We adore a buzzy espresso martini, but sometimes, we just want something a little creamier and sweeter. And we all know that a shot of Baileys Irish cream in your coffee is a great way to have a little nip with your sip, so naturally, it would work well in an espresso martini. Discover just how well these two flavors play together with a Baileys espresso martini.
How to Make a Baileys Espresso Martini
Everyone likes coffee a certain way, which also goes for this Baileys espresso martini recipe. Make it extra sweet or dairy-free with a few substitutions, such as using Baileys Almande, which is made with almond milk.
Ingredients
- 1½ ounces vodka
- ¾ ounce espresso
- ¾ ounce Baileys Irish cream
- ½ ounce coffee liqueur
- Ice
- Whole coffee beans for garnish
Instructions
- Chill a martini glass or coupe.
- In a cocktail shaker, add ice, vodka, espresso, Baileys Irish cream, and coffee liqueur.
- Shake to chill.
- Strain into the chilled glass.
- Garnish with three whole coffee beans.
Make sure your espresso is chilled before shaking up this cocktail. This helps to maintain the temperature of your cocktail and prevents it from becoming overly diluted when shaken with ice.
Espresso Martini Variations
There are quite a few options when it comes to changing ingredients in the Baileys espresso martini, both with flavors and structure.
- Try different flavors of Baileys Irish cream, including salted caramel, espresso creme, red velvet, and vanilla cinnamon.
- If you want flavor without added sweetness, opt to add a few dashes of bitters. Chocolate, walnut, cherry, toasted almond, whiskey barrel, and smoked bitters all impart a subtle yet remarkable flavor.
- Whiskey, either bourbon or rye, gives the martini a new complex layer of flavor. Flavored whiskey, such as toffee or caramel, even more so.
- Flavored vodka, however, creates a bolder flavor, so only do so if you want more defined notes such as vanilla, caramel, raspberry, or whipped cream.
- Simple syrup sweetens up the martini easily and quickly. Similar to the above-mentioned flavors, a flavored simple syrup will work well with the Baileys espresso martini ingredients.
- Add more or less espresso based on personal preference. If you don't have espresso on hand, then substitute coffee or extra coffee liqueur.
Related: 6 Buzzworthy Espresso Martini Recipes to Kick-Start Cocktail Hour
Simple Garnishes
You can change the traditional whole coffee beans, but don't skip a garnish altogether. A cocktail is never complete without one.
- Swirl caramel or chocolate syrup in the martini glass, or create a different design.
- You can also drizzle syrup on the foam.
- Create a cold coffee foam by adding hot coffee and ice to a cocktail shaker, shaking vigorously until a sturdy foam has formed.
- Opt for whipped cream to make an even creamier martini.
- Sprinkle ground cinnamon or nutmeg.
- If you use flavored bitters or spirits, especially fruit, incorporate that flavor into the garnish. For instance, if you use cherry bitters, garnish with a cocktail cherry.
- Add an orange twist for complementary citrus notes to cut through the rich flavors.
- Garnish your espresso martini with grated parmesan.
Buzz With Enjoyment
Whether you are looking for a new brunch cocktail to break out of the usual drink rotation or you want to offer something other than Irish coffee after dinner, the espresso martini with Baileys won't let you down. The rich and creamy flavors will leave you smiling and satisfied no matter the occasion.
