Creamy Espresso Martini (3 ingredients!)

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This Creamy Espresso Martini is incredibly luscious and the best espresso martini out there! It's so easy to whip together! You will need Irish cream, Vanilla Vodka, and Espresso to make this 3 ingredient espresso martini recipe.

Coffee and Irish cream (Baileys) are kindred spirits. They go together like PB&J. So, when I was craving an espresso martini, which has taken the internet by a storm, where most restaurants had an espresso martini variation on the menu. Some martinis with baileys and some espresso martinis without baileys.

And per Wikipedia it's traditionally made without baileys. But, I was after a creamy drink, similar to a coffee ice cream, which.. a creamy coffee flavored anything is always my top pick.

While blogging after our trip to Westport Winery, my husband and I whipped up this drink. And, maybe it was my coffee obsession, maybe it was our skills, or a little bit of both, but this drink was a creamy espresso perfection.

You will have to try it, and be the judge. I'm sure you're going to absolutely love it. Just make sure that your espresso is strong! With your extra Irish cream, try my Christmas pudding shots!

Updating to add this White Christmas cocktail that’s similar but, more for the holidays, and oh boy is it good!

Table of Contents

YOU'LL LOVE THIS CREAMY ESPRESSO MARTINI

If you love coffee as much as I do, you're going to love this espresso martini recipe! It's easy to make, using only 3 ingredients. And, it's absolutely luscious!

This espresso martini with baileys also reminds me of a B52, another amazing coffee drink. If I ever see it on a menu you bet your dark espresso beans I'm going to order it.

INGREDIENTS NOTES

Espresso

Though, an Espresso Martini recipe is made using a caffeinated shot of espresso, if you prefer decaf, you can easily substitute a shot of espresso for strong brewed decaf coffee.

Irish Cream (Baileys)

To make this espresso martini recipe creamy, you will need Baileys or any Irish Cream. There are lots of brands and variations, so use one you know and love.

I used one from Westport Winery, which is local to me. Baileys is a lusciously creamy liqueur that goes well with many cocktails. It's found in almost every grocery store or liquor store. This espresso martini with baileys is the best variation out there!

Vodka

Unlike other martinis, this creamy espresso martini recipe with baileys doesn't contain gin, but instead I use a vanilla vodka to add even more creamy vanilla flavor to this drink.

Using an infused vodka allows more flavor to shine through! Use vanilla, espresso or chocolate espresso vodka. They're all so good in this boozy coffee drink.

Vanilla vodka is versatile enough to mix into other drinks as well, or keep on hand to make this creamy espresso martini often!

creamy espresso martini with baileys in a martini glass with coffee beans in background

TOP TIPS AND TRICKS

TECHNIQUE: DRY SHAKE

A dry shake means you avoid adding ice to your cocktail shaker. By adding ice and shaking for a prolonged period, the drink can become diluted, so I like to dry shake for about 30 seconds, then add ice to the cocktail shaker, and shake for another 15-30 seconds. Pour into martini glasses right away.

SHOT OF ESPRESSO

If you're looking for a little kick of caffeine without a true buzz, opt for caffeinated. You can also use instant coffee if you don't have a way to make a shot of espresso. I typically have instant coffee (like this one) on hand, but I also have a espresso maker that I was able to use for this recipe. Not everyone has that at their home, so instant coffee is the next best hack, especially if you don't want to make a strong cup of coffee.

If you're avoiding caffeine altogether, make a strong decaf coffee and use that instead. It's just as good!

creamy espresso martini with baileys in a martini glass with coffee beans around

HOW TO MAKE AN ESPRESSO MARTINI

Gather your ingredients and grab a cocktail shaker.

Add espresso, baileys, and vodka to a cocktail shaker.

Dry shake for about 30 seconds.

Then, add ice to the cocktail shaker, and shake for another 15-30 seconds.

Pour into martini glasses and serve immediately.

VARIATIONS

ESPRESSO VARIATIONS

This recipe calls for a shot of espresso, and though that seems simple, not everyone has an espresso machine at their home. I'm breaking down the variations for you to choose what works best for you.

Shot of espresso

If you have an espresso machine, you'll simply need 1 short shot of coffee.

Decaf

Make this drink decaf if you are caffeine sensitive or prefer not to have caffeine. It's a great way to get a true buzz and be able to head to bed shortly after.

Strong brewed coffee

Make an extra strong cup of coffee to sub for a shot of espresso. You will need 2 ounces of very strongly brewed coffee. Either regular or decaf.

Instant coffee

The easiest and best way to get the flavor and the amount you need without any fuss. I love having instant coffee on hand to add in various baked goods, as well as the occasional afternoon latte.

creamy espresso martini in a martini glass surrounded by coffee beans

FAQ

What liquor is best for espresso martini?

The best liquor to use for an espresso martini recipe is vodka and baileys. Preferably vanilla vodka for a creamier drink. The two liquors make a strong and smooth drink, that's not too sweet and can be enjoyed by any coffee lover! Espresso martini with baileys is the best variation out there.

How do you get the creamy top on an espresso martini?

To get an extra creamy drink, use the dry shake technique to foam your ingredients. Once you shake rigorously for about 30 seconds, check for foaming then add ice and shake to chill. That's the staple technique to creating this luscious Creamy espresso Martini recipe with baileys.

Is Baileys or Kahlua better for espresso martini?

I prefer to use Baileys for this recipe since we're already adding a strong espresso shot. Though both can be spectacular, if you prefer an extra sweet drink. I prefer to keep it creamy, slightly sweet and strong!

Can I make an espresso martini without alcohol?

Yes, you can make a non-alcoholic version of this drink by substituting the vodka and irish cream with non-alcoholic alternatives. It will resemble a latte if made without alcohol.

How strong is an espresso martini?

Espresso martini are relatively strong. They have two kinds of alcohol, a vodka and irish cream or coffee liquor. It turns out to be just as strong as a classic martini.

WHAT TO SERVE WITH ESPRESSO MARTINI WITH BAILEYS

Appetizer: Rosemary Parmesan Bread, Blueberry Toast with goat cheese, crab rangoon, or this yummy crab dip!

Side Dish: Try this Fried Feta and Strawberry Salad for a fun salad alongside.

Light Dessert or Snack: Try this Pumpkin Cardamom Bread, Tahini Banana Bread, or this light Lebanese Rice Pudding.

RELATED RECIPES

Huckleberry Margarita. If you're a PNW local, late summer you can get your hands on huckleberries and make this amazing margarita. It's a must make boozy drink!
Spicy Mango Margarita. Made using fresh jalapenos this drink is so darn good.
Blueberry Gin Cocktail which is a fun twist on a classic.
Blueberry Vodka is a homemade super easy infused vodka to add to any cocktail for extra fruity flavor.
Blueberry Lemon Drop is oh so good!

A special thanks to our friend at Westport Winery for supplying a phenomenal Vanilla Vodka and Irish Cream. We love incorporating local-made products into our recipes, and what better way to do it than to go visit this beautiful place on the coast of Washington.

I LOVE HEARING FROM YOU!

When you try this boozy coffee drink, RATE it below, COMMENT (at the bottom of the page) how you enjoyed it and SHARE it with your friends!