Need the the perfect ending to your meal or a treat to start your night? Try an espresso martini with Baileys! This espresso martini recipe with Baileys will give you a rich and creamy burst of energy. Strictly my opinion, but the Baileys Original Irish Cream is the key ingredient to this best espresso martini recipe.
I first discovered espresso martinis during a trip to Singapore (of all places!). Usually, you’d fancy yourself drinking a Singapore Sling, or some delicious gin at a Singaporean bar. But lo-and-behold, next to me was a gal from the US drinking a mysterious, dark, and creamy cocktail with three curious coffee beans in a martini class. Of course, I had to find out what she was drinking. And the rest is history!
Speaking of history, according to the most popular tale, the espresso martini (or vodka martini) originated from Great Britain and only dates back to the 1980s. It’s interesting that the drink is called a “martini” because there’s actually no gin or vermouth in this drink. Rather, an espresso martini recipe calls for vodka!
What is an Espresso Martini?
The espresso martini is traditionally a cocktail made with vodka, espresso coffee, and coffee liqueur. Sugar syrup is also added (sometimes) to balance out the bitterness of espresso coffee. However, as with any espresso coffee, the amount of sweetness that goes into an espresso martini would depend on the person drinking the cocktail, so adjust accordingly.
Did you ever wonder why an espresso martini is topped with three coffee beans? It actually comes from an Italian saying of “con las mosca” – literally, “with the fly.” Symbolically, each of the three coffee beans means health, wealth, and happiness. Another reason why I’ve fallen in love with espresso martinis!
How Do You Make Espresso Martini with Baileys?
Simple! We’re using Baileys Original Irish Cream Liqueur as our secret (but not secret) ingredient for our espresso martini with Baileys. Baileys is an Irish cream liqueur known for its creaminess and subtle sweetness. Talk about umami in a drink!
This rich, chocolatey liqueur pairs extremely well with espresso coffee and is the perfect addition to a classic espresso martini. Once you’ve had an espresso martini with Baileys, you can never go back. Next time you’re at a bar, be sure to ask for a Baileys espresso martini!
Do Espresso Martinis Have Caffeine?
You bet it does! However, if you want to savor the delicious coffee flavors of the perfect espresso martini with less caffeine, I suggest using a decaf espresso coffee as part of your espresso martini recipe.
I have a handy-dandy Nespresso machine and have chosen the Altissio Nespresso Vertuo pod. Its full-bodied and creamy cereal flavor profile adds the perfect coffee taste to this espresso martini recipe.
If you want to be extra fancy, try the limited edition Unforgettable Double Espresso Nespresso Vertuo pod. This one’s a delight too, with notes of cereal and nuttiness.
Key Elements Of This Recipe
- Baileys Original Irish Cream: An Irish cream liqueur with 17% of alcohol content. This liqueur has hints of vanilla and rich chocolate along with its world-famous Irish cream, which, of course, gives its creaminess.
- Espresso shot: Umamiology’s go-to is the Altissio Nespresso Vertuo pod. Its full-bodied and creamy cereal flavor profile adds the perfect coffee taste to this espresso martini recipe.
The Ingredients for Espresso Martini with Baileys
- 1 oz Baileys Original Irish Cream Liqueur
- 1 oz Ketel One Vodka, (or other Vodka)
- 1 oz Nespresso’s Altissio Espresso Coffee, (or other Espresso Coffee, such as, the Unforgettable Double Espresso Coffee)
- 3 beans Stumptown Holler Mountain Whole Bean Coffee, (or other Coffee Beans)
- 1 cup Ice Cubes
Pro Tip: If you have a bigger martini glass, double each ingredient (minus the coffee beans and ice, of course)!
The Equipment Needed
- Nespresso Machine, (or other Espresso Maker)
- Mixer Cup
- Martini Glass, (chilled)
- Small Strainer, (optional)
How to Make Espresso Martini with Baileys
Making espresso martini with Baileys is quite simple.
Start by brewing your perfect cup of espresso coffee. I’m making mine with my trusty Nespresso machine – I’ve chosen the Altissio Nespresso pod today. Be sure to do this first because you want your espresso coffee to cool down before mixing in the rest of the ingredients.
Pro Tip: You can also cool your freshly brewed espresso coffee in the refrigerator to speed things along.
Next, prepare your mixer cup with a cup of regular or large ice cubes – these generally melt less than the tiny ice cubes.
When you’re ready, pour in your chilled espresso coffee, Baileys, and vodka into the mixer cup.
This is where your muscles come in. Shake your mixer cup with your espresso martini cocktail mix for a good 15 seconds. This is how you get that delectable, white cream on your delicious, creamy espresso martini!
Pro Tip: Be sure to shake your cocktail for 15 seconds to get that cream or crema on top!
Once shaken, pour the espresso martini cocktail into your chilled martini glass. Take a pause here to enjoy (with your eyes) that smooth creamy texture! Delicious!
Pro Tip: Use a small strainer to catch any ice pieces from your shaker as you pour your delicious cocktail into your martini glass.
Garnish the drink with three whole coffee beans – they’ll float right on top of the espresso cream you’ve created.
Take a rich, chocolatey, creamy sip of your delicious espresso martini with Baileys! Here’s to health, wealth, and happiness!
Is Espresso Martini a Martini?
Espresso martinis, are actually not true martinis. Traditionally, martinis have gin and vermouth. Lacking in both, why are espresso martinis still called martinis? It just has a better ring to it than “espresso cocktail!” Plus, it’s served in a classy martini glass.
So yes, grab yourself a fancy martini glass, chill it, then pour your creamy espresso martini with Baileys for savoring!
If you liked this recipe, you’ll love these too:
Espresso Martini with Baileys
Equipment
- Nespresso machine, (or other Espresso Maker)
- Martini glass, (chilled)
- Small strainer, (optional)
Ingredients
- 1 oz Baileys Original Irish Cream Liqueur
- 1 oz Ketel One Vodka, (or other Vodka)
- 1 oz Nespresso's Altissio Espresso Coffee, (or other Espresso Coffee)
- 3 beans Stumptown Holler Mountain Whole Bean Coffee, (or other Coffee Beans)
- 1 cup Ice Cubes
Instructions
How to Make Espresso Martini with Baileys
- Start by brewing your perfect cup of espresso coffee. I'm making mine with my trusty Nespresso machine – I've chosen the Altissio Nespresso pod today. Be sure to do this first because you want your espresso coffee to cool down before mixing in the rest of the ingredients.
- Pro Tip: You can also cool your freshly brewed espresso coffee in the refrigerator to speed things along.
- Next, prepare your mixer cup with a cup of regular or large ice cubes – these generally melt less than the tiny ice cubes.
- When you're ready, pour in your chilled espresso coffee, Baileys, and vodka into the mixer cup.
- Shake your mixer cup with your espresso martini cocktail mix for a good 15 seconds. This is how you get that delectable, white cream on your delicious, creamy espresso martini!
- Once shaken, pour the espresso martini cocktail into your chilled martini glass.
- Pro Tip: Use a small strainer to catch any ice pieces from your shaker as you pour your delicious cocktail into your martini glass.
- Garnish the drink with three whole coffee beans – they'll float right on top of the espresso cream you've created.
- Serve immediately and take a rich, chocolatey, creamy sip of your delicious espresso martini with Baileys! Here's to health, wealth, and happiness!
Notes
Nutrition
*Nutritional information is just an estimate derived by an online calculation tool.
FAQ
How can I make espresso martini without espresso?
The most important element in an espresso martini is the coffee flavor. So it’s important to choose the perfect coffee that you enjoy, whether that’s espresso, cold brew, or even instant coffee! Take any favorite coffee you have and use that as your special coffee ingredient in your espresso martini.
Can I use Kahlua instead of Baileys?
Of course! The main difference if you use Kahlua vs Baileys, is that you will taste more coffee in your espresso martini since Kahlua is a coffee liqueur compared to Baileys, which has Irish cream. I like to think of it as the difference between black coffee and a latte.
Is there dairy in espresso martini with Baileys?
Yes, the Baileys Original Irish Cream liqueur does have milk and milk products, including lactose. So if you’re allergic to dairy or lactose intolerant, you can substitute Baileys with a coffee liqueur (I suggest Kahlua)!
Can you eat coffee beans?
You sure can! They have a rich coffee taste (of course) – some might even say bitter taste. They are also very crunchy! Savor them after your creamy espresso martini as a perfect way to make the coffee aroma last in your palate.
Johnny
Such a refreshing drink – definitely making this for the holidays!
Aidan
The recipe is missing one key ingredient.
Brown sugar
Wet the rim of the glass with lime juice and the add the brown sugar to the rim of the glass
This will elevate the cocktail 🍸 too a whole new level.
Umamiologist
Thanks for your suggestion and trying out my recipe! I’ll be sure to try that for my next espresso martini night in!
Irene
Ah! Thanks for the comparison of espresso martini with Baileys vs with just Kahlua!! I needed this!
Umamiologist
I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
Stewart
I call this a cappuccino martini & sprinkle some grated chocolate on the top. Lovely drinks whatever you call it 😁
Umamiologist
Haha – yes, whatever you call it! Thanks for trying it out!
Geegee
I made this over the weekend and loved it!
Umamiologist
Thanks for trying it out! That’s great!
Jimmy
This is so good. It’s like a spiked latte.
Umamiologist
Haha – Thanks!