, cream, and sea salt. For cocktails, store-bought works perfectly.
The salted caramel adds sweetness, but the espresso and salt balance it out. Start without the simple syrup and taste — you may not need it at all. The caramel sauce provides plenty of sweetness for most palates.
Yes! Use cold brew coffee, a splash of caramel sauce, a little cream or oat milk, and shake with ice. It won’t be quite the same, but it’s a delicious coffee treat.
Salted Caramel Espresso Martini Recipe Card
Salted Caramel Espresso Martini
Ingredients:
- 3 oz vodka
- 2 oz coffee liqueur like Kahlúa or Mr Black
- 2 oz fresh espresso cooled (or cold brew concentrate)
- 1 oz salted caramel sauce plus more for drizzling
- 1 oz simple syrup optional, adjust to taste
- Ice
- Flaky sea salt for rimming (optional)
- 3 espresso beans for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Prep the glass (optional): Run a bit of caramel sauce around the rim of a coupe or martini glass. Dip the rim in flaky sea salt. Drizzle a little extra caramel inside the glass for presentation.
- Combine ingredients: Add vodka, coffee liqueur, espresso, salted caramel sauce, and simple syrup (if using) to a cocktail shaker.
- Add ice and shake: Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until very cold and frothy.
- Strain: Strain into your prepared glass.
- Garnish: Float three espresso beans on top if desired (they traditionally represent health, wealth, and happiness).
- Serve immediately — this one is best enjoyed fresh and cold.
Did you make this recipe?
We’d love to see! Tag us @styleatacertainage
🥜 Spiced Marcona Almonds
Marcona almonds are already dangerously good on their own — they’re rounder, softer, and more buttery than regular almonds — but when you toss them with brown sugar, fresh rosemary, a little cayenne, and some flaky salt, they become absolutely irresistible. The brown sugar caramelizes in the oven and creates this sweet, slightly crunchy coating, while the rosemary adds an earthy, herbal note that makes them feel sophisticated. And the cayenne? Just enough to make you reach for another sip of your cocktail.
✨ Kelly’s Tip: These are best eaten within a day or two, but let’s be honest — they never last that long. If you do have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
FAQs – Spiced Marcona Almonds
Marcona almonds are a Spanish variety that’s rounder, flatter, and more buttery than California almonds. They’re often sold already roasted and salted. Find them at Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, Costco, or in the specialty nut section of most grocery stores.
Yes, but the texture will be different. Regular almonds are crunchier and less buttery. If using raw almonds, you may want to roast them a few minutes longer.
With 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne, they have a gentle warmth that builds — not spicy-spicy, but enough to notice. Reduce to 1/8 teaspoon for mild, or increase to 1/2 teaspoon if you like more heat.
They’re best fresh and warm, but you can make them a day ahead. Store in an airtight container at room temperature. If they lose their crispness, pop them back in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes.
Fresh rosemary is better here — it becomes fragrant and slightly crispy in the oven. If using dried, use only 1 teaspoon as it’s more concentrated.
Cashews, pecans, and walnuts all work beautifully with this flavor combination. Adjust baking time as needed — softer nuts like cashews may cook faster.
Both! The brown sugar adds sweetness while the rosemary, salt, and cayenne keep them savory. They’re the perfect balance.
Spiced Marcona Almonds Recipe Card
Spiced Marcona Almonds
Ingredients:
- 2 cups Marcona almonds
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper adjust to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon optional
Instructions:
- Preheat oven: Heat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Toss almonds: In a medium bowl, combine the Marcona almonds with melted butter, tossing to coat evenly.
- Add seasonings: Sprinkle with brown sugar, rosemary, salt, cayenne, and cinnamon (if using). Toss until everything is evenly distributed.
- Spread on baking sheet: Spread the almonds in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the almonds are golden and the sugar is caramelized. Watch carefully — they can go from perfect to burnt quickly.
- Cool: Let cool on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes. The coating will crisp up as they cool.
- Serve: Transfer to a bowl and serve warm or at room temperature.
Did you make this recipe?
We’d love to see! Tag us @styleatacertainage
🐾 Oscar & Ollie: Forever Part of Fridays
Fridays with Oscar continues to carry its name in honor of our sweet Oscar, who crossed the rainbow bridge recently. His gentle presence was woven into every gathering we’ve ever shared — the way he’d settle at our feet during cocktail hour, his hopeful eyes when anything remotely snack-like appeared, the warmth he brought to every room he entered.
We’re keeping his memory alive by sharing our favorite photos of Oscar — those quiet moments that captured who he was. Ollie continues to keep us company in her own regal way.
Thank you for holding space for Oscar with us. 🐾
A Little Indulgence: What We’re Wearing
Beth’s Outfit
There’s something about a great striped sweater that makes even the simplest outfit feel intentional — and this Xirena Maxwell Sweater checks all the boxes. The stripes have that effortlessly chic, almost French feel, and the slightly relaxed fit makes it incredibly comfortable. I’ve layered it over my Non Iron Perfect Shirt for that crisp collar peeking out (a styling trick I’ll never get tired of), and paired it with Slim Ankle Jeans that hit at just the right spot.
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To finish the look, Tassel Loafers add a little polish without sacrificing comfort. It’s the kind of outfit that works for a cozy evening at home but would transition seamlessly to dinner out — which is exactly what I want from my winter wardrobe.
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Kelly’s Outfit
I’m fully committed to corduroy this winter, and these Darted Barrel Leg Utility Pants are a big reason why. The barrel leg silhouette is flattering and modern, and the cord fabric has that soft, cozy texture that just feels right for January evenings. I’ve paired them with a Cashmere Striped Sweater that picks up the warm tones in the pants — stripes are clearly our theme today!
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I finished the look with my Laguna Chelsea Boots. The boots add a little height and a lot of attitude, and they’re comfortable enough to wear all evening. It’s an outfit that says “I’m staying in, but I’m doing it in style.”
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☕ Cheers to a Little Indulgence
January can feel long and gray, but evenings like this — with something sweet in your glass, something delicious in your hand, and good company nearby — remind us that small indulgences make the ordinary feel special. Kelly and I hope these recipes inspire you to slow down, savor the moment, and treat yourself to a little something extra this week.
You deserve it.
🐾 With love from Beth, Kelly, and Ollie — and always, Oscar.
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