Two Minute Espresso Martini with Baileys (2024)

Not just for dessert anymore, the espresso martini with Baileys can literally be shaken up in two minutes! This Italian co*cktail swaps Irish cream liquor for traditional Kahlua with creamy results. The best co*cktail party drink for the holidays!

If you love espresso and a good co*cktail, then grab a shaker and let’s get to shaking, baby! An espresso martini that is. Creamy Baileys gets shaken up with a little vodka and espresso for before dinner, after dinner or anytime co*cktails are on the menu!

Feeling a big need to espress-o yourself (sorry I couldn’t resist)? A batch of this super easy dark chocolate espresso bark or a scoop of stracciatella gelato are sweet ends to a great dinner.

Espresso: the non-negotiable ingredient

If you get the notion that swapping out regular drip coffee for espresso would work for your martini, you need to swap that idea right back.

Espresso is critical for an espresso martini for a few reasons:

• Flavor. Espresso is finely ground and uses less water resulting in a velvety smooth flavor coffee could never replicate.
• Crema: Because espresso is extracted or pressed through the machine, you get that natural, creamy topping that is crema.
• Name. It’s not called a coffee martini. 😊

Don’t have an espresso machine?

You can buy instant espresso powder from Medaglia de Oro in a pinch to make a pretty creamy espresso martini. It’s a lot cheaper than buying a machine (p.s. love this stovetop espresso maker)!

Tips for making the best espresso martini

• Mise en place. While espresso martini can be made in under 2 minutes, you do have to have your espresso at room temperature so pull your shots earlier in the day.
• Simple syrup. Boil equal parts of water and sugar (1:1 ratio) to make simple syrup. Great to keep on hand in the fridge for your co*cktails or smoothies!
• Dry shake method. Shake your wet ingredients together first for the most froth. Then add your ice and shake again.

Take me there!

5 from 3 votes

For simple syrup

• ▢ ½ cup sugar
• ▢ ½ cup water

For espresso martini

• ▢ 4 oz vodka, I use Tito's; whatever you have on hand
• ▢ 2 oz espresso, can use espresso powder
• ▢ 1 oz simple syrup
• ▢ 1 oz Baileys 1 oz
• ▢ coffee beans, for garnish; see below

Make simple syrup

• Add sugar and water to a small saucepan. Bring to a boil and cook until sugar has dissolved and the syrup is clear, about 3 minutes. Cool completely.

  Makes 1 cup.

  ½ cup sugar, ½ cup water

  See Also

  Creamy Espresso Martini With Baileys | Olivia's Kitchen

For espresso martini

• Shake all ingredients in a cold shaker first for 20-30 seconds.

  2 oz espresso, 1 oz simple syrup, 1 oz Baileys 1 oz

• Add ice to container about halfway and shake again for 30 seconds to chill.

  4 oz vodka

• Pour into a martini glass. Garnish with coffee beans, shaved chocolate or nutmeg. Small candy canes are great for the holidays too!

  coffee beans

To make simple syrup:

Ratios for multiple servings:

Vodka: espresso = 2:1 (2 parts vodka:1 part espresso)

And then the simple syrup and Baileys are each equal to 1/2 the amount of espresso.

Example for one serving:

2 oz of vodka, 1 oz espresso, 1/2 oz Baileys, 1/2 oz simple syrup

Storage

Store unused mixed martinis in a sealed container in the fridge for 3 days.

Freezer Tips

You can freeze leftover espresso martinis in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container for up to 2 months.

Defrost at room temperature before following shaking instructions in the recipe card.

Course: Beverages, co*cktails

Cuisine: Italian

Author: Lori Murphy

Did you make this recipe? Tag @josieandnina or tag #josieandnina!