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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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
- 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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!