Espresso Martini with Baileys

How do you take your coffee? If you like it light and sweet (like I do), this espresso martini with Baileys will be your go-to when you need a party pick-me-up. This creamy version of the classic (and super popular) espresso martini adds Baileys Irish Cream, a liqueur that’s been around since 1974.

Baileys certainly is Irish. Made with Irish whiskey, Irish cream (from some of the best dairies are in Ireland!) and hints of chocolate and vanilla, it adds just the right sweetness, creamy richness and boozy kick to your coffee cocktail. You won’t even need Kahlua or simple syrup—Baileys brings it all to the party. Do you drink an espresso martini with Baileys before or after dinner, or is it a brunch-time drink? Yes, to all three.

Espresso Martini with Baileys Ingredients

• Vodka: A neutral spirit like vodka highlights the cream and the coffee in this espresso martini with Baileys and provides most of the alcohol. The best vodka brand is your favorite brand. They all work in this cocktail.
• Espresso: Espresso is all about pure coffee flavor, and here, its bitterness balances Baileys’ sweetness. Pull a fresh shot if you’re lucky enough to have an espresso machine. I use my little Nespresso pod machine, but a concentrated cold brew works well too. Use instant espresso in a pinch!
• Baileys Irish Cream: It’s like your favorite coffee creamer but supercharged with Irish whiskey. Baileys is the most iconic brand of Irish cream, but there are others. You can even whip up some homemade Irish cream.
• Coffee beans: One reason we garnish drinks is for the fragrance. Our sense of taste depends on our sense of smell for 75% or more of the flavors we experience. So, coffee beans and their singular aroma enhance the overall flavor of the cocktail. There are as many types of coffee beans as there are types of coffee, so choose the ones with your favorite scent.

Directions

Step 1: Add ingredients to a cocktail shaker

Taste Recipes

Fill a shaker three-fourths full with ice.

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Add the vodka, Baileys and espresso.

Editor’s Tip: Make the espresso in advance and chill it in the refrigerator so it’s cold when you make the cocktail. Warm espresso will quickly melt the ice and water down the drink.

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Cover and shake until condensation forms on the outside of the shaker, 10 to 15 seconds.

Step 2: Strain, garnish and serve

Strain your espresso martini with Baileys into a glass. If desired, garnish with coffee beans.

Editor’s Tip: Try a few chocolate-covered espresso beans as a garnish for a luxurious little treat on top!

Taste Recipes

Recipe Variations

• Add some coffee liqueur: Just like with coffee, some like more or less cream. If you are on the less cream team, reduce it by half and add an ounce of Kahlua, Mr. Black or any other coffee liqueur, which will boost the coffee flavor and the liquor content.
• Try other Baileys flavors: Vanilla and chocolate-flavored Baileys are obvious choices for an espresso martini, but what about red velvet, salted caramel or chocolate cherry? Give your guests a choice and create new and exciting blends.
• Whip up some whipped cream: What’s good for your frappuccino is good for this espresso martini with Baileys. For a special treat, add a dollop of homemade whipped cream to your drink.
• Make it slushy: Get inspired by this frozen espresso martini recipe and add a shot of Baileys to it!

How to Store Espresso Martinis with Baileys

You want to shake up each espresso martini and serve it immediately. Making each cocktail fresh is key to its flavor and texture, so we recommend storing each ingredient separately until you are ready to serve it.

Can you make espresso martinis with Baileys ahead of time?

If you want the best espresso martini, let the ingredients meet for the first time in the shaker. But you can prepare the espresso shots in advance and refrigerate your Baileys so it’s nice and cold.

Espresso Martini with Baileys Tips

Taste Recipes

What type of glass do you use for an espresso martini with Baileys?

The best cocktail glasses for espresso martinis are the old-school triangle martini glasses. If you want to serve this on the rocks, a double old-fashioned would be a lovely option.

How do you get the frothy top on espresso martinis?

You will get a pretty frothy top if you give espresso martinis a long, hard shake, use super-cold ice and pour it into a pre-chilled glass. You can get a really creamy finish with bar tools like a handheld milk frother, which you can use to aerate (mix while adding air) your ingredients in your shaker before adding ice. Shake long and hard before straining your drink through a Hawthorne strainer in the mouth of the shaker and then through a fine mesh sieve. This allows the creamy foam to rise to the top. Once settled, the foam will be thick enough to hold the coffee beans.

What else can you serve with an espresso martini with Baileys?

This cocktail holds the honor of being a fantastic first drink of the day at brunch and also a notable nightcap after dinner. It pairs well with everything from breakfast casserole recipes to strawberry crepes in the morning to a deep, dark, flourless chocolate cake or a lemon dream cheesecake after midnight.