This Baileys Mocha Martini is like dessert in a glass—creamy, chocolatey, and just strong enough to feel a little fancy.
It’s rich, smooth, and has that perfect blend of coffee and chocolate with a splash of Irish cream.
Super easy to make, and honestly, it feels like something you’d get at a trendy bar, but you can make it in under 5 minutes right at home
Why I Love This Recipe
This drink came out of one of those “what do I have in my cabinet” kind of nights, and now it’s a regular. Perfect for evenings when I want a little sweet, a little cozy, and a little buzz.
- Feels fancy without being hard
- Coffee + chocolate = yes, always
- Only takes 5 minutes
- Great as a dessert drink
- Easy to make for one or a small group
What You’ll Need
- 2 oz Baileys Irish Cream
- 1 oz vodka
- 1 oz brewed espresso (chilled)
- 1 oz chocolate syrup (plus a little extra for the glass)
- Ice cubes
- Cocoa powder (for topping – optional)
Pro Tips
- Chill the espresso before mixing so it doesn’t water down the drink
- Shake until the outside of the shaker is icy cold—this gives it a frothy top
- Use a bit of chocolate syrup around the inside of the glass for a pretty swirl
- Dust with cocoa powder right before serving so it stays dry on top
- For a stronger coffee flavor, add ½ oz of coffee liqueur like Kahlúa
Tools Required
- Cocktail shaker
- Jigger (or measuring shot glass)
- Martini glass
- Spoon
- Small strainer (optional)
Substitutions and Variations
- Swap espresso for strong cold brew
- Use chocolate liqueur instead of chocolate syrup for extra depth
- Try flavored vodka (vanilla or espresso) for a fun twist
- Almond or oat milk cream liqueur can replace Baileys for a dairy-free version
Make Ahead Tips
- Brew the espresso ahead of time and chill it in the fridge
- Chocolate drizzle the martini glasses and keep them chilled until ready to pour
- Pre-mix Baileys, vodka, and espresso without ice and store cold until ready to shake
How to Make Baileys Mocha Martini
Makes 1 serving | Ready in 5 minutes
Step 1: Drizzle Glass with Chocolate
Drizzle about 1 tsp chocolate syrup inside your martini glass in a swirl pattern. Set aside.
Step 2: Add Ingredients to Shaker
Into a cocktail shaker, pour 2 oz Baileys Irish Cream, 1 oz vodka, 1 oz chilled brewed espresso, and 1 oz chocolate syrup.
Step 3: Add Ice and Shake
Add a handful of ice to the shaker. Close the lid tightly and shake hard for about 15 seconds until cold and frothy.
Step 4: Strain and Pour
Strain the drink into the prepared martini glass. It should be smooth, mocha-colored, and lightly foamy on top.
Step 5: Garnish (Optional)
Dust the top with a light sprinkle of cocoa powder. Serve immediately.
Leftovers and Storage
- Best served fresh
- If needed, store mixed drink (without ice) in fridge for up to 2 days
- Shake with fresh ice before serving again to revive the texture
Macros (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 270
- Protein: 2g
- Carbs: 22g
- Fat: 8g
- Sugar: 18g
- Alcohol: ~15% ABV
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
- Baileys adds creaminess and sweetness that balances the strong coffee
- Vodka brings the alcohol without overpowering other flavors
- Chocolate syrup thickens the drink slightly and adds richness
- Shaking with ice chills and froths the drink for a smooth finish
Common Mistakes
- Using hot espresso—it’ll melt the ice and water down the drink
- Not shaking long enough—it won’t mix or chill properly
- Overfilling the glass—leave room at the top for garnish and foam
- Skipping the chocolate swirl—it adds flavor and looks great
What to Serve With
- Chocolate truffles
- Biscotti or shortbread
- Mocha-flavored desserts
- A small fruit and nut plate
FAQ
Can I make this without espresso?
Yes, use cold brew or strong instant coffee that’s been chilled.
Can I make a batch for a party?
Absolutely—just mix Baileys, vodka, espresso, and chocolate syrup in a pitcher and shake individual servings with ice.
Can I use non-dairy cream liqueur?
Yes! There are almond milk and oat milk cream liqueurs that work well.
Final Thoughts
This Baileys Mocha Martini is one of those “wow” drinks that’s actually super simple. Rich, smooth, and full of flavor—perfect for sipping slow or serving to impress. Try it, enjoy it, and leave a comment if you give it a shot!
