Espresso Martini Recipe with Baileys

This Espresso Martini with Baileys will be a new favorite. It’s a perfect balance of Baileys, espresso, and vodka for a smooth cocktail anytime.

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If you’re the kind of person who dreams in coffee and cocktails, this one’s for you. The Espresso Martini with Baileys is smooth, creamy, and just the right amount of buzzy.

This cocktail is smooth, bold, and just a little indulgent. Smooth and bold, this cocktail feels like a well-earned reward after a long day. It balances a little buzz with a lot of comfort, ideal for lingering after dinner or starting a weekend night on the right note.

The secret? A splash of Baileys Irish Cream. It smooths out the espresso and vodka with a velvety sweetness that feels indulgent, but effortless. Think brunch in silk pajamas or lighting a candle just because.

I first made this version on a when I was craving something cozy, but fancy. I keep coming back to this espresso martini with Baileys whenever I want something that feels a little fancy.

If you’re already a fan of creamy cocktails, don’t miss my indulgent Baileys Grasshopper or dreamy Hazelnut Mocha. Both are rich companions to this espresso stunner. For something warm with a hint of mint, this Mint Hot Toddy is also a favorite winter treat.

A close-up of a glass filled with iced coffee, showing ice cubes and creamy coffee swirled together, evokes the look of a Baileys espresso martini, placed on a gray surface with scattered coffee beans in the background.

Step by Step Instructions

Check out the recipe card below for more in-depth instructions on how to make an espresso martini with Baileys:

Brew your espresso: If you’ve got an espresso maker, pull a fresh shot for the best flavor. No espresso maker? Canned espresso or a cold brew concentrate works in a pinch.
Shake it up: Add espresso, Baileys, and vodka to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake hard for 15–20 seconds. Don’t be shy! This step builds the foam and chills everything down.
Strain and garnish: Pour into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with three coffee beans if you’re feeling fancy!
Serve immediately: Cold, bold, and smooth.

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A creamy beige Baileys espresso martini is being poured from a cocktail shaker into a clear glass. Coffee beans are scattered on a gray surface, and the background is a white tiled wall.

Recipe Testing Notes and Tips

As a recipe developer with a degree in food science, I create approachable recipes you can trust. Here are a few takeaways:

Use cold vodka and Baileys for a smoother, better-chilled cocktail. Room temperature spirits melt the ice faster and dilute the drink.
Fresh espresso makes a difference. The oils and crema give your martini that luxurious body and rich aroma. Try avoiding drip coffee if possible.
Shake longer than you think. A solid 15–20 second shake isn’t just for temperature! It helps creates that silky, signature foam layer from the espresso’s crema.
Chill your glass. Pop your martini glass in the freezer for 10 minutes before pouring. It helps preserve the foam and keeps every sip cold.

Tip

Let your espresso cool for a minute before shaking so it doesn’t melt the ice too fast and water things down.

A glass of creamy, coffee-colored espresso martini with Baileys, topped with three coffee beans, viewed from above, with a few coffee beans scattered on a light, textured surface in the background.

Variations

Espresso Martini with Vanilla Vodka: Adds a sweet, creamy note that pairs beautifully with Baileys.
Espresso Martini with Baileys and Kahlua: Boost the coffee intensity by replacing half the vodka with Kahlua which is a delicious coffee liqueur.
Mocha-style: Add a splash of chocolate liqueur for a rich, mocha flavor.
Decaf version: Go for decaf espresso if you’re sipping late at night.

Looking for other creamy cocktails to try? Don’t miss this Baileys Mudslide for more caramel-cozy vibes or the festive Eggnog Martini.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use flavored vodka?

Absolutely. Vanilla or whipped cream vodka both make excellent options and amp up the dessert vibes.

Can I serve it warm?

You can! Just skip the ice and gently warm the ingredients instead. It’s like a spiked latte with an edge.

How do you make a Bailey Espresso Martini without an espresso maker?

No problem. Try canned espresso or check out this guide to making espresso without a machine.

What do the three beans mean?

The three espresso beans on an espresso martini actually each have a meaning! They symbolize health, wealth, and happiness.

This comes from the traditional serving of Sambuca in Italy where they do the same thing.

Would decaf espresso work?

For sure! Decaf espresso is a great option for those who may not like caffeine or don’t want to be jittery at night.

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