This Creamy Espresso Martini Recipe with Baileys is the perfect drink for coffee lovers! It's a classic espresso martini with a little Irish cream liqueur that takes it to the next level. The perfect after-dinner drink with a rich coffee flavor and a creamy texture. Ready in under 5 minutes!
We love a decadent cocktail! Just like this pumpkin martini, this recipe is dessert in a glass, with a boozy kick. These are so easy to make at home, we know you'll love it! Love Baileys? You gotta try this Baileys coffee recipe!
If you're looking for more coffee inspiration, you might enjoy this rose latte, this hot miel (Spanish coffee with honey), or this maple latte.
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❤️Why we love this recipe
- Elegant cocktail - The perfect way to impress guests or someone special, this recipe is simple, yet refined. It's a classic cocktail for a reason! Serve for Valentine's Day, date night, any holiday gathering, or just because.
- Yummy dessert cocktail - Even tastier than the original espresso martini, the creamy top, and sweet, rich flavor of this delicious cocktail make it perfect to pair with your favorite dessert.
- Made with simple ingredients - You only need 4 ingredients to make this easy espresso martini.
- Quick and easy - You don't need to make any fancy simple syrups, this cocktail is ready to go in under 5 minutes!
☕️Ingredients
Here are the ingredients we used for this recipe. You can find more information for substitutions below.
- Baileys Irish cream
- Coffee liqueur - We used Kahlua coffee liqueur, but you can use your favorite variety. Tia Maria is another popular choice, which is a sweet cold brew coffee liqueur.
- Espresso coffee - We'd recommend using an espresso machine if possible to pull some really delicious espresso shots. You need strong coffee for this recipe, and we think fresh espresso creates the best flavor.
- Vodka
- Coffee beans
Visit the recipe card for the full quantities and nutritional information.
✨Substitutions & variations
Looking for the perfect espresso martini variation? Try a few of these ideas!
- Gin espresso martini - Use gin instead of vodka if you prefer.
- Use flavored vodka - For extra sweetness and flavor, try adding your favorite flavored vodka, like vanilla, chocolate, or caramel!
- Whiskey espresso martini - Use Irish whiskey for a delicious Irish spin on the classic.
- Extra creamy - Add half an ounce of heavy whipping cream, or half and half.
- No espresso maker? That's okay, you can use strong instant coffee (also known as instant espresso powder), cold brew concentrate, or any strong coffee.
- Swap the coffee liqueur - If desired, you can add a little extra vodka, espresso, and just add a bit of simple syrup to taste.
- Add an egg white - This is not a traditional ingredient, but we're sure it would taste amazing and create a velvety, rich creamy foam on top! Simply add all the ingredients to a cocktail shaker without ice, dry shake for 30 seconds, then add ice, shake again until chilled, then double strain into a chilled martini glass.
🔪Prep work
- Pull the espresso shots and allow them to cool completely. Hot coffee will melt the ice in the cocktail shaker and water down the drink.
- Place martini glasses in the freezer to chill.
- Measure out all ingredients.
📋Instructions
Fill a cocktail shaker about halfway full with ice. (Image 1)
Add the espresso. (Image 2)
🌟Pro tip: Make sure your espresso has cooled to room temperature or cooler. Hot espresso will make the ice melt.
Pour in the coffee liqueur. (Image 3)
Add vodka. (Image 4)
Finally, add the Baileys! (Image 5)
Shake vigorously for 30 seconds to chill and form a nice foam, then strain into a chilled glass. (Image 6)
Garnish with three coffee beans, and enjoy! Cocoa powder or chocolate shavings are also common garnishes if desired.
✨Tips & tricks
- Use high quality coffee. You want your coffee to be tasty in this drink as it makes up a large part of the flavor.
- Use tasty vodka. You don't need to buy the most expensive bottle, but you want to make sure you have something you enjoy the taste of. Don't go super cheap on the vodka!
- Make sure your espresso isn't hot. If you add hot espresso to the cocktail shaker with ice, it will melt it, making for a watered down drink.
- Add booze to taste. If you prefer a boozier martini, add the suggested amount or more of vodka and coffee liqueur. Otherwise, scale back on the booze for a lighter tasting drink.
- Shake vigorously & pour into glasses in one shot. This will create the foamiest top!
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💭Frequently Asked Questions
This drink is best enjoyed right away, and we don't recommend making it in advance. However, if you need to save it, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Do not freeze.
Not really, this recipe isn't great for batched drinks. Without shaking this drink in the cocktail shaker, you won't get the nice foamy top.
You can however mix two drinks at a time in a standard cocktail shaker. Fill the shaker a little over halfway with ice then add in the rest of the ingredients. Be careful not to overfill.
More Recipes To Consider
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📖 Recipe
Espresso Martini with Baileys
Equipment
- cocktail shaker
- cocktail strainer
- Jigger
- coupe or martini glasses
Ingredients
- 2 ounces espresso, chilled
- 1.5 ounces vodka
- 1.5 ounces Baileys
- 1 ounce coffee liqueur (like Kahlua)
- coffee beans for garnish
- ice
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker up roughly halfway with ice. Pour in vodka, espresso, Baileys, and coffee liqueur.
- Shake vigorously for 20-30 seconds until the shaker is cold.
- Strain the espresso martini into the glass. Garnish the foam with coffee beans. Enjoy!
- We recommend enjoying this drink right away, however, you can store leftovers for up to 2 days in advance in the fridge in an airtight container.
Notes
- Use high quality coffee. You want your coffee to be tasty in this drink as it makes up a large part of the flavor.
- Use tasty vodka. You don't need to buy the most expensive bottle, but you want to make sure you have something you enjoy the taste of. Don't go super cheap on the vodka!
- Make sure your espresso isn't hot. If you add hot espresso to the cocktail shaker with ice, it will melt it, making for a watered down drink.
- Add booze to taste. If you prefer a boozier martini, add the suggested amount or more of vodka and coffee liqueur. Otherwise, scale back on the booze for a lighter tasting drink.
- Shake vigorously & pour into glasses in one shot. These steps are crucial to a foamy topping.
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