This Bailey's Espresso Martini is the perfect cocktail for coffee drinkers. The combination of brewed espresso, a kick of vodka, and sweet and creamy Bailey's is a total winner. You can make it for a date night to make it feel fancy, or just as an after-dinner drink to enjoy with a decadent dessert.
Recipe Essentials
- 🍽️ Course: Cocktail
- ⏱️ Cooking Time: 2 minutes
- 🍴 Servings: 1
- 🧄 Flavor Profile: Creamy, smooth, and lightly sweet with rich coffee bitterness and a boozy espresso kick.
- 🍚 Best Served With: Chocolate desserts, tiramisu, or enjoyed on its own as an after-dinner cocktail.
- 🧊 Make Ahead?: Best made fresh, but you can pre-chill the glass and brew the espresso ahead of time.
Summarize and Save This Content On
This is not your average coffee drink! Espresso is stronger and more concentrated, but in a smaller amount. It pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the Irish cream and a touch of vodka to balance the bitterness. Enjoy it nice and cold for the smoothest experience, and you have a party hit on your hands.
I recommend these espresso brownies and these espresso chocolate chip cookies if you like to work with espresso.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- It's only 3 ingredients: All you need to make this Bailey's espresso martini are 3 ingredients. It's a simple cocktail, but the flavor always delivers.
- It's quick and easy to make: It doesn't take long to prepare, either! I love easy drinks that I can make for guests at home, and this dessert cocktail is perfect for that.
- It's made for sweet drink lovers: If you enjoy sweeter drinks, then this espresso martini with Bailey's was made for you! It doesn't lean too sweet, but it's not too strong, making it very easy to drink.
Ingredients
Everything you need to make your Bailey's espresso martini is listed below. It's only these ingredients plus ice to chill the drink!
- Espresso: Freshly brewed espresso is perfect! It gives you that delicious, concentrated coffee flavor. Use any kind of espresso that you typically like for this creamy espresso martini recipe.
- Vodka: You may use any vodka that you want for this recipe. I like a regular variety to allow the flavors of the espresso and Irish cream to shine. However, vanilla or even whipped cream vodka would be great here, too.
- Bailey's Irish cream: This is crucial for that creamy consistency and subtle sweetness in this cocktail. There are other brands of Irish cream out there, and you may use your favorite, but I will always go with Bailey's first!
See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.
Variations
- Make it stronger: Another splash of vodka may be added to make the martini more alcohol-forward.
- Use decaf: Try decaf espresso if you want to enjoy the same flavors without the caffeine.
- Add nutmeg: Sprinkle a little nutmeg right on top of the finished Bailey's martini to add a warm spice note.
How to Make an Espresso Martini with Bailey's
Here are the simple steps needed for this espresso martini with Bailey's recipe. I like to chill the alcohol and the glasses before I get started, so the cocktail stays nice and cold for serving.
Step 1: Combine ingredients with ice. Fill your cocktail shaker halfway with ice and add the espresso, vodka, and Bailey's.
Step 2: Shake and pour. Now you can shake it well and strain it into your cocktail glass. Enjoy your espresso martini with a slice of chocolate chip cookie cake.
Expert Tips
- Use fully cooled espresso: Allow your espresso time to cool completely before you mix your martini. Warm espresso will cause the ice to melt faster, giving you a watery result.
- Make the cocktail to order: The flavor and consistency of your Bailey's espresso martini will be much better if you prepare and drink it right away. If it sits in the cocktail shaker too long, it can also get watery as the ice melts.
- Don't save extra: If you prepare multiple cocktails or find some are unfinished, you can't save them in the fridge. Discard any leftovers because they will not taste the same unless they're fresh.
If you're a fan of espresso martinis, you'll love this tequila espresso martini.
If you enjoy recipes that use Irish cream, check out this Bailey's cheesecake and this Irish cream cake. You won't regret it.
Serving Suggestions
- Some sweet and salty treats that I enjoy serving with this espresso martini with Irish cream are butter toffee pretzels and chocolate-covered graham crackers.
- A salted nut roll shot makes a great accompaniment or second drink option if you're serving the martinis at a party.
- Enjoy one of these Bailey's martinis with brownie ice cream with caramel sauce for dessert.
- If you're looking for an easy yet delicious meal to enjoy before one of these cocktails, make this creamy chicken stew.
Recipe FAQs
Unfortunately not. This espresso martini recipe with Bailey's can't be frozen or blended because Bailey's contains cream, which can separate when it's blended with ice. If you want a frozen vibe, freeze your cocktail glasses.
If you find yourself without a cocktail shaker, a mason jar, and a fine mesh strainer work great in a pinch. Pour the ingredients into the jar with the ice, cover, shake, and pour over the strainer into the glass!
Fresh espresso and vigorous shaking help to achieve that rich foam at the top of the glass. Brew it fresh, shake it well and long enough, and you'll get that foam!
I enjoy a stemless cocktail glass for this drink. It gives a fancy martini vibe and works great with other kinds of cocktails, too.
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If you try this recipe and love it please leave a star rating in the recipe card below or even better, drop a review in the comment section. I always appreciate your feedback. Be sure to follow along with me on Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube for more easy recipes!
Bailey's Espresso Martini
Ingredients
- 1 ½ ounce espresso 40mL
- 1 ounce vodka
- ¾ ounce Baileys Irish Cream
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker part way with ice.
- Add espresso, vodka and Baileys. Shake until well chilled and strain into a glass.
Notes
- Allow the brewed espresso to cool completely to keep it from melting the ice.
- If you don't have a cocktail shaker available, you may use a mason jar and mesh strainer instead.
- Make your espresso martini to order instead of trying to prepare it ahead of time for the best consistency and flavor possible.
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