Creamy Espresso Martini with Baileys
This creamy espresso martini with Baileys is rich, smooth, and full of coffee flavor. Baileys makes it creamy, Kahlua adds more coffee flavor, and vodka gives it a little kick.
It comes together in about 5 minutes and makes one drink. Serve it after dinner or anytime you want a sweet coffee cocktail.
For more coffee drinks, try my pumpkin spice espresso martini, Bailey’s coffee, or boozy iced coffee.
A Creamier Take on an Espresso Martini
A classic espresso martini is made with vodka, espresso, and coffee liqueur. This one also has Baileys, so it’s sweeter and creamier.
The simple syrup is optional. Start without it, then add a small splash if you like a sweeter drink.
Cool the Espresso First
Brew the espresso before you mix the drink. Let it cool, then place it in the fridge until chilled.
Hot espresso melts the ice fast. That can make the martini less cold and more watered down. Chilled espresso keeps the coffee flavor strong without melting as much ice.
How to Make a Creamy Espresso Martini
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the chilled espresso, vodka, Baileys, and Kahlua. Shake hard for 20 to 30 seconds, then strain the drink into a martini glass.
If some foam stays in the shaker, spoon it over the top. Add three coffee beans for a simple garnish.
You can also chill the glass for 10 to 15 minutes before making the drink. This step is optional, but it helps the martini stay cold longer.
Adjust the Sweetness
Baileys and Kahlua are both sweet, so you may not need simple syrup. Make the drink without it first. Add a small splash and shake it again if you want more sweetness.
Making It for a Crowd
Multiply each ingredient by the number of drinks you need. Mix the espresso, vodka, Baileys, and Kahlua in a pitcher without ice. Cover it and keep it cold in the fridge.
When it’s time to serve, shake one 5-ounce portion with ice for 20 to 30 seconds. Strain it into a glass and repeat with the rest. Shaking each drink gives it the foamy top.
Storage
This cocktail is best served right after it’s shaken. You can mix a batch earlier in the day and keep it covered in the fridge. Shake each drink with ice just before serving.
More Drinks to Try
Try a frozen mudslide or white russian when you want another creamy cocktail. My double chocolate martini and salted caramel martini are two more sweet drinks to make for dessert or happy hour.
Ingredients
- ½ cup ice cubes
- 2 ounces Baileys Irish Cream
- 1 ounce chilled espresso
- 1 ounce vodka
- 1 ounce Kahlua, or another coffee liqueur
- Simple syrup, optional and to taste
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Instructions
- Add the ice, chilled espresso, vodka, Baileys, Kahlua, and simple syrup, if using, to a cocktail shaker.½ cup ice cubes2 ounces Baileys Irish Cream1 ounce chilled espresso1 ounce vodka1 ounce KahluaSimple syrup
- Shake hard for 20 to 30 seconds or until the drink is cold and foamy.
- Strain into a martini glass. Spoon any foam left in the shaker over the top, then garnish with coffee beans if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Baileys and Kahlua are both sweet, so make the drink without simple syrup first. Add a small splash if you prefer a sweeter cocktail.
- Chill the espresso before making the drink so it doesn’t melt the ice too quickly.
- The recipe makes about one 5-ounce cocktail before dilution from the ice.