• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • All Recipes
  • Summer
  • Work With Me
  • About
  • Subscribe

Our Love Language is Food

menu icon
go to homepage
  • All Recipes
  • Summer
  • Work With Me
  • About
  • Subscribe
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • All Recipes
  • Summer
  • Work With Me
  • About
  • Subscribe
×
Our Love Language is Food > Recipes > Beverages

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

Espresso Martini Recipe with Baileys and Kahlua

Sharing is caring!

Jump to Recipe

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 with Baileys and Kahlua
  • Baileys Espresso Martini Recipe Ingredients
  • How to make an Espresso Martini with Baileys and Kahlua
  • Recipe Variations for Our Espresso Martini Recipe with Baileys
  • Time saving tips for this Baileys Espresso Martini
  • Baileys Espresso Martini FAQs
  • Love This Baileys Irish Cream Espresso Martini? You May Also Enjoy
  • More Recipes to Try
  • Baileys Espresso Martini Recipe

Why you’ll love this Espresso Martini Recipe with Baileys and Kahlua

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.

Baileys Espresso Martini Recipe Ingredients

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.

Helpful Equipment

  • Moka Pot -OR- Espresso Maker
  • Jigger
  • Cocktail Shaker
  • Coupe Glasses -OR- Martini Glasses

How to make an Espresso Martini with Baileys and Kahlua

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 Variations for Our Espresso Martini Recipe with Baileys

  • 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.

Time saving tips for this Baileys Espresso Martini

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. 

Baileys Espresso Martini 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.

Love This Baileys Irish Cream Espresso Martini? You May Also Enjoy

  • Close-up shot of a cold brew martini with coffee beans scattered around the glass.
    Cold Brew Martini
  • action shot showing whipped cream being put onto a frozen mudslide cocktail
    Frozen Mudslide Cocktail Recipe
  • a clear mug rimmed with chocolate and sprinkles filled with boozy christmas coffee. the coffee is topped with whipped cream and sprinkles. coffee beans, sprinkles, chocolate pieces, and candy canes surround the mug.
    Christmas Boozy Coffee
  • process shot showing how to make a pumpkin white russian cocktail. pumpkin spice creamer is being poured from a jigger into an old fashioned glass.
    Pumpkin Spice White Russian Cocktail

More Recipes to Try

  • Greek Hummus Dip
  • Christmas Morning Coffee
  • Egg Muffins in Oven
  • Chewy Chocolate Chunk Cookies
  • Funfetti Pancakes Recipe
  • Oatmeal Scotchie Cookies
  • Wild Rice Mushroom Soup Recipe
  • Easy Trail Mix
  • Simple Cottage Pie Recipe
  • Best Virgin Pina Colada Recipe
  • Tortellini Soup Vegetarian
  • Summer Vegetable Risotto
  • Cucumber Mediterranean Salad
  • Chicken Meatballs with Spinach
  • Beer Brat
  • Baked Blueberry Donuts with Lemon Glaze

Did you make this recipe? Leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating & comment below! You can also tag @ourlovelanguageisfood on Instagram & Facebook. 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.

Baileys Espresso Martini Recipe

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 8 votes
Prevent your screen from going dark
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
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!

More Beverages

  • Two glasses of peach daiquiris, garnished with fresh peach slices, surrounded by iced and the other ingredients.
    Peach Daiquiris
  • Close up of a glass bottle filled with peach syrup.
    Peach Syrup for Drinks and More!
  • Close up of a classic margarita on the rocks in a salt rimmed rocks glass with a lime slice.
    Traditional Margarita
  • Close up of a skinny margarita in a glass rimmed with salt and garnished with a lime wedge and an orange wedge.
    Skinny Margaritas

Reader Interactions

Comments

    5 from 8 votes (7 ratings without comment)

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    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

Primary Sidebar

Photo of Meredith, creator of Our Love Language is Food, with a cookie sheet filled with dough balls ready to bake next to a stand mixer with more cookie dough.

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!

About Meredith →

Cozy Recipes

  • A serving bowl filled with tuscan chicken meatballs and gnocchi topped with parmesan.
    Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi
  • A serving plate with a hearty scoop of tuna casserole topped with parsley.
    Stovetop Tuna Casserole
  • a stoneware bowl filled with healthy turkey chili topped with cheese, frito chips, sour cream, and diced red bell peppers. Another bowl of chili sits in the background, along with a small bowl of cheese and bowl of fritos on a wooden board. a white linen and spoons sit in frame too.
    Easy Ground Turkey Chili
  • close up of a white bowl filled with tuscan vegetable soup. The bowl is sitting on a plate with a spoon, and slices of french bread and grated cheese is shown in the background.
    Hearty Tuscan White Bean Soup

Reader Favorites

  • Highball glass filled with this mojito mocktail recipe. The glass has a sprig of mint for garnish and a straw, and is sitting on a cutting board covered in additional mint and lime wedges.
    Mocktail Mojito
  • A full wheat germ muffin and a muffin that's cut in half with butter on a white serving plate
    Wheat Germ Muffins (Nutritious & Delicious Muffins)
  • a bowl of white chicken chili with a hand taking a spoonful of chili to eat.
    White Chicken Chili with Bacon
  • Cocoa pebbles treats cut into squares sitting in a 9x13 pan.
    Chocolate Krispie Treats (with Cocoa Pebbles or Krispies)

Let's Be Social!

Footer

↑ back to top

Explore

  • Recipe Index
  • About Me
  • Work With Me

About

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions

At no cost to you, as an Amazon Associate I may earn from qualifying purchases from affiliate links on my website.

Copyright © 2021-2025 Our Love Language is Food LLC

Please Rate & Comment!

Your vote:




A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.