If you love creamy, sweet cocktails with a little kick, this Baileys Salted Caramel Martini is about to become your new favorite. It’s smooth, rich, and has the perfect balance of sweet caramel and a little sea salt. It’s the kind of drink that feels fancy but is super easy to make. Great for date nights, holiday parties, or when you just want a treat at the end of the day.
Why I Love This Recipe
This cocktail always reminds me of cozy winter nights or the quiet calm after guests leave, and I finally sit down to treat myself. It’s creamy, comforting, and feels like dessert in a glass. I first made this for a girls’ night, and now it’s a go-to for any celebration or just when I want something special.
- Super easy—just shake and pour
- Uses only a few ingredients
- Feels like something from a fancy bar
- The caramel and sea salt combo is addicting
What You’ll Need
- 2 oz Baileys Irish Cream (Salted Caramel flavor if available)
- 1 oz vodka (plain or caramel vodka)
- 1 oz caramel sauce (plus more for drizzling the glass)
- Pinch of flaky sea salt
- Ice cubes
Tools
- Cocktail shaker
- Jigger (or measuring shot glass)
- Martini glass
- Small spoon or squeeze bottle for drizzling caramel
- Fine mesh strainer (optional)
Pro Tips
- Chill your martini glass in the freezer for 10 minutes before pouring for that frosty bar look
- Use caramel vodka if you want a sweeter, richer flavor
- Don’t skip the pinch of salt—it really makes the caramel pop
- Shake longer than you think! You want it ice cold and a little frothy
- If you’re drizzling caramel inside the glass, let it sit for a minute so it doesn’t slide down too fast
Substitutions and Variations
- No Baileys Salted Caramel? Use original Baileys + 1 tsp extra caramel sauce
- No caramel vodka? Plain vodka works fine
- Add a splash of espresso for a coffee twist
- Use a chocolate drizzle instead of caramel for a different spin
Make Ahead Tips
- Mix Baileys, vodka, and caramel in a shaker without ice and store in the fridge
- When ready to serve, just add ice and shake
- You can caramel-drizzle the glasses a couple of hours ahead of time and keep them chilled
How to Make Baileys Salted Caramel Martini
Makes 1 serving | Ready in 5 minutes
Step 1: Drizzle Caramel in the Martini Glass
Drizzle about 1 tsp caramel sauce inside your martini glass in a swirl or zigzag pattern. Optional: dip the rim in caramel, too.
Step 2: Add Ingredients to Shaker
Add 2 oz Baileys Salted Caramel, 1 oz vodka, 1 oz caramel sauce, and a pinch of flaky sea salt to a cocktail shaker.
Step 3: Add Ice and Shake
Add a handful of ice to the shaker. Seal and shake hard for about 15 seconds until it’s super cold and a little frothy.
Step 4: Strain and Pour
Strain the drink into your prepared martini glass. You should see a creamy, light caramel-colored pour.
Step 5: Garnish
Lightly sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top. Serve immediately.
Leftovers and Storage
- Best served fresh
- If needed, store the mixed drink (without ice) in the fridge up to 2 days
- Always shake with fresh ice before serving again
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
- Baileys is made with cream and whiskey—shaking it with ice makes it cold, smooth, and slightly frothy
- Vodka adds a clean kick without overpowering the flavor
- Salt balances the sweetness and brings out the caramel even more
Common Mistakes
- Not shaking long enough—the drink won’t get cold or mix properly
- Using too much caramel—it can get too thick and sticky
- Skipping the salt—yes, it makes a difference
- Pouring too fast—go slow for a clean, smooth finish in the glass
What to Serve With
- Salted caramel chocolate truffles
- Shortbread cookies
- A small cheese board
- Roasted almonds or candied nuts
FAQ
Can I make this without alcohol?
Yes! Use non-alcoholic Irish cream and skip the vodka. It still tastes great.
Can I make a batch for a party?
Totally. Just scale up the ingredients and mix in a pitcher (without ice), then shake per glass when ready.
Can I use another flavor of Baileys?
Yes—Original, Vanilla, or Espresso also work well, just adjust the caramel to taste.
Final Thoughts
This Baileys Salted Caramel Martini is creamy, cozy, and just the right amount of indulgent. Whether it’s for a celebration or just treating yourself, it never disappoints. Give it a try, and let me know how yours turned out in the comments!
