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 traditional made without baileys, I was after a creamy drink. Similar to a coffee ice cream, which I can devour in absolutely no time.
While blogging after our trip to Westport Winery, my husband, who’s my live-in bartender (not by trade, haha) whipped up this drink. And, maybe it was my coffee obsession, maybe it was his 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!
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!
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!
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.
FAQ
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.
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.
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!
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.
WHAT TO SERVE ALONGSIDE ESPRESSO MARTINI WITH BAILEYS
- Appetizer: Rosemary Parmesan Bread.
- Side Dish: Try this Fried Feta and Strawberry Salad for a fun salad alongside.
- Light Dessert or Snack: Try this Pumpkin Cardamom Bread or this Tahini Banana Bread.
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.
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Creamy Espresso Martini (3 ingredients!)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 oz Irish Cream or Baileys
- 1.5 oz Vanilla Vodka or Espresso Vodka
- 1.5 oz Espresso
- 1 cup Ice
- 1 sprinkle of instant coffee or cocoa powder
Instructions
- To a cocktail shaker, add all the ingredients, except ice and garnish. 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.
Notes
- Espresso Alternative: You can sub a shot of espresso for instant coffee or strong brewed coffee. if you prefer to use Instant coffee, here’s a good one.
- Serve Immediately, to avoid the ice diluting the drink. If there is extra left in the cocktail shaker, remove the ice, or pour into an empty glass.
Nutrition
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This sounds amazing!
Thank you! It’s the best!
This sounds so decadent!!!
Thank you! We did try it with decaf as well, so you’ll have to give that a try in the evening sometime.
Dangerously delicious! I think it will be my new go to drink.
Thank you so much!
I am saving this recipe for after baby is born, this drink is a must try!!