Baileys Espresso Martini Recipe

The Dreamiest Baileys Espresso Martini Recipe For Cozy Nights

Cocktail enthusiasts adore this baileys espresso martini that blends rich coffee liqueur with creamy smoothness.

Sharp espresso creates an electric buzz through every sip.

Cold glasses sparkle with potential before the first pour.

Nights become more luxurious when smooth spirits dance together.

Sophisticated yet approachable, this cocktail speaks to adventurous palates seeking something extraordinary.

Friends will marvel at your mixology skills.

You definitely want to shake up this crowd-pleasing drink that promises pure indulgence.

Baileys Espresso Martini FAQ List

  • What makes this Baileys Espresso Martini special?

This cocktail combines the creamy smoothness of Baileys with the bold kick of espresso and vodka, creating a perfectly balanced and indulgent drink that’s both a dessert and a cocktail in one glass.

  • Can I make this drink without a cocktail shaker?

While a cocktail shaker helps create the perfect frothy texture, you can use a mason jar with a tight lid or vigorously stir the ingredients with a long spoon. The key is to mix and chill the ingredients thoroughly.

  • Is the coffee bean garnish just for decoration?

The three coffee beans traditionally symbolize health, wealth, and happiness in Italian culture. They also add a subtle aroma and visual appeal to the cocktail, making it look more sophisticated and professional.

  • What's the best time to enjoy this cocktail?

This Baileys Espresso Martini is perfect as an after-dinner drink, a weekend treat, or a luxurious pick-me-up when you want something that combines the energy of coffee with the indulgence of a cocktail.

Why Baileys Espresso Martini Is A Boozy Pick-Me-Up

  • Unleash Quick Cocktail Magic: This Baileys Espresso Martini transforms sophisticated ingredients into a stunning drink in under 5 minutes, perfect for spontaneous gatherings or late-night entertaining.
  • Craft an Instagram-Worthy Beverage: The elegant presentation with three coffee beans creates a visually stunning cocktail that looks professionally mixed, guaranteed to impress guests and social media followers.
  • Elevate Your Home Bartending Skills: Requires minimal equipment and basic mixing techniques, making it an accessible recipe for cocktail enthusiasts wanting to upgrade their mixology game without extensive training.
  • Create a Luxurious Dessert Drink: Combines rich Baileys, robust espresso, and smooth vodka for a decadent beverage that serves as both a cocktail and a sweet treat, ideal for after-dinner indulgence.

Everything Needed For Baileys Espresso Martini

Base Spirits:
  • Baileys, Vodka: Creamy and strong alcoholic base that gives the cocktail its rich, smooth foundation with a boozy kick.
  • Coffee Liqueur: Adds depth and traditional coffee cocktail flavor with sweet undertones.
Coffee Components:
  • Espresso: Fresh, freshly brewed coffee provides intense flavor and natural coffee essence, best when using high-quality espresso beans.
  • Coffee Beans: Classic garnish that adds visual appeal and subtle coffee aroma, optional but recommended for traditional presentation.
Preparation Elements:
  • Ice: Essential for chilling and creating frothy texture when shaking the cocktail, use clean, fresh water-based ice cubes for best results.

How To Make Baileys Espresso Martini At Home

Step 1: Brew Bold Espresso

Prepare a rich, aromatic espresso shot and allow it to cool down slightly. The intense coffee flavor will be the heart of this cocktail.

Step 2: Chill The Cocktail Shaker

Pack a cocktail shaker with ice cubes until it’s about three-quarters full. The more ice, the better the chill and froth.

Step 3: Create The Magical Mixture

Pour the following ingredients into the ice-filled shaker:
  • Baileys Irish Cream
  • Vodka
  • Cooled espresso
  • Coffee liqueur

Step 4: Shake With Passion

Secure the lid and shake the mixture vigorously for 15-20 seconds. Listen for the ice cubes dancing and watch for condensation forming on the outside of the shaker.

Step 5: Strain Into Elegance

Grab a chilled martini glass and carefully strain the smooth, frothy mixture into it. Let the liquid cascade gently to preserve the beautiful foam.

Step 6: Garnish With Flair

For a classic touch, float three coffee beans on top of the martini. This traditional garnish adds a sophisticated visual appeal and subtle aroma.

Step 7: Savor The Moment

Serve immediately and indulge in this luxurious, creamy cocktail that perfectly balances coffee and spirits.

Tips To Perfect Your Baileys Espresso Martini

  • Chill Your Glass Perfectly: Stick your martini glass in the freezer for 10-15 minutes before serving to keep the cocktail frosty and enhance the overall drinking experience.
  • Select Quality Espresso: Use freshly brewed, strong espresso at room temperature to ensure rich coffee flavor and prevent diluting the cocktail's intensity.
  • Master the Shake Technique: Shake vigorously with powerful, consistent motions to create a creamy, well-integrated foam that gives the martini its signature silky texture.
  • Choose Premium Spirits: Opt for top-shelf vodka and coffee liqueur to elevate the drink's complexity and smooth out the overall taste profile.
  • Customize Coffee Bean Garnish: Arrange three coffee beans in a triangle formation, symbolizing health, wealth, and happiness in traditional Italian folklore while adding an elegant visual touch.

How To Store Baileys Espresso Martini The Smart Way

  • Keep leftover cocktail ingredients in their original sealed bottles at room temperature.
  • Store Baileys Irish Cream in the refrigerator after opening to maintain its rich, creamy quality for up to 6 months.
  • Transfer any prepared Baileys Espresso Martini to an airtight container and refrigerate for no more than 24 hours, as the drink's texture and flavor will start to change.
  • Avoid freezing the mixed cocktail, since alcohol prevents complete freezing and can alter the taste and smoothness of your delightful concoction.

Great Pairings With Baileys Espresso Martini

  • Pair with Rich Chocolate Dessert: Create a heavenly match by serving this creamy espresso martini alongside a decadent chocolate lava cake or dark chocolate truffles. The deep cocoa notes will complement the coffee and Baileys, enhancing the overall flavor experience.
  • Serve with Salted Caramel Treats: Elevate your cocktail moment with buttery salted caramel cookies or a slice of caramel cheesecake. The sweet-salty combination perfectly balances the robust espresso and smooth Baileys.
  • Match with Nutty Cheese Plate: Arrange a selection of aged gouda, creamy brie, and candied pecans as a savory accompaniment. These nutty, rich flavors will beautifully interact with the cocktail's complex coffee and cream profile.
  • Complement with Tiramisu Bites: Mini tiramisu cups or classic tiramisu squares create an incredible pairing that echoes the cocktail's coffee and creamy elements, making each sip and bite a delightful indulgence.

Tasty Twists For Baileys Espresso Martini

  • Irish Cream Dream: Swap vodka with Irish whiskey for a deeper, richer flavor profile that enhances the Baileys and espresso combination.
  • Chocolate Espresso Splash: Add a drizzle of chocolate syrup inside the glass and mix a dash of dark chocolate liqueur into the shaker for an indulgent chocolate-coffee experience.
  • Salted Caramel Kick: Include a splash of salted caramel syrup and garnish with a caramel-coated rim to bring a sweet and salty dimension to the classic cocktail.
  • Vanilla Bean Bliss: Infuse the drink with a small amount of vanilla bean paste or vanilla liqueur, creating a smooth and aromatic variation that complements the espresso's robust notes.
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Baileys Espresso Martini Recipe

Baileys Espresso Martini Recipe


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4.6 from 24 reviews

  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 1 1x

Description

Smooth Irish whiskey meets bold espresso in this Baileys Espresso Martini, creating a luxurious cocktail that dances between rich coffee intensity and creamy liqueur. Coffee enthusiasts and cocktail lovers will crave this elegant drink that promises a sophisticated evening sip with Mediterranean flair.


Ingredients

Scale

Liquor:

  • 2 ounces (60 milliliters) Baileys Irish Cream
  • 1 ounce (30 milliliters) vodka
  • ½ ounce (15 milliliters) coffee liqueur (like Kahlua)

Coffee:

  • 1 ounce (30 milliliters) freshly brewed espresso (or strong coffee), cooled

Garnish and Additional Ingredient:

  • Ice cubes
  • Coffee beans (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare freshly brewed espresso and allow it to reach room temperature, releasing its robust aromatic essence.
  2. Chill a martini glass in the freezer to create an optimal serving vessel with a frosty exterior.
  3. Load a cocktail shaker generously with ice cubes, creating a robust cooling environment for the cocktail components.
  4. Carefully pour the cooled espresso, smooth Baileys, crisp vodka, and rich coffee liqueur into the ice-filled shaker.
  5. Seal the shaker firmly and execute a vigorous, rhythmic shaking motion for approximately 15-20 seconds, ensuring ingredients blend harmoniously and develop a luxurious, frothy texture.
  6. Position a strainer atop the shaker and elegantly pour the cocktail into the pre-chilled martini glass, allowing the liquid to cascade smoothly without ice fragments.
  7. For an authentic presentation, delicately float three coffee beans on the cocktail’s surface, symbolizing health, wealth, and happiness in traditional Italian espresso culture.
  8. Serve the martini immediately, capturing its peak temperature and textural perfection, inviting immediate enjoyment of this sophisticated libation.

Notes

  • Chill your martini glass beforehand by placing it in the freezer for 10-15 minutes to keep the cocktail frosty and refreshing.
  • Use freshly brewed espresso at room temperature to enhance the coffee flavor and prevent diluting the drink with hot liquid.
  • Shake the cocktail vigorously to create a creamy, frothy texture that transforms the drink’s overall mouthfeel and appearance.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute Baileys with a non-dairy coffee liqueur or vegan cream alternative to accommodate different dietary needs.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Drinks, Cocktails
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 24 g
  • Sodium: 60 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 25 mg
Dave Mitchell

Dave Mitchell

Founder & Chief Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Grilling Techniques and Innovations​
  • Recipe Development and Testing
  • Culinary Education and Workshops​
  • Food Photography and Styling

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and menu planning, with a special emphasis on grilling and outdoor cooking. ​


Dave Mitchell is the heart behind Daves Grill, a cook, writer, and lover of all things grilled. He studied Culinary Arts at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and spent years cooking, testing, and sharing recipes that actually work.

Dave started Daves Grill to keep things simple: one great recipe at a time. His food is bold, easy to follow, and made for real people with regular kitchens. From juicy steaks to quick sides, Dave’s recipes bring the heat without the hassle.

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