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 Recipe!..

Traditional Espresso Martini Recipe

Before we dive into the Baileys’ variation, it is always best to first master the classic. Your basic espresso martini features:

2 fl oz vodka

1 fl oz coffee liqueur — Like Kahlúa or Tia Maria

2 fl oz espresso coffee

0.5 fl oz 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”.

Alternatively, you can try using our mint simple syrup recipe for an added depth of flavor. 

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%).

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.

Coffee beans — Garnish three in each glass.

Ice cubes

Useful Equipment to Make the Espresso Martini with Baileys

Cocktail shaker 

Ice clamps

Chilled Martini glass — The classic inverted triangular-shaped glass.

Cocktail jigger —  To measure the pour of each liquid. 

Coffee 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 strainer

How to Make Espresso Martini with Baileys

Step 1 — Brew the espresso coffee.

Step 2 — While the coffee is brewing, chill the Martini glass in the freezer.

Step 3 — Add the vodka, brewed coffee, coffee liqueur, and Baileys into a cocktail shaker filled with big ice cubes. Shake for about 1 minute or until well chilled.

Step 4 — Take the Martini glass out of the freezer, and pour the cocktail over a strainer.

Step 5 — Add 3 coffee beans for garnish on top of the froth.

FAQs and Expert Tips – Espresso Martini with Baileys

Is Baileys or Kahlua better for espresso martini?

Bailey’s

— Pro: Has a creamier texture that some people prefer

— Con: Some people find the taste to be too sweet

Kahlua

— Pro: Has a richer coffee flavor that some people prefer

— Con: 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.

How do I froth the top of an espresso martini?

To froth the top of an espresso martini, you’ll need to 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!

How do you get the creamy top on an espresso martini?

If you want to get the creamy top on an espresso martini, 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.

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.

Don’t forget to share your espresso martini recipe 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 with a few baked goods to go along with them.

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