This creamy Espresso Martini with Baileys is the perfect drink for coffee fans! This cocktail is the perfect after-dinner drink, made with fresh espresso and Baileys Irish Cream!
If you're a fan of the classic Espresso Martini, then you'll love this delicious twist - the Baileys Espresso Martini!
Made with freshly brewed espresso, Baileys Irish Cream, and smooth vodka, this creamy cocktail is the ultimate drink for coffee lovers and Irish cream lovers.
And the best part? This cocktail is incredibly easy to make, so you can whip it up in just a few minutes!
Whether you are hosting a fancy dinner party or unwinding at home after a long day, this elegant cocktail will quickly become one of your favorites - so make sure to try this recipe!
For more delicious cocktails, check out my Aperol Spritz Recipe, Blackberry Mojito, Chambord Vodka Lemonade, and one of my personal favorites, Grapefruit Paloma.
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🍸 What is an Espresso Martini?
The original espresso martini is a classic cocktail combining the rich, bold flavors of espresso with a coffee liqueur, usually Kahlua. It is also known as a vodka espresso but was changed to 'espresso martini' in the 90s when martini glasses became popular.
The recipe for this cocktail was created in the 80s when a supermodel in a London bar requested a drink to "wake her up and mess her up." Thus, the espresso martini was born.
Ever since, the espresso martini has been a popular choice among cocktail lovers worldwide, thanks to its strong espresso flavor paired with the smooth, warming notes of coffee liqueur.
💗 Reasons Why You Will Love This Recipe
- A rich, creamy twist on the classic espresso martini recipe.
- Balanced flavors of espresso, Baileys, and vodka.
- The perfect after-dinner drink for relaxing evenings.
- Incredibly easy to make with just a handful of ingredients.
- It makes the perfect coffee cocktail or perfect dessert cocktail!
- It can be easily scaled up to serve a crowd.
☕ Ingredient Notes + Substitutions
To make the perfect Bailey's Espresso Martini, you just need a few simple ingredients you can find at your local grocery store (or liquor store).
- Vodka. Use premium vodka such as Grey Goose, Absolut, Smirnoff No. 21, or Tito's vodka.
- Baileys Irish Cream. The star of this recipe, Baileys, makes it nice and creamy. I used the original Baileys Irish Cream, but you could also use Baileys Espresso Creme Liqueur for even more coffee flavor!
- Espresso. A double shot of espresso made with Starbucks dark roast espresso beans gives it a rich coffee flavor. If you don't have an espresso machine, a great option is to use Cold Brew Concentrate, strong coffee, or instant coffee. You can also use decaf espresso if you want less caffeine.
- Simple syrup. This is added to sweeten the cocktail. It is made by dissolving sugar into an equal amount of hot water. I used vanilla simple syrup, but you can also use regular simple syrup or use store-bought.
- Coffee beans or grated chocolate. For garnishing your Baileys Espresso Martini. It has been said that the three coffee beans represent health, wealth, and happiness!
- Optional: Chocolate syrup and a mixture of equal parts ground coffee and sugar for rimming the glass.
You can find a printable recipe card at the end with the exact measurements and a full list of ingredients.
🍸 How To Make An Espresso Martini with Baileys
To make this recipe, start by brewing 2 shots of espresso. I recommend using fresh espresso for the best flavor. You can also use strong brewed coffee. Set it aside to cool to room temperature.
First, add 2 oz of espresso and 1 oz Baileys Irish Cream to a cocktail shaker filled with 1 cup of ice cubes.
Next, add 1 oz vodka and 1 oz simple syrup.
Put the lid on and shake the cocktail shaker vigorously for about 30 seconds to mix the ingredients well. The creamy top can only be achieved by shaking.
Tip: If you don't have a cocktail shaker, use a mason jar with a lid to shake the ingredients up.
If you like, garnish the rim of your martini glass with chocolate syrup, then roll it in a mixture of finely ground coffee and sugar evenly spread on a small plate.
Strain the contents of the cocktail shaker into a chilled martini glass or cocktail glass.
Garnish your espresso martini with three coffee beans, or sprinkle a little bit of cocoa powder on top.
Serve immediately.
Enjoy!
🍸 Espresso Martini Variations
- Baileys Espresso Martini with Vanilla Vodka: Replace the regular vodka with vanilla vodka. This gives the cocktail a sweeter flavor that pairs beautifully with the rich coffee and cream flavors.
- Baileys Espresso Martini with Chocolate: Swirl some chocolate syrup inside the glass before you pour your martini. The chocolate will add a decadent twist to your cocktail.
- Baileys Espresso Martini with Coconut: Replace the simple syrup with a coconut syrup or a bit of coconut cream for a tropical twist.
- Iced Baileys Espresso Martini: If you want something colder, serve the martini over crushed ice. This will turn your cocktail into a chilled drink, perfect for warm summer nights.
💭 Expert Tips
- For best results, use freshly brewed espresso.
- Don't skimp on the Baileys – its rich and creamy texture perfectly complements the strong espresso flavor.
- Use a cocktail shaker to ensure the ingredients are thoroughly combined, and so you get a frothy top.
- Use a chilled glass to ensure the drink stays cold.
- For a non-alcoholic version, omit the Baileys and vodka, and use your favorite milk instead.
- Enjoy this cocktail responsibly - If you drink, don't drive!
🧾 Recipe FAQs
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight jar for up to 3 days. Make sure to give it a good shake before serving.
Yes, you can use espresso powder instead of fresh espresso in this espresso martini recipe.
While this cocktail is best served fresh, you can combine the vodka and Baileys together and refrigerate it for up to 1 day. Brew the espresso and mix the cocktail just before serving.
This recipe makes one serving, but it's easy to double or triple the recipe if you are serving a larger crowd.
👩🏻🍳 More Favorite Cocktail Recipes You'll Love
If you tried this recipe and liked it, then be sure to try these other cocktails:
📋 Recipe
Easy Creamy Espresso Martini With Baileys Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 ounces espresso
- 1 oz Baileys Irish Cream
- 1 oz vodka
- 1 oz simple syrup *see note below
- 1 cup ice cubes
- 3 coffee beans for garnish optional
Instructions
- Brew espresso and let it cool to room temperature. Add 2 oz of espresso and 1 oz of Baileys Irish Cream to a cocktail shaker filled with 1 cup of ice cubes.2 ounces espresso, 1 oz Baileys Irish Cream, 1 cup ice cubes
- Add 1 oz vodka and 1 oz simple syrup. Put the lid on and shake the cocktail shaker vigorously for about 30 seconds to mix the ingredients well. Tip: If you don't have a cocktail shaker, use a mason jar with a lid.1 oz vodka, 1 oz simple syrup
- Strain the contents of the cocktail shaker into a chilled martini glass or cocktail glass.
- Garnish with three coffee beans, or sprinkle a little bit of cocoa powder on top. Serve immediately.3 coffee beans for garnish
- Enjoy!
Notes
- For best results, use freshly brewed espresso.
- Don't skimp on the Baileys – its rich and creamy texture perfectly complements the strong espresso flavor.
- Use a cocktail shaker to ensure the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- If you like, garnish the rim of your martini glass with chocolate syrup, then roll it in a mixture of finely ground coffee and sugar evenly spread on a small plate.
- Use a chilled glass to ensure the drink stays cold.
- For a non-alcoholic version, omit the Baileys and vodka, and use your favorite milk instead.
- Enjoy this cocktail responsibly - If you drink, don't drive!
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