The best 3-ingredient rich and extra-creamy espresso martini made with Baileys Irish Cream, vodka, and espresso. Perfect after dinner - no Kahlua, no simple syrup, and no rum needed.
A Quick Look At The Recipe
- ✅ Recipe Name: Baileys Espresso Martini (3-Ingredient & Super Creamy!)
- 🕒 Ready In: ~5 minutes
- 🍸 Serves: 1
- 🍽 Calories: ~200 per martini
- 🥣 Main Ingredients: Vodka, Baileys Irish Cream, fresh espresso
- 📖 Dietary Info: Naturally creamy, no added sugar or syrups, gluten-free
- ⭐ Why You'll Love It: Extra-creamy, quick, you only need three ingredients, and it tastes like a dessert cocktail.
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Espresso martinis are having such a moment, and this Baileys version has been one of the most requested recipes from friends and readers. It's rich, creamy, coffee-forward, and incredibly easy to make with just Baileys Irish Cream, vodka, and fresh espresso.
I spent a lot of time testing different ratios and methods to get that velvety foam and smooth texture right. The Baileys brings the perfect sweetness without needing Kahlua or simple syrup, and the whole thing comes together in under 5 minutes. And, if you enjoy simple yet bold cocktails, you'll also want to check out my Skinny Spicy Margarita for another drink that's fast, flavorful, and easy to make at home.
This recipe is different from the classic version because it leans on Baileys for natural creaminess and uses fewer ingredients, making it ideal for quick hosting or holiday nights.
Jump to:
- A Quick Look At The Recipe
- Why You'll Love This Cocktail Recipe
- Is there caffeine in espresso martinis?
- Ingredients You'll Need
- Easy Substitutions & Variations
- Kitchen Tools Needed
- How to Make a Creamy Baileys Espresso Martini
- Quick Video Tutorial (Step-by-Step)
- Expert Recipe Tips
- Frequently Asked Questions
- More Cocktail Recipes You'll Love
- 📖 Recipe
- 💬 Comments
Why You'll Love This Cocktail Recipe
- Creamy & Smooth: Naturally creamy from Baileys - no cream or syrups needed.
- Made With Baileys: That signature Irish cream flavor makes it rich and indulgent.
- 3 Simple Ingredients: Just Baileys, vodka, and espresso.
- Ready in 5 Minutes: Shake, strain, and sip - truly effortless.
- Use Any Coffee: Fresh espresso, cold brew concentrate, or decaf all work.
- Holiday-Ready: A cozy cocktail that feels festive and fancy.
- Tastes Like Dessert: Sweet, smooth, and perfect after dinner.
Is there caffeine in espresso martinis?
Yes - espresso martinis contain caffeine because they're made with freshly brewed espresso. This recipe uses 1 ounce of espresso, which is about 50-60 mg of caffeine. If you want the same flavor without the caffeine, just use decaf espresso or decaf cold brew.
Ingredients You'll Need
You only need three simple ingredients (plus ice) to make this Baileys espresso martini! Here's a quick rundown so everything's prepped and ready:
- Vodka: Use your favorite brand of vodka! I recommend picking one that is smooth.
- Baileys Irish Cream: This gives the martini its rich, velvety flavor. I use the classic Baileys, but any Irish cream works.
- Espresso: Freshly brewed is best for the strongest coffee flavor. Brewed coffee or decaf espresso also work if that's what you have.
- Ice: For shaking and chilling the drink.
- Garnish: Three coffee beans for that classic espresso martini look - totally optional, but it makes the cocktail feel extra fancy.
Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this page for exact quantities.
Easy Substitutions & Variations
- Use cold brew concentrate: If you don't have espresso, cold brew concentrate works and still gives you a nice foam.
- Try flavored Baileys: Salted Caramel, Espresso Crème, Pumpkin Spice, or Red Velvet Baileys all work for fun seasonal twists.
- Make it chocolatey: Add ½ ounce chocolate liqueur or a teaspoon of cocoa syrup for a mocha vibe.
- Add Kahlua (optional): For a sweeter, deeper coffee flavor, add ½ ounce Kahlua.
- Make it stronger: Use 1.5 oz vodka + 1 oz Baileys instead of the reverse.
- Make it lighter (no vodka): Skip the vodka and shake equal parts espresso + Baileys for a low-ABV version.
- Decaf option: Use decaf espresso or cold brew if you want the flavor without the caffeine.
Kitchen Tools Needed
Here are the kitchen tools you'll need to make this espresso martini. Don't worry - you most likely already have everything on hand, and I included easy alternatives too:
- Cocktail shaker or sealable jar
- Double jigger (shot glass)
- Strainer (if not using a cocktail shaker with one)
- Martini glass or cocktail glass
How to Make a Creamy Baileys Espresso Martini
- Step 1: Add the vodka, Baileys Irish Cream, and espresso to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until the shaker feels very cold and a thick foam layer forms.
- Step 2: Strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with three coffee beans for the classic espresso martini look, and enjoy!
Quick Video Tutorial (Step-by-Step)
Expert Recipe Tips
- Cold Brew vs. Espresso: Use whichever you prefer. Cold brew makes the drink smoother and less acidic, while freshly brewed espresso delivers a stronger, bolder coffee flavor and produces better foam.
- Choose a Smooth Vodka: Vodka is a key flavor here, so pick a clean, high-quality brand. I like Tito's.
- Always Strain: Don't pour over ice - strain the cocktail into your glass for that silky espresso martini texture.
- Serve Super Cold: This cocktail tastes best chilled. Shake with plenty of ice and chill your glass if you can.
- Irish Cream Options: Baileys gives the creamiest, best flavor, but any Irish cream liqueur will work.
- Make It Decaf: Use decaf espresso or cold brew for the same delicious flavor without the caffeine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Irish cream is a sweet, rich liqueur made with Irish whiskey, cream, and cocoa. It's smooth, dessert-like, and gives espresso martinis that velvety flavor. This recipe uses Baileys, but any brand of Irish cream will work.
Yes. Cold brew concentrate or strongly brewed coffee both work when you don't have espresso. Espresso creates the thickest foam, while cold brew gives a smoother, less acidic flavor.
No - instant coffee won't give you the same rich, bold espresso flavor or the thick foam espresso martinis are known for.
Absolutely. Just use decaf espresso or decaf cold brew. You'll get the same flavor without the caffeine.
Yes - mix the vodka, Baileys, and espresso up to 24 hours ahead and keep it chilled. Shake each serving with ice right before pouring to get the foam.
Any Irish cream will work in this cocktail. Good alternatives include Kerrygold, Coole Swan, Saint Brendan's, and Five Farms. If you still want the Baileys flavor, try their Espresso Crème version.
Kahlua is a rum-based coffee liqueur commonly used in classic espresso martinis. This recipe swaps Kahlua for Irish cream, which is whiskey-based and creates a creamier, smoother texture without added sugar or syrup.
No problem! Use a mason jar with a tight lid and shake vigorously with ice. Just strain afterward to remove the ice shards.
More Cocktail Recipes You'll Love
If you loved this Baileys espresso martini, try these cocktails next:
Did you make this recipe?
If you make this recipe, be sure to comment and rate it down below. Also, don't forget to tag me @healthfulblondie on Instagram and use the hashtag #healthfulblondie so I can see your delicious creation and share it with my followers!
📖 Recipe
Baileys Espresso Martini
Ingredients
- 1 oz Vodka, any brand
- 1.5 oz Baileys Original Irish Cream, or any Irish cream
- 1 oz espresso, freshly brewed is my favorite
- ½ - 1 cups ice, for shaking only
- Garnish: 3 coffee beans
Instructions
- Add the vodka, Baileys Irish cream, and espresso to a cocktail shaker filled with ice and vigorously shake until well-chilled and a foam layer is formed. I used this to measure the ingredients.
- Strain into a martini glass. You can chill the glass if desired.
- Garnish with 3 coffee beans. Enjoy!
Hadley says
Simple and super delish ! love the creaminess of it
Melissa says
Hello, I’m just curious what would Kahlúa do to this drink? I know you prefer Bailey’s but I’m wondering if it’s sweeter or less sweet depending on one of these choices? Thank you!
lazyme says
Yum. A friend gave me the link to this recipe and I tried it and loved it. My martini glasses are large.....I might have to adjust to fill them up. lol.
Thanks for sharing this nice keeper.
Tati Chermayeff says
Hi - thank you so much for this 5 star review!! So happy you loved the recipe 🙂
Fiorentino says
This is the right way to make an espresso martini. Forget the dark ones. This is delicious. This keeps it simple so you can taste the espresso flavor. Always 3 beans, no more no less!
Danielle says
So easy and super delicious! My in laws and I made about 10 of these last night for the whole family. It was the perfect creamy coffee chocolate flavor! A must try!