Baileys Espresso Martini Recipe

The moment I discovered the Baileys Espresso Martini, my coffee-loving, cocktail-sipping dreams collided into a blissful reality. Let me take you on this caffeinated, creamy adventure!

I love making a decadent Baileys Espresso Martini, crafting a rich blend of smooth vodka, Baileys Irish Cream, and freshly brewed espresso. The addition of coffee liqueur lets the flavors sing, while chilling it with ice brings the drink to its ideal temperature.

I think the three coffee beans make a simple, yet classy garnish.

Baileys Espresso Martini Recipe Ingredients

• Baileys Irish Cream: Provides sweetness and creaminess; adds a rich, indulgent flavor.
• Vodka: Adds strength to the cocktail with a smooth, clean finish.
• Freshly Brewed Espresso: Delivers robust coffee flavor and a caffeine boost.
• Coffee Liqueur (Kahlúa): Enhances sweetness with deep coffee notes; adds complexity.
• Ice Cubes: Chills and dilutes the cocktail for a smoother sip.
• Coffee Beans (Garnish): Provides a decorative touch and an aromatic hint.

Baileys Espresso Martini Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 2 oz Baileys Irish Cream
• 1 oz vodka
• 1 oz freshly brewed espresso
• 0.5 oz coffee liqueur (such as Kahlúa)
• Ice cubes
• 3 coffee beans (for garnish)

How to Make this Baileys Espresso Martini Recipe

1. Prepare a fresh shot of espresso and allow it to cool a bit.

2. A cocktail shaker should be filled halfway with ice cubes.

3. Add Baileys Irish Cream to the shaker.

4. In the shaker, pour the vodka.

5. Into the shaker, add the piping-hot espresso.

6. Add the coffee liqueur to the shaker.

7. Fasten the cap on the mixer and mix vigorously for approximately 15 seconds until blended and well-cooled.

8. Pour the mixture into a chilled martini glass.

9. Place three coffee beans on top of the drink for garnish.

10. Serve without delay and delight in your Baileys Espresso Martini.

Baileys Espresso Martini Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Espresso machine or coffee maker (for brewing espresso)
2. Cocktail shaker
3. Measuring jigger
4. Martini glass
5. Ice cube tray
6. Spoon (for measuring coffee beans, optional)
7. Small plate (for holding coffee beans, optional)

FAQ

• Q: Can I use decaf espresso in this recipe?Yes, if you’d like to restrict your caffeine intake, decaf espresso is a good choice.
• Q: Can I replace the Baileys Irish Cream with a non-dairy alternative?You can absolutely use a non-dairy Irish cream alternative to make the cocktail dairy-free.
• Q: Do I need to let the espresso cool before using it?A: To avoid too much ice melting, you should let the espresso sit for a bit to cool. But it doesn’t have to be cold.
• Q: What type of vodka should I use?A: The best blending vodka is a smooth, flavorless, and neutral kind of spirit. Yet, as much as that type of vodka is perfect for a martini, it’s also kind of insulting it—especially if we’re talking about a classic gin martini.
• Q: Is it necessary to use coffee liqueur?A: The coffee liqueur adds depth; however, you can skip it if you want a more nuanced coffee flavor.
• Q: Can I make this cocktail in advance?A: The most favorable state for an espresso martini is just being freshly shaken. Long before you would even think to have an espresso martini, you would prepare an espresso and chill it so that your drink could be as close as possible to the fresh state.
• Q: What do the coffee beans add as a garnish?A: The traditional touch is lent by these coffee beans, which also provide an aromatic hint to the presentation.

Baileys Espresso Martini Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Baileys Irish Cream: Use any cream liqueur, such as Carolans or Emmets, for a substitute. Use a non-dairy cream liqueur to make the recipe vegan.
Flavored vodka—like vanilla or coffee—can be used to replace vodka in most recipes. This works especially well if you’re looking to enhance the flavor profile of whatever you’re making.
If espresso isn’t available, substitute freshly brewed espresso with cold brew concentrate or strong brewed coffee.
Coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa): If you don’t have this, use Tia Maria or an alcohol-free alternative like homemade coffee syrup.

Pro Tips

1. Chill Your Glassware Before starting, place your martini glass in the freezer for about 10-15 minutes. This will help keep the cocktail extra cold once served and enhance the overall experience.

2. Cool Your Espresso Ensure the espresso is cooled slightly before adding it to the shaker. This prevents the ice from melting too quickly, which can dilute the cocktail. Brew it ahead of time and let it sit for a couple of minutes.

3. Use Quality Ingredients Choose a good quality vodka and coffee liqueur, as these will greatly affect the taste of your cocktail. The better the ingredients, the better the final result.

4. Shake Vigorously When shaking your cocktail, aim for a good 15 seconds of vigorous shaking, ensuring the ice effectively chills the mixture and creates a nice frothy top.

5. Adjust to Taste If you prefer a stronger coffee flavor, consider adjusting the ratio of Baileys to coffee liqueur or espresso to suit your taste preferences. A hint of vanilla extract or a dash of chocolate syrup can add a nice twist.