Creamy Espresso Martini, a luscious blend of freshly brewed espresso, velvety Baileys Irish Cream liqueur and vodka, is the perfect after-dinner drink, pre or post brunch tipple or festive holiday cocktail.
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Why You'll Love This Drink
- An espresso martini gives you a double punch. It perks you up while mellowing you out all at the same time, how many drinks do that for you?
- This cocktail is customizable. If you don't have espresso, substitute cold brew or even in a pinch powdered expresso mixed with hot water. Swap out the Baileys for Kahlua or heavy cream.
- Creamy espresso martinis are gorgeous to look at and so elegant.
You might also like to try Pumpkin Drink or a Bailey's on Ice or an Espresso Martini or a Peppermint Martini.
Ingredients Needed for Creamy Espresso Martinis
- Freshly brewed espresso if possible. I knew I was going to be shooting this recipe so I grabbed a fresh shot from a coffee place because I do not yet have my own espresso machine. See recipe notes for alternatives.
- Vodka gives you a little extra chill in your pill although this drink would be tasty without it.
- Baileys The Original Irish Cream provides a creamy kick thanks to its whiskey.
- Ice (not shown) This drink is meant to be served icy cold. You'll need to shake all the ingredients in a Boston shaker or a mason jar or anything you have with a lid with the other ingredients until foamy and really cold.
- Espresso beans, (not shown) traditionally three are floated on top of a creamy espresso martini to symbolize health, wealth and happiness. I used chocolate covered espresso beans because I adore them so. Don't do that because the chocolate makes them too heavy to successfully float on top of the foam for more than a few seconds. Use regular espresso beans. Unless you don't care about your beans floating to the bottom of your martini glass.
How to Make This Espresso Cocktail
Grab a cup with a lid or a shaker, fill it with ice, add the espresso, which you've allowed to cool down, the vodka and the Baileys, put the lid on and shake, shake, shake, shake shake shake, shake your booty. 😂
By booty I mean arm. Read these directions to the rhythm of K.C. and the Sunshine Band, Shake Your Booty.
Pour into glasses and serve.
You can serve these martinis in anything of course. Even though I'm a danger to myself and others with stemmed barware, I think martini glasses are the best choice for such an elegant drink.
Maybe if I was going to have more than one I would serve them in mason jars. Or plastic sips cups.😂
If you like a martini, you must try Lemon Drop Martini (3-Ingredient Recipe with Limoncello) or Grapefruit Martini (3-Ingredient Drink)
Recipe Notes:
If you don't have espresso, substitute cold brew or an ounce of a strong, dark brewed coffeee or even in a pinch powdered expresso mixed with hot water.
You can swap out the Baileys for Kahlua or heavy cream.
To make this drink a little less intoxicating, leave out the vodka.
If you like to make drinks at home, you might like to see more cocktails and mocktails recipes.
Does vodka contain carbs or sugar?
Properly aerating the ingredients are crucial to creating foam on top of your espresso martini. Make sure to use a tight fitting lid on your container and shake vigorously, if not aggressively, for a solid 60 seconds at least. I like to try and shake for two minutes.
The coffee cocktails are similar but a White Russian contains vodka, coffee liqueur, like Kahlua, and heavy cream. An espresso martini contains vodka, espresso and usually a liqueur like Baileys Irish Cream or Kahlua or a similar elixir.
You need fresh espresso and to swing or agitate really hard the cocktail shaker whatever lidded container you're mixing the martini to get as much air into the mixture as possible to create that froth. Shake the container at a bare minimum of 30 seconds but ideally for 60 seconds to two minutes.
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Recipe
Creamy Espresso Martini
Creamy Espresso Martini, a luscious blend of freshly brewed espresso, velvety Baileys Irish Cream liqueur and vodka, is the perfect after-dinner drink, pre or post brunch tipple or festive holiday cocktail.
Ingredients
- 4 ounces of vodka
- 2 ounces espresso (see recipe notes for alternatives)
- 2 ounces Baileys Irish Cream Liqueur
- 1-2 cups ice
- 3 espresso beans, or chocolate, covered espresso beans for garnish per drink
Instructions
Let espresso cool before mixing the cocktails..
Add espresso vodka and Baileys to a cocktail shaker full of ice and shake for at least 60 seconds preferably two minutes. Set the timer on your phone.
The longer you shake the container, the more foam you’ll create for the martinis.
Pour into glasses.
Top with 3 espresso beans each, if using, for garnish.
Notes
If you don't have espresso, substitute cold brew or an ounce of a strong, dark brewed coffeee or even in a pinch powdered expresso mixed with hot water.
Is going with espresso powder, my preference is Medaglia D’Oro but I’ve also used Delallo espresso powder. King Arthur also has its own offering.
You can swap out the Baileys for equal amounts Kahlua or heavy cream.
To make this drink a little less intoxicating, leave out the vodka.
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Nutrition Information
Yield 2 Serving Size 1Amount Per Serving Calories 470Total Fat 7gSaturated Fat 3gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 0gCholesterol 3mgSodium 463mgCarbohydrates 51gFiber 7gSugar 30gProtein 8g
Sage Scott
Two of my favorite things -- espresso and Bailey's -- pair up to create this luscious martini. It's the perfect drink for kicking off a long night with a ton of fun ahead!
Sharon
Yum! I actually have homemade baileys so I used that in this drink and it was perfect. I liked that I could get a little buzz and a bit of an arm workout! haha Thanks!
Lisa
This is the best creamy espresso ever! It had just the right amount of espresso and Irish cream.
Ellen
My husband and I enjoy these martinis after dinner. They are a delightful after-dinner drink.
Jenn
I'm a big fan of plain Baileys on special occasions, but this was an awesome drink to put it in! It has the same creamyness, but so many layered flavours, and It has to be one of my favrioutes now.
Jessica
I've tried another of your Baliey's drinks and loved it, so I knew this would need to be made also. It didn't disappoint! Even my sister liked it, and she's not usually interested in creamy cocktails.
Rachna
This was so delicious. As you suggested I used cold brew in placed of espresso and it tastes so good.
Ksenia
I have always loved espresso martinis, but your creamy version with Bailey's adds an irresistible twist!
Shilpa
Coffee and vodka together is like a dream. I loved it perfect to sit back and relax. Thanks for sharing.