Espresso Martini With Baileys Recipe
Learn how to make the perfect Espresso Martini with Baileys. This delicious cocktail is so easy to prepare. You’ll want one every night!
If you are a coffee lover, you are going to love this Espresso Martini with Baileys. Be careful because being so delicious can be dangerous. You can easily forget that you’re sipping on alcohol and not a creamy dessert drink.
Like our coffee old fashioned, this espresso martini is a perfect union of coffee and cocktail. The Baileys Irish Creams brings subtle vanilla and chocolate notes while the vodka adds a nice kick to freshly brewed espresso.
What is a Martini Cocktail?
The martini is a classic cocktail made with gin or vodka and dry vermouth. It’s usually garnished with an olive and lemon peel.
There are many variations such as a martini spritz, martini fiero, martini royale and more. This Espresso Martini with Baileys is a dessert take on the espresso martini (but without the olives, dry vermouth, or lemon).
The espresso martini was invented in the 80’s by a London bartender at the Soho Brasserie. And legend says it was created after a model asked for a strong cocktail to wake her up.
Martinis are so appreciated that it’s officially on the International Bartender Association cocktail list! What if you could mix dessert and cocktail? Here’s the scoop on our frozen cookies and cream polka dot martini!
Traditional Espresso Martini Recipe
Before we dive into the Baileys’ variation, it is always best to first master the classic espresso martini that features:
- 2 ounce vodka
- 1 ounce coffee liqueur — Like Kahlúa or Tia Maria
- 2 ounce espresso coffee
- 1/2 ounce simple syrup
Simply combine and mix all the ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice and serve in a classic Martini glass.
The traditional Espresso Martini is usually garnished with three coffee beans to represent “health, wealth and happiness”.
What Ingredients Go Into the Espresso Martini With Baileys?
- Vodka — A classic martini recipe consists of gin or vodka. But only make espresso martinis with vodka. Vodka is much more subtle, and thus allows the coffee and Baileys flavors to shine.
- Baileys Irish cream — The key ingredient that sets it apart from a traditional Espresso Martini. Baileys serves as a substitute for simple syrup, which allows for extra sweetness and richer creamier consistency. It is a traditional Irish whiskey-based cream with cocoa and vanilla notes. It is not very high in alcohol content (only 17%). It can also be incorporated into alcoholic desserts.
- Freshly brewed espresso coffee — Espresso coffee works best for the strong flavor and kick of caffeine.
- Optional: Coffee liqueur — Opt for any coffee liqueur. We personally prefer Kahlúa or Tia María.
- Espresso beans — Or coffee beans of your choice. Garnish three in each glass.
- Ice cubes
Is Baileys or Kahlua Better for Espresso Martini?
Bailey’s has a creamier texture that some people prefer, whereas some people find the taste to be too sweet.
Kahlua has a richer coffee flavor that some people prefer. However, it can be a bit bitter for some people’s taste
So, which is better? It really depends on your personal preference. If you like a creamier espresso martini, go for Bailey’s. If you prefer a richer coffee flavor, Kahlua is the way to go.
We prefer Baileys for the creaminess and ease of sipping. It’s not just for drinking. There are lots of fun and delicious Baileys Irish cream desserts that you can make.
Useful Equipment
- Espresso machine — For espressos, we highly recommend the Italian Moka Coffee Pot. However, any coffee machine that can brew strong coffee will do. Avoid french press types, since they make weaker coffee.
- Cocktail shaker
- Cocktail jigger — To measure the pour of each liquid.
- Cocktail strainer
- Chilled martini glass — The classic inverted triangular-shaped glass.
How to Make Espresso Martini with Baileys
1 — Chill the martini glass in the freezer.
2 — In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine the vodka, espresso, coffee liqueur and Baileys Irish Cream. Shake for about 1 minute or until well chilled.
3 — Strain the mixture into the chilled martini glass..
4 — Optional: Garnish 3 coffee beans on top of the froth foam.
Recipe Notes and Tips
- For a frothy espresso martini: Combine espresso and Baileys Irish Cream in a blender. Add some ice and blend until the mixture is smooth. Then, pour it into a martini glass and enjoy!
- For a creamy top: You need to float Bailey’s Irish Cream on top of the espresso. To do this, pour the espresso into a glass and then slowly pour the Bailey’s over the back of a spoon. The Bailey’s will float on top of the espresso and create a nice, creamy top.
- Cold brew concentrate: Though we recommend fresh espresso, it can be substituted with cold brew coffee concentrate. Cold brew has a smoother, less acidic flavor than traditional hot brewed coffee, which can complement the creamy texture of the espresso martini.
More Easy Espresso Recipes
If you love espressos or Baileys, then you’ll surely love these other recipes below that highlight these delicious ingredients —
- Dark Chocolate Espresso Milkshake Shots that are extremely rich and chocolatey.
- This Bailey’s Tiramisu Crepe Cake takes tiramisu to a whole new level with kick of alcohol.
- The Boozy Mudslide Icebox Cake is a combination of cake, ice cream, espresso and Irish cream liquor.
- Baileys Ice Cream with Whiskey Caramel for a late night adult dessert.
Espresso Martini with Baileys Recipe
Equipment
- Martini glass
- Cocktail jigger
- Cocktail strainer
Ingredients
- 3 fl oz espresso coffee
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz Baileys Irish Cream Liqueur
- 1/2 oz coffee liqueur optional
- 3 coffee bean optional for garnish
Nutrition
Instructions
- Chill the martini glass in the freezer.
- In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine the vodka, brewed coffee, coffee liqueur and Baileys. Shake for about 1 minute or until well chilled.
- Strain the mixture into the chilled martini glass..
- Optional: Garnish with 3 coffee beans on top of the froth.
Don’t forget to share your espresso martini with us on Instagram using the hashtag #sugarandclothloves. We always love seeing all of your creations! Looking for more quick and delicious recipes? Find them all right here!
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