This Baileys Espresso Martini is creamy, smooth, and packs just the right punch of coffee and booze.
It’s one of those fancy-feeling drinks that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. A splash of Baileys brings in that sweet, velvety Irish cream, while the espresso wakes things right up.
It’s perfect for a dinner party, a cozy night in, or when you just want to treat yourself with something a little indulgent.
What You’ll Need
- 2 oz Baileys Irish Cream
- 1 oz vodka
- 1 oz freshly brewed espresso (cooled)
- ½ oz coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa)
- Ice cubes
- Coffee beans (for garnish)
Why I Love This Recipe
There’s something about a Baileys Espresso Martini that just feels like a reward. I first made it at home after a holiday dinner when we were out of dessert but still wanted something sweet and special. This drink totally hit the spot. It’s the perfect combo of rich, creamy, and strong without being too much.
- It looks impressive but takes less than 10 minutes to make
- You can adjust the sweetness by changing the Baileys or liqueur amount
- It’s great after dinner or as a fancy weekend treat
- You don’t need any bar training to nail this
Makes
1 serving
Time
5 minutes
Macros (Per Serving – approximate)
- Calories: 260
- Protein: 2g
- Carbs: 17g
- Fat: 4g
- Sugar: 14g
- Alcohol: 1.6 oz
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
This cocktail blends hot and cold, bitter and sweet. The espresso brings deep, roasted flavor and slight bitterness, while the Baileys adds creaminess and sugar to balance it out. Vodka boosts the alcohol content without overpowering the flavor, and the coffee liqueur deepens the taste. Shaking it with ice chills the drink fast and creates that velvety foam on top.
Common Mistakes
- Using hot espresso – Always let it cool first or you’ll melt the ice too fast and water everything down.
- Not shaking enough – A good shake creates the creamy foam top that makes this drink special.
- Overfilling the shaker – It won’t seal properly and can leak all over.
- Skipping the strainer – You’ll end up with ice shards in your glass, and it’ll ruin the smooth texture.
What to Serve With
- Chocolate truffles or dark chocolate squares
- Biscotti or almond cookies
- A slice of rich chocolate cake
- Light desserts like tiramisu or panna cotta
FAQ
Can I use instant coffee instead of espresso?
Yes, but make it strong and let it cool fully first.
Do I need a cocktail shaker?
It helps a lot, but if you don’t have one, a mason jar with a tight lid will work.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Not really—it’s best shaken fresh so the foam stays fluffy.
Make Ahead Tips
You can brew your espresso ahead of time and keep it chilled in the fridge for up to 2 days. Everything else should be added fresh for the best taste and foam.
Recipe & Instructions
Step 1: Add ice to shaker
Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice cubes.
Step 2: Pour in Baileys
Add 2 oz Baileys Irish Cream to the shaker.
Step 3: Add vodka
Pour in 1 oz vodka.
Step 4: Add espresso
Pour in 1 oz cooled, freshly brewed espresso.
Step 5: Add coffee liqueur
Add ½ oz coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa).
Step 6: Shake it up
Seal the shaker and shake hard for 20 seconds until it’s icy cold and frothy.
Step 7: Strain into glass
Strain into a chilled martini glass.
Step 8: Garnish
Top with 3 coffee beans placed in the center of the foam.
Pro Tips
- Always cool your espresso before mixing or it’ll melt the ice too fast.
- Shake longer than you think—20 seconds minimum—for that perfect foam.
- Chill your martini glass ahead of time for the best texture and temperature.
- Use quality espresso and Baileys—it makes a difference.
- If your foam layer is too thin, try shaking a bit harder and faster next time.
Tools Required
- Cocktail shaker with strainer
- Jigger or shot glass
- Martini glass
- Spoon (for garnishing)
- Espresso maker or strong coffee brewer
Substitutions and Variations
- Use cold brew concentrate instead of espresso
- Swap Baileys for another Irish cream like Carolans
- Use flavored vodka (vanilla or caramel) for extra sweetness
- Skip the coffee liqueur if you want it less sweet and boozy
Leftovers and Storage
This drink doesn’t store well once mixed. But you can keep the espresso and alcohol separately in the fridge for up to 2 days, then shake it up fresh when ready.
Final Thoughts
This Baileys Espresso Martini is one of those drinks that feels like a little celebration in a glass. Whether you’re hosting or just treating yourself, it’s a smooth and satisfying way to wind down. Try it once and you’ll want to make it again and again. If you give it a go, let me know how it turned out in the comments or if you have any questions—I’d love to hear from you!
