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    Home

    Creamy Espresso Martini (3 ingredients!)

    Last Updated: Nov 16, 2022 by Suzy Sakamoto · This post may contain affiliate links · 7 Comments

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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.

    creamy espresso martini

    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
    • INGREDIENTS NOTES
    • TOP TIPS AND TRICKS
    • HOW TO MAKE AN ESPRESSO MARTINI
    • VARIATIONS
    • FAQ
    • WHAT TO SERVE WITH ESPRESSO MARTINI WITH BAILEYS
    • RELATED RECIPES
    • Creamy Espresso Martini (3 ingredients!)
    • RECOMMENDED

    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!
    • sugar and salt rim with dark red alcoholic drink fresh huckleberry margarita
      Fresh Huckleberry Margarita
    • blueberry lemon drop martini with lemon and blueberry garnish
      Blueberry Lemon Drop Martini
    • spicy mango margarita on the rocks with tajin rim and jalapenos
      Spicy Mango Margarita
    • homemade blueberry vodka in a mason jar
      Blueberry Vodka
    • peppermint chocolate christmas pudding shots
      Peppermint Bark Christmas Pudding Shots
    • fall cocktail with gin and sweet vermouth cinnamon and orange slice garnish
      The Ultimate Fall Cocktail

    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!

    creamy espresso martini

    Creamy Espresso Martini (3 ingredients!)

    This Creamy Espresso Martini with baileys is the perfect drink for every coffee lover! It's creamy, not too sweet and so easy to make!
    5 from 11 votes
    Cuisine: American, British
    Course: Drinks
    Prep: 5 minutes minutes
    Total: 5 minutes minutes
    Servings: 1
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    Equipment

    • 1 cocktail shaker

    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

    Calories: 280kcal
    Keywords: drinks with baileys, espresso martini, espresso martini with baileys, irish cream, martini with irish cream, spiked coffee drinks

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      5 from 11 votes (11 ratings without comment)

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    1. Linda

      November 22, 2022 at 12:35 pm

      This sounds amazing!

      Reply
      • Suzy Sakamoto

        November 30, 2022 at 9:36 pm

        Thank you! It's the best!

        Reply
    2. Gina

      November 26, 2022 at 7:25 pm

      This sounds so decadent!!!

      Reply
      • Suzy Sakamoto

        November 30, 2022 at 9:34 pm

        Thank you! We did try it with decaf as well, so you'll have to give that a try in the evening sometime.

        Reply
    3. Corinne

      December 21, 2022 at 9:44 am

      Dangerously delicious! I think it will be my new go to drink.

      Reply
      • Suzy Sakamoto

        December 26, 2022 at 1:09 pm

        Thank you so much!

        Reply
    4. Samira

      December 26, 2022 at 1:13 pm

      I am saving this recipe for after baby is born, this drink is a must try!!

      Reply

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    seafood blogger in the pacific northwest

    Hi, I'm Suzy! Welcome to my Pacific Coast kitchen!

    Here you will find authentic Mediterranean recipes and a variety of fresh seafood recipes that are easy to achieve, feature fresh ingredients, and are packed with flavor! Growing up on the Mediterranean I cherish our current catch-and-cook lifestyle, and my seafood recipes are tested, perfected, and easy to re-create! Subscribe to get them via email, and in the meantime you can Shop My Kitchen!

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    seafood blogger in the pacific northwest

    Hi, I'm Suzy! Welcome to my Pacific Coast kitchen!

    Here you will find authentic Mediterranean recipes and a variety of fresh seafood recipes that are easy to achieve, feature fresh ingredients, and are packed with flavor! Growing up on the Mediterranean I cherish our current catch-and-cook lifestyle, and my seafood recipes are tested, perfected, and easy to re-create! Subscribe to get them via email, and in the meantime you can Shop My Kitchen!

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