This espresso martini recipe with baileys is a creamier and smoother version of the classic espresso martini. Baileys and coffee is a natural pairing, and this classy and elegant martini is an excellent choice for an after dinner drink or dessert cocktail.
If you’ve been around for a while, you know that I love coffee. And cocktails. So adding a Baileys espresso martini recipe to the blog was an obvious choice, and a great compliment to other coffee cocktails on the blog (like this cold brew martini and this boozy Christmas coffee).
The creation of the espresso martini is credited to London bartender Dick Bradsel in the 1980s.
This classic-style cocktail has been making a huge comeback throughout the 2020s, finding its way onto many a bar menu.
Adding Irish Cream takes this cocktail to the next level. A little creamier and smoother than the original, an espresso martini with Baileys is a true delight. Perfect for date night at home, as an after dinner drink for at home dinner parties, or anytime you want to enjoy a boozy coffee drink.
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Tell Me About This Espresso Martini Recipe
Level of difficulty: Easy. Measure, shake, and serve.
Flavor: Coffee.
Time: It will take you about 10-15 minutes to make this easy espresso martini recipe, assuming you have to brew up some espresso and cool it down a bit. Time will vary based on how you brew your espresso. Save time by brewing fresh espresso earlier in the day and keeping it in the fridge to use when you’re ready to have a cocktail. The actual measuring out ingredients and shaking up part of this cocktail recipe will take you less than 3 minutes.
Making Espresso at Home
- I personally use a moka pot. They’re simple to use, small, and affordable.
- You can also invest in an espresso machine. This may be a good option for you if you drink espresso often.
Ingredients Needed
- Freshly brewed espresso, chilled.
- Note: I love using decaf espresso when I make this recipe, because I can’t handle the caffeine at night. However, lots of people love that this cocktail can wake them up. Do what works best for you!
- Baileys or Irish Cream of choice
- Vodka
- Kahlua or Coffee Liqueur of choice
- Ice
- Optional: Water + crushed coffee beans + granulated sugar for rimming your glass
Wondering how to make espresso at home? You have several options!
Recipe Variations and Substitutions:
- Want to make an espresso martini without Kahlua? Kahlua adds additional sweetness and more coffee flavor to your espresso martini. Don’t have it or don’t want to use it? Skip it! Your espresso martini recipe with Baileys will still be delightful.
- Garnish with three coffee beans instead of the coffee-sugar rim. This is the classic way to serve an espresso martini.
Overview: How to Make an Espresso Martini
Step 1: Dip a finger in water and run it around the outside edge of a glass.
Step 2: Gently dip the glass into the coffee and sugar mixture to coat the rim.
Step 3: Fill a cocktail shaker approximately half full with ice cubes.
Step 4: Add Irish Cream, Coffee Liqueur, Vodka, and cooled espresso to the shaker
Step 5: Cap and shake vigorously until cold (approximately 15-20 seconds).
Step 6: Serve in the rimmed a coupe or martini glass and enjoy!
Recipe FAQs
I have found that strongly brewed coffee can be used in place of espresso in many recipes. If you do not have espresso at home, give strongly brewed coffee a try in this recipe! What does strong brewed coffee mean? It means a higher proportion of coffee grounds to water than a standard brew, making a more concentrated coffee. Start by adding one or two extra scoops of grounds to your usual brewing method is a good place to start.
Equipment Needed:
Moka Pot -OR- Espresso Maker
Coupe Glasses -OR- Martini Glasses
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Espresso Martini with Baileys
Ingredients
Coffee-Sugar Rim (Optional)
- water
- 2-3 tablespoon finely ground coffee
- 2-3 tablespoon granulated sugar
Espresso Martini with Baileys
- 2 oz espresso, chilled
- ice
- ¾ oz Baileys Irish cream
- ¾ oz Kahlua coffee liqueur
- ¾ oz vodka
Instructions
Coffee-Sugar Rim (Optional)
- On a small plate (larger than the size of your glass), mix together equal parts finely ground coffee and granulated sugar.
- Dip a finger in water and run it around the outside edge of your serving glass.
- Gently dip the glass into the coffee and sugar mixture to coat the rim. Set aside.
Espresso Martini with Baileys
- Place all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice and shake vigorously until cold (approximately 15-20 seconds).
- Pour into your serving glass and enjoy!
Claire Knudsen says
I mean, what’s not to like? Espresso, Baileys, vodka. It’s perfect!
ourlovelanguageisfood says
cheers to that!