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Home > Recipes > Beverages

Published: Oct 18, 2022 · Modified: Oct 30, 2022 by Meredith · This post may contain affiliate links · 2 Comments

Espresso Martini with Baileys

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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.

a coupe glass with a coffee and sugar rim filled with a baileys espresso martini. a bowl of coffee beans is in the foreground with additional coffee beans scattered around the scene. another cocktail and a bottle of baileys irish cream are in the background.

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.

Jump to:
  • Why You’ll Love This Espresso Martini Recipe
  • Making Espresso at Home
  • Ingredients Needed
  • Recipe Variations and Substitutions:
  • Overview: How to Make an Espresso Martini
  • Recipe FAQs
  • Equipment Needed:
  • Love This Recipe? You May Also Enjoy:
  • Espresso Martini with Baileys

Why You’ll Love This Espresso Martini Recipe

So easy to make! Easy. Measure, shake, and serve.

An elegant at home cocktail experience. No need to head out to a fancy cocktail bar to get an espresso martini! A great option for girls night, at home date night, dinner parties, and more!

Delicious flavor. Coffee and baileys, could it get any better?

Comes together quickly, even if you need to brew some fresh espresso! If you need to brew some fresh espresso, it will take you about 10-15 minutes to make this easy espresso martini recipe. This gives you a little time to pop your fresh brewed espresso in the fridge (or freezer!) to cool it down a bit. Time will vary based on how you brew your espresso.

Time saving tip: 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

ingredients for espresso martinis with baileys and a coffee sugar rim. Includes irish cream, coffee liqueur, vodka, espresso beans by a moka pot, and ground coffee and granulated sugar on a plate for the rim.
  • 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

See recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.

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

process shot of making an espresso martini with baileys. a person is running a wet finger along the edge of a coupe glass before dipping a coupe glass into a plate covered with a coffee and sugar mixture to rim the glass. liquor bottles, a moka pot, and coffee beans sit in the background.

Step 1: Dip a finger in water and run it around the outside edge of a glass.

process shot of making an espresso martini with baileys. a person is dipping a coupe glass into a plate covered with a coffee and sugar mixture to rim the glass. liquor bottles, a moka pot, and coffee beans sit in the background.

Step 2: Gently dip the glass into the coffee and sugar mixture to coat the rim.

process shot of making an espresso martini with baileys. a person is add ice to a silver cocktail shaker. liquor bottles, a moka pot, and coffee beans sit in the background.

Step 3: Fill a cocktail shaker approximately half full with ice cubes.

process shot of making an espresso martini with baileys. a person is pouring one of the liquid ingredients into a silver cocktail shaker from a jigger. liquor bottles, a moka pot, and coffee beans sit in the background.

Step 4: Add Irish Cream, Coffee Liqueur, Vodka, and cooled espresso to the shaker

process shot of making an espresso martini with baileys. a person is shaking the ingredients in a silver cocktail shaker. liquor bottles, a moka pot, and coffee beans sit in the background.

Step 5: Cap and shake vigorously until cold (approximately 15-20 seconds).

process shot of making an espresso martini with baileys. a person is pouring a freshly shaken cocktail into a coupe glass with a coffee-sugar rim. liquor bottles, a moka pot, and coffee beans sit in the background.

Step 6: Serve in the rimmed a coupe or martini glass and enjoy!

Recipe FAQs

How to get a frothy espresso martini?

Properly shaking and aerating your espresso martini is the key to a frothy top. 15-30 seconds of vigorous shaking with ice should do the trick. Pouring your drink into your serving glass immediately after shaking will also ensure the drink is still aerated and frothy.

Can I use coffee instead of espresso in this recipe?

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.

Does Baileys need to be refrigerated?

According to the Baileys website, Baileys Irish Cream does not need to be refrigerated. They recommend storing it at a temperature between 32°F to 77°F and out of direct sunlight.

How long does Baileys last?

According to the Baileys website, Baileys Irish Cream lasts 2 years from the day of bottling, opened or unopened when stored at the optimum temperature (0 to 25°C/32 to 77°F). They note that this varies for different flavors/varieties of Baileys. They also note that small bottles (100ml or less) last for 18 months.

Does Kahlua need to be refrigerated?

No, but it is recommended that it is stored in a cool, dry place. Also make sure the cap of your Kahlua is put on tightly in between enjoying this liqueur.

How long does Kahlua last?

According to Kahlua’s website, Kahlua has a shelf life of 4-years. They say it’s actually ok to enjoy longer but the coffee flavor tends to fade.

Can I make an espresso martini without vodka?

Yes! If vodka is not your thing, try rum, tequila, or even gin!

Both a white rum (also called light, clear, or silver rum) or a dark rum would work in an espresso martini as they are good for mixing into drinks.

Tequila blanco, also known as white tequila or silver tequila, is often considered one of the best tequilas for mixed drinks. 

a coupe glass with a coffee and sugar rim filled with a baileys espresso martini. a bowl of coffee beans is in the foreground with additional coffee beans scattered around the scene. another cocktail, liquor bottles, and a moka pot surround the cocktail.

Equipment Needed:

Moka Pot -OR- Espresso Maker

Jigger

Cocktail Shaker

Coupe Glasses -OR- Martini Glasses

Love This Recipe? You May Also Enjoy:

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    Cold Brew Martini
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    Boozy Christmas Coffee
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    Pumpkin Spice White Russian Cocktail

Did you make this recipe? Tag @ourlovelanguageisfood on Instagram & Facebook. Leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating & comment below too! Be sure to subscribe to our weekly newsletter to get free recipes sent directly to your inbox!

a coupe glass with a coffee and sugar rim filled with a baileys espresso martini. a bowl of coffee beans is in the foreground with additional coffee beans scattered around the scene. another cocktail, a silver moka pot, and a bottle of baileys irish cream are in the background.

Espresso Martini with Baileys

Meredith
An espresso martini with Baileys is a creamier and smoother version of a classic espresso martini. Easy and elegant, the perfect after dinner drink!
5 from 7 votes
Prevent your screen from going dark
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Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 10 minutes mins
Course Drinks
Cuisine American
Servings 1 Cocktail
Calories 197 kcal

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!

Notes

*Author 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!
*Both the Kahlua and Baileys can be reduced to ½ oz each for a less-boozy cocktail. This will also reduce the sweetness of the cocktail.
*Prefer to make an espresso martini without Kahlua? Just skip this ingredient!

Nutrition

Calories: 197kcalCarbohydrates: 16gProtein: 1gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 0.01mgSodium: 10mgPotassium: 65mgSugar: 14gVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 1mgIron: 0.1mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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Reader Interactions

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    How many stars would you give this recipe?




  1. Claire Knudsen says

    October 19, 2022 at 10:49 pm

    5 stars
    I mean, what’s not to like? Espresso, Baileys, vodka. It’s perfect!

    Reply
    • ourlovelanguageisfood says

      October 20, 2022 at 12:47 pm

      cheers to that!

      Reply

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Hi, I'm Meredith!

I am a Midwest-based foodie and mom working full time by day and sharing my passion for all things food by night. Follow along for great recipes to share with your family and friends. I've got you covered for breakfast, dinner, snack-time, parties, desserts, drinks, and more!

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