Make a twist on the classic espresso martini using Baileys Irish cream. This is a sweet, creamy martini recipe that only uses four ingredients.
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On Saturday night, my drink of choice is always an espresso martini. I love creating unique twists on this classic cocktail, which is how this Baileys espresso martini was born.
This espresso martini variation is a bit sweeter and has a layer of creamy foam on top. With the addition of Baileys, there are also notes of vanilla and chocolate in this drink.
All you need are four simple ingredients to whip up this delicious creamy martini recipe.
If you enjoy espresso martinis, don't forget to check out my fun and delicious espresso martini shots.
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What You'll Learn In This Recipe
- How to achieve a foamy, creamy top on the espresso martini with Baileys.
- Why double straining helps the texture of your cocktail.
- If you can make a Baileys martini with decaf espresso, and how it affects the final drink.
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Ingredients You Need
You'll only need four main ingredients for this cocktail, plus some coffee beans for an optional garnish.
- Baileys Irish cream: Espresso with Baileys is a great combination! Irish cream adds a sweet, milky taste to the cocktail.
- Freshly brewed espresso: This is the secret ingredient that gives the classic foamy top that everyone loves on an espresso martini. Don't substitute with coffee or cold brew.
- Vodka: Any unflavored vodka will work for this recipe. I personally love Tito's or Ketel One.
- Simple syrup: This cocktail is meant to be on the sweeter side. However, you can adjust the amount of simple syrup to your personal taste.
- Coffee beans: Whole coffee beans are the classic garnish for espresso martinis. This is optional, but it elegantly finishes off the drink.
How To Make This Recipe
Let me teach you how to make espresso martini with Baileys. It only requires three easy steps.
1. First add Baileys Irish cream, freshly brewed espresso, vodka, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker filled partway with ice. Shake for 15 - 30 seconds until the cocktail is chilled and frothy.
2. This cocktail is served straight up (without ice). Double strain using a hawthorne and mesh strainer into a chilled martini glass. By double straining, you'll ensure the cocktail has a silky smooth texture without any ice crystals.
3. Finish off this Baileys espresso martini with three coffee beans. This is a simple but elegant final touch.
Expert Tips
- To chill your martini glass, place it in the freezer 30 - 45 minutes before serving. This helps the drink stay super cold while you're drinking it. If you don't time for this, you can also fill the glass with ice and water while you're shaking up the cocktail. This won't keep the drink as cold, but it's a great alternative.
- Be sure to shake the cocktail vigorously for at least 15 seconds in order to achieve a foamy, creamy top.
- You can use decaf espresso, however, there will be less foam on top of the martini.
Recipe FAQs
In order to achieve the iconic creamy top on an espresso martini, you'll need to use freshly brewed espresso (not coffee or cold brew). Then, make sure you vigorously shake the cocktail with ice and the other ingredients in order to help the creamy top form.
Yes, it is possible to use decaf espresso. However, you'll get a less foamy top on the martini if you use decaf.
After lots of recipe testing, I decided I liked this cocktail without Kahlúa. In order to really highlight the Irish cream taste, we're leaving out Kahlúa. The shots of espresso really amp up the coffee flavor, so there's not much need for the additional coffee liqueur.
More Martini Recipes
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Baileys Espresso Martini (4 Ingredients)
Ingredients
- 2 ounces Baileys Irish cream
- 2 ounces freshly brewed espresso
- 1 ounce vodka
- 1 ounce simple syrup
- 3 coffee beans for garnish
Instructions
- Add Baileys Irish cream, espresso, vodka, and simple syrup to a shaker filled partway with ice. Shake vigorously until well chilled and foamy, about 15 - 30 seconds.
- Double strain using a hawthorne and mesh strainer into a chilled martini glass.
- Garnish with three coffee beans.
Judy
Great Drinks that are easy to do
Jessica Mode
I'm glad you enjoyed the recipe, Judy 🙂