Smooth Baileys Espresso Martini Recipe

Irresistible Baileys Espresso Martini Recipe for Coffee Lovers

Cocktail enthusiasts seek the perfect blend of coffee and spirits in this silky baileys espresso martini recipe that promises pure indulgence.

Rich espresso meets creamy liqueur in a dance of flavors designed to electrify your taste buds.

The classic martini gets a luxurious upgrade with smooth Irish cream and bold coffee notes.

Professional bartenders and home mixologists alike adore this decadent drink for its sophisticated profile.

Each sip delivers a harmonious balance of sweet and strong elements that tantalize the palate.

You’ll love how effortlessly these ingredients combine to create a show-stopping cocktail.

One taste and you’ll understand why this martini has become a modern classic worth mastering.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time:

Total Time: 5 minutes

Calories: 295 kcal

Servings: 2

Baileys Espresso Martini Must-Haves

For Base Spirits:
  • Vodka: Clean, neutral spirit that provides the strong alcoholic backbone of the cocktail, choose a premium brand for smoother taste.
  • Baileys Irish Cream: Rich, creamy liqueur that adds silky texture and sweet undertones, opt for original flavor for best balance.
For Coffee Components:
  • Espresso: Fresh, freshly brewed coffee brings intense roasted flavor, use high-quality beans for deeper complexity.
  • Coffee Liqueur: Adds depth and coffee intensity, darker varieties like Kahlúa work best for robust flavor profile.
For Garnish:
  • Coffee Beans: Traditional decorative element that hints at the cocktail's coffee essence, use whole roasted beans for authentic presentation.

Tools To Shake A Baileys Espresso Martini

  • Cocktail Shaker: Essential for mixing and chilling the ingredients perfectly.
  • Martini Glass: Sleek vessel to showcase and serve your elegant cocktail.
  • Measuring Jigger: Precise tool for accurately pouring each liquor component.
  • Espresso Machine or Stovetop Espresso Maker: Needed to brew fresh, strong espresso.
  • Coffee Strainer: Optional for ensuring a smooth, clean pour into the glass.
  • Spoon: Helpful for carefully placing coffee beans as garnish.

How To Mix A Baileys Espresso Martini

  • Brew Liquid Gold

Create a rich, aromatic espresso shot and allow it to cool slightly, letting its intense flavors develop and mellow.

  • Chill Your Vessel

Load a cocktail shaker with ice cubes, creating a frosty environment for your soon-to-be spectacular drink.

  • Blend Flavor Explosion

Pour Baileys, vodka, cooled espresso, and coffee liqueur into the ice-filled shaker, preparing for a taste adventure.

  • Shake Like a Pro

Vigorously shake the mixture for about 15-20 seconds, transforming the ingredients into a velvety, frothy concoction that promises pure indulgence.

  • Craft Your Masterpiece

Elegantly strain the cocktail into a chilled martini glass, watching the silky liquid cascade smoothly.

  • Final Flourish

Sprinkle three coffee beans on top as a sophisticated garnish, adding a touch of visual drama and traditional flair to your creation.

  • Savor the Moment

Serve immediately and dive into this luxurious, caffeinated cocktail that blends sweet, strong, and smooth in perfect harmony.

Tips To Perfect The Espresso Martini

  • Smooth Chill Technique: Cool your espresso beforehand to prevent diluting the cocktail's rich flavor and maintain perfect temperature balance.
  • Foam Master Tip: Shake vigorously to create a luxurious, creamy foam that gives the martini its signature silky texture and professional presentation.
  • Dairy-Free Twist: Substitute Baileys with a vegan Irish cream alternative or use a non-dairy coffee liqueur for those with lactose sensitivities.
  • Strength Control: Adjust the vodka and coffee liqueur ratios to personalize the cocktail's potency – less alcohol for a milder version or more for a stronger kick.
  • Elegant Garnish Play: Experiment with garnishes like dark chocolate shavings, a cinnamon stick, or a light dusting of cocoa powder to elevate the drink's visual and flavor profile.

Martini Serving Ideas That Shine

  • Elegant After-Dinner Delight: Pair this luxurious cocktail with rich chocolate truffles or dark chocolate desserts to complement the coffee and cream flavors.
  • Coffee Companion Platter: Create a small dessert board with biscotti, chocolate-covered espresso beans, and miniature almond cookies to enhance the drink's robust coffee profile.
  • Sophisticated Sipping Setting: Serve in a dimly lit space with soft background jazz music, using elegant glassware and creating a cozy, intimate atmosphere that highlights the cocktail's sophisticated character.
  • Party Presentation Twist: For gatherings, prepare a batch in advance and set up a self-serve martini station with chilled glasses, garnishes, and a small card explaining the cocktail's ingredients and mixing instructions.

Keep Baileys Espresso Martini Fresh

  • Chilled Glass Preparation: Keep martini glasses in the freezer for 15-20 minutes before serving to ensure an ultra-crisp, frost-edged presentation that elevates the drinking experience.
  • Advance Mixing Strategy: Prepare espresso earlier in the day and refrigerate, allowing it to cool completely and maintaining a rich, smooth flavor profile without dilution.
  • Batch Cocktail Option: Mix larger quantities in a pitcher for gatherings, storing the mixture in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before serving. Shake individual portions with fresh ice when ready to drink.
  • Ingredient Storage Tips: Store Baileys and vodka in a cool, dark pantry or refrigerator. Keep coffee liqueur sealed tightly and away from direct sunlight to maintain optimal taste and quality.
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Smooth Baileys Espresso Martini Recipe

Smooth Baileys Espresso Martini Recipe


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4.7 from 32 reviews

  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x

Description

Baileys espresso martini balances Irish cream, vodka, and coffee liqueur in a luxurious cocktail. Smooth flavors meld perfectly for a rich, sophisticated drink you’ll savor during evening celebrations.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 oz (60 ml) Baileys Irish Cream
  • 1 oz (30 ml) vodka
  • ½ oz (15 ml) coffee liqueur (like Kahlua)
  • 1 oz (30 ml) freshly brewed espresso (or strong coffee), cooled
  • ice cubes
  • coffee beans (optional)

Instructions

  1. Espresso Preparation: Brew espresso and allow it to cool to room temperature, releasing its full aromatic profile.
  2. Glass Chilling: Refrigerate martini glass to create a frosty, sleek serving surface.
  3. Ingredient Fusion: Fill cocktail shaker with ice, then combine cooled espresso, Baileys, vodka, and coffee liqueur in a smooth, calculated pour.
  4. Cocktail Emulsification: Seal shaker and execute a dynamic, rhythmic shake for 15-20 seconds, transforming ingredients into a silky, unified mixture with a luxurious foam.
  5. Elegant Presentation: Strain cocktail into chilled martini glass, allowing liquid to flow gracefully, then crown with three carefully placed coffee beans representing traditional Italian symbolism of prosperity.
  6. Immediate Enjoyment: Serve promptly, capturing the drink’s optimal temperature and textural sophistication, inviting an immediate sensory experience.

Notes

  • Espresso Temperature Matters: Allow espresso to cool to room temperature to prevent dilution and maintain the cocktail’s intense flavor profile.
  • Freeze Glass for Frosty Finish: Chilling the martini glass beforehand ensures the drink stays crisp and maintains its ideal serving temperature longer.
  • Shake with Precision: Vigorously shake for exactly 15-20 seconds to create the perfect foam and thoroughly blend the ingredients without over-diluting.
  • Garnish Symbolically: Use exactly three coffee beans as a traditional Italian garnish, representing health, wealth, and happiness while adding visual appeal.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Drinks, Cocktails
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2
  • Calories: 295
  • Sugar: 20 g
  • Sodium: 10 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 25 mg
John Nicholson

John Nicholson

Lead Writer & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Development, Kitchen Hacks and Time-Saving Tips, Flavor Pairing and Ingredient Selection, Engaging Food Writing and Storytelling

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Program: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: A hands-on curriculum emphasizing farm-to-table cooking, local ingredient sourcing, and creative menu development. Students gained real-world restaurant experience, learning both classic techniques and modern approaches to sustainable cooking.

John Nicholson honed his skills at Johnson & Wales University, learning how to use fresh, local ingredients and down-to-earth techniques to make cooking simple and satisfying.

His recipes blend Southern comfort flavors with a modern touch, inviting everyone to cook with ease and confidence.

Living in Charleston, John takes cues from the city’s lively food scene, local markets, and seasonal produce. He’s all about making meals stress-free through easy tips, flavor pairings, and fun experiments in the kitchen

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