Chenée Today

  • Recipes
  • Cookbook
  • Shop
  • About
  • Subscribe
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Cookbook
  • Shop
  • About
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Cookbook
    • Shop
    • About
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » Recipes » Drinks

    Creamy Espresso Martini with Baileys

    December 7, 2022 by Chenée Lewis

    12.5K shares
    creamy espresso martini pin

    This creamy espresso martini with Bailey's is the best espresso martini recipe! It just takes three ingredients and it's such a deliciously balanced coffee cocktail! And if you love espresso martini variations, read on to learn how to make a creamy espresso martini with no Bailey's, with Kahlua coffee liqueur, and even without espresso!

    JUMP TO RECIPE RECIPE VIDEO PIN FOR LATER SAVE THIS RECIPE SAVED!
    creamy espresso martini

    *This post contains affiliate links — as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please see my disclosure for details*.

    If you like this espresso martini recipe, you'll love my Coffee Cookies, my Mistletoe Margarita Recipe, and my collection of the best Christmas Gin Cocktails!

    Best Espresso Martini with Baileys

    If you're a coffee lover, you've got to try this espresso martini recipe! It's the best espresso martini, with Baileys Irish Cream liqueur to make it creamier and even more delicious! It's an elegant cocktail and it's the best way to celebrate!

    Best of all, it only takes three ingredients, other than the ice! Couldn't be easier! It's the perfect espresso martini for beginners!

    Jump to:
    • Best Espresso Martini with Baileys
    • How do you get the creamy top on an espresso martini?
    • Is Baileys or Kahlua better for espresso martini?
    • Creamy Espresso Martini Recipe Ingredients
    • Equipment Needed
    • Instructions
    • Espresso Martini Variations
    • Top Tip
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    How do you get the creamy top on an espresso martini?

    The keys to getting that creamy top on your espresso martini recipe is to use freshly brewed espresso and be sure to shake the cocktail for a full 15 seconds. Then just shake the cocktail shaker as you're pouring out your martini to get all the foam out!

    espresso martini with baileys

    Is Baileys or Kahlua better for espresso martini?

    We're making this creamy espresso martini with Baileys liqueur to get that creamy flavor! But one benefit of Kahlua is that it provides an espresso martini recipe with rich coffee flavor. So to get that flavor, I recommend using Bailey's Espresso Creme flavor!

    Creamy Espresso Martini Recipe Ingredients

    You'll only need three main ingredients for this frothy espresso martini recipe!

    creamy espresso martini ingredients
    • vodka - your favorite regular vodka is fine -- I used Ketel One Vodka. You can also use a vanilla vodka for a richer, creamier flavor!
    • Bailey's Irish Cream - I used the Espresso Creme flavor, which is a great way to boost the strong coffee taste - perfect for coffee lovers! If you use regular Bailey's you'll have a more subtle espresso flavor in this martini.
    • espresso - I recommend using fresh espresso brewed in an espresso maker -- just be sure to let it cool to room temperature before you get started. You can place it in the fridge or freezer to speed up the chilling process.
    • ice - to chill the cocktail while you shake it.
    • coffee beans - as an optional garnish.
    creamy espresso martini no baileys

    Equipment Needed

    As with any good cocktail recipe, you'll want to start with the right glass! This creamy espresso martini recipe calls for a stemmed cocktail glass, such as a martini glasses or coupe glasses.

    In order to get that frothy top, you'll want to use an espresso machine to brew your espresso. I used my Nespresso mini espresso maker!

    You'll also want the right bar tools for mixing your espresso martini, such as a jigger for measuring ounces and half ounces and of course, a classic cocktail shaker.

    Instructions

    This is a quick cocktail recipe to put together! Check the recipe card below for detailed instructions, but here are the 4 basic steps:

    espresso martini variations step 1

    Combine vodka, Irish cream, and cooled espresso in a cocktail shaker with ice.

    espresso martini kahlua creamy step 2

    Shake very well to help the mixture foam up, about 15-20 seconds.

    creamy espresso martini without espresso step 3

    Pour into your chilled martini glass, shaking cocktail shaker a bit to maximize the foamy top.

    espresso martini kahlua step 4

    Garnish with three coffee beans on top of your cocktail, and enjoy!

    Hint: Although you want freshly brewed espresso for this recipe, it's important to let your espresso cool completely so that it doesn't melt the ice and water down your delicious cocktail.

    Espresso Martini Variations

    This espresso martini is the perfect drink for any occasion because it can easily be adjusted depending on what you have on hand!

    Creamy Espresso Martini - No Baileys (Kahlua Creamy Version)

    If you don't have Bailey's Irish cream, you can definitely make a traditional espresso martini more creamy by adding heavy cream! So in this instance, you'd substitute the Bailey's in this recipe with ½ ounce of Kahlua, ½ ounce of heavy cream, and ½ ounce of simple syrup.

    best espresso martini recipe

    Creamy Espresso Martini without Espresso

    If you don't have an espresso maker, you can make this recipe with cold brew concentrate -- substitute an equal amount of cold brew concentrate for the espresso. You can also mix up a shot of espresso with instant espresso powder.

    Classic Espresso Martini - Kahlua Recipe

    If you'd rather make a traditional espresso martini recipe with Kahlua, you can just replace the Bailey's in this recipe with ½ ounce of Kahlua and ½ ounce of simple syrup.

    And don't forget to check out my Pumpkin Spice Espresso Martini or my Peppermint Espresso Martini for a fun, minty variation. And you'll also love this RumChata White Russian and this wine slushie recipe!

    Top Tip

    For best results, make sure you shake your espresso martini for a full 15-20 seconds to ensure you get that foamy top!

    espresso martini recipe

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Why do they put 3 beans in espresso martinis?

    The classic garnish of three coffee beans is a fun way to top off this Baileys espresso martini recipe. According to tradition, these three espresso beans represent health, wealth and happiness.

    What is the white foam in an espresso martini?

    The foam comes from the natural foam that tops a machine-brewed espresso, known as the crema. Adding fresh espresso to a cocktail shaker that is about half full with ice cubes allows you to aerate the mixture and make it even more foamy.

    Is an espresso martini a before or after dinner drink?

    This creamy espresso martini recipe is perfect anytime of the evening! But for me, it makes the perfect after-dinner drink, when a cup of coffee or espresso is customary to give guests a little boost of energy after a big meal. It's also a bit of a dessert cocktail, since it's got a rich and creamy texture and a good amount of sweetness. So it would be delicious with a slice of my Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake, my Matilda's Chocolate Cake, or my Rum Pound Cake with Brown Butter Glaze!

    If you try this recipe, I would love it if you could leave a star review rating and comment below! It’s so wonderful hearing your feedback! And don’t forget to share your creations with me by tagging @chenee_today on Instagram!

    📖 Recipe

    creamy espresso martini

    Creamy Espresso Martini with Baileys

    5 from 29 votes
    Print Pin Recipe Rate Recipe Save RecipeSaved!
    This creamy espresso martini with Baileys is the best espresso martini recipe! It just takes three ingredients and it's such a deliciously balanced cocktail! And if you love espresso martini variations, read on to learn how to make a creamy espresso martini with no Bailey's, with Kahlua, and even without espresso!
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Course: Drinks
    Cuisine :American
    Servings: 1
    Calories: 220kcal
    Recipe Source: Chenée Lewis

    Equipment you may need

    • cocktail shaker
    • jigger
    • martini glass
    • coaster
    • pastry brush

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup (237 g) ice
    • 2 oz (57 ml) vodka - (¼ cup)
    • 1 oz (28 ml) Bailey's Irish Cream liqueur - I used Bailey's Espresso Creme for more coffee flavor (2 tablespoons)
    • 1 oz (28 ml) freshly brewed espresso - cooled; or cold brew concentrate (2 tbsps)
    • 3 whole coffee beans - optional; for garnish

    Instructions

    • Add ice, vodka, Irish cream liqueur, and espresso to cocktail shaker.
      1 cup ice, 2 oz vodka, 1 oz Bailey's Irish Cream liqueur, 1 oz freshly brewed espresso
    • Shake vigorously at least 10-15 seconds or until frothy. Pour into a chilled cocktail glass, shaking the shaker a bit to let out all of the foam. Garnish with coffee beans, if desired, and serve immediately.
      3 whole coffee beans
    Last Step!Click here to leave a review and a star rating! It helps spread the word and allows me to keep sharing free recipes! 🥰

    Video

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1 cocktail | Calories: 220 kcal | Carbohydrates: 17 g | Protein: 0.04 g | Fat: 0.1 g | Saturated Fat: 0.04 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.04 g | Sodium: 14 mg | Potassium: 42 mg | Sugar: 17 g | Vitamin C: 0.1 mg | Calcium: 2 mg | Iron: 1 mg
    Nutrition Disclaimer
    Did you try this recipe? Rate it below!I can't wait to see (and share) your results! Follow me on Instagram at @chenee_today and tag #cheneetoday!

    Last Updated on June 25, 2025 by Chenée Lewis

    More Drinks

    • shaken espresso recipe
      Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso Recipe Starbucks Copycat
    • pumpkin spice espresso martini
      Pumpkin Spice Espresso Martini
    • starbucks pumpkin sauce
      Starbucks Pumpkin Sauce
    • starbucks brown sugar syrup in a jar
      Starbucks Brown Sugar Syrup
    12.5K shares

    Comments

      Let Me Know What You Think! Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




      This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    1. Don says

      October 31, 2024 at 1:57 pm

      5 stars
      wow I love Baileys Have to try this Christmas time!

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis says

        November 03, 2024 at 11:56 am

        Yes you do!!

        Reply
    2. Jennifer Reynolds says

      October 31, 2024 at 1:21 am

      5 stars
      This looks delicious. Especially for a holiday drink for Thanksgiving.

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis says

        October 31, 2024 at 1:24 pm

        I think so too! Thanks!

        Reply
    3. Gianne says

      November 28, 2023 at 7:48 pm

      5 stars
      The rich and velvety texture of the Baileys combined with the strong and aromatic espresso is pure perfection. Trust me, you won't be able to resist another sip!

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis says

        December 02, 2023 at 9:16 pm

        Thank you so much! I love this cocktail!

        Reply
    4. Sharon says

      November 28, 2023 at 6:57 pm

      5 stars
      This recipe is soooo on trend and looks delicious! What a special treat for a gathering.

      Reply
    5. Lisa says

      November 19, 2023 at 11:12 pm

      I’m confused…. Shake for 10-15 minutes??? Ya, no way.

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis says

        November 19, 2023 at 11:29 pm

        It should say 10-15 seconds -- thanks for the heads up! I corrected the recipe card.

        Reply
    6. Ned says

      December 19, 2022 at 7:10 am

      5 stars
      My wife would love this! I gotta make it for her.

      Reply
    7. Dannii says

      December 19, 2022 at 3:11 am

      5 stars
      What a great way to use Baileys. This martini looks amazing.

      Reply
    8. Anjali says

      December 19, 2022 at 2:47 am

      5 stars
      This martini was so comforting and easy to make - great for the winter months!

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis says

        December 20, 2022 at 5:49 pm

        So glad you liked it! I've been making it on repeat!

        Reply
    9. Cyndy says

      December 19, 2022 at 1:13 am

      5 stars
      I had no idea these were so easy to make at home! I love your version with Baileys in it - especially at the holidays!

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis says

        December 20, 2022 at 5:50 pm

        Yes! Just a bit of winter indulgence!

        Reply
    10. Tara says

      December 14, 2022 at 9:43 am

      5 stars
      Such a beautiful espresso martini! I love that frothy layer and the flavors sound amazing.

      Reply
    11. Nikki says

      December 14, 2022 at 9:21 am

      5 stars
      I love coffee and baileys which makes this incredible martini perfect for me. Cheers!

      Reply
    12. Kathryn says

      December 14, 2022 at 8:43 am

      5 stars
      This is the creamiest martini and espresso was my favorite part! So delicious!

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis says

        December 16, 2022 at 11:08 pm

        So glad you liked it! 🙂

        Reply
    13. Toni says

      December 14, 2022 at 8:35 am

      5 stars
      I really enjoyed this!! It is really amazing!

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis says

        December 20, 2022 at 5:50 pm

        I'm so glad you liked it!

        Reply
    14. Ned says

      December 14, 2022 at 8:05 am

      5 stars
      Truly incredible for the holidays!

      Reply
    15. Tayler says

      December 07, 2022 at 2:11 pm

      5 stars
      I love a good espresso martini, and this one looks divine. Making on tonight for sure!

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis says

        December 07, 2022 at 6:16 pm

        Great! I'm sure you'll love it!

        Reply
    16. Dana says

      December 07, 2022 at 1:16 pm

      5 stars
      This is such a fantastic martini! I'm usually a dirty martini kind of gal and don't stray from my ways, but a friend of mine had been talking about espresso martinis. I've got to say, it did NOT disappoint.

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis says

        December 07, 2022 at 6:13 pm

        I'm so glad you liked it! Thank you!

        Reply
    17. Luci Petlack says

      December 07, 2022 at 1:06 pm

      5 stars
      This looks so good! Saving this recipe to make it this weekend.

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis says

        December 07, 2022 at 6:12 pm

        Thank you so much! I hope you love it!

        Reply
    18. Sharon Chen says

      December 07, 2022 at 11:54 am

      5 stars
      Love how simple but extra this recipe is!! Saving it for the Christmas gatherings I will have in the coming holidays!!

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis says

        December 07, 2022 at 12:50 pm

        Thank you! It's easy, but elegant!!

        Reply
    creamy espresso martini pin

    About Chenée

    I’m Chenée (kinda rhymes with “today”) and I love all types of baking and cooking! But my favorite recipes are ones that are quick and easy, and still yield impressive results. The ones you can't help but make again and again! That's what I share here, and I hope I can make your life a little easier along the way. MORE ABOUT CHENÉE >>

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
    • Twitter

    Trending Recipes

    • Spoon scooping southern baked mac and cheese.
      Southern Baked Mac and Cheese
    • boursin cheese, tomatoes, onions, and garlic in a pan
      Boursin Pasta - Tiktok Viral Recipe
    • Matilda's Chocolate Cake with a slice removed, displaying the thick layers and creamy frosting, on a backdrop of a white marble surface.
      Matilda's Chocolate Cake
    • creamy espresso martini
      Creamy Espresso Martini with Baileys

    Summer Recipes

    • Full lemon blueberry mascarpone cake presented on a metal rack, topped with swirled mascarpone cream, blueberries, and lemon slices for a fresh and vibrant finish.
      Lemon Blueberry Mascarpone Cake
    • Creamy and smooth simple lemon curd swirled in a white ramekin, surrounded by fresh lemons.
      Simple Lemon Curd Recipe
    • A stack of chocolate chip M&M cookies showcasing a mix of gooey chocolate chips and colorful M&M candies in a thick, golden cookie dough. These cookies capture the perfect balance of chocolate and candy, making them ideal for anyone craving a fun twist on traditional chocolate chip cookies.
      Chocolate Chip M&M Cookies
    • A single lemon bar with a graham cracker crust on a white plate, topped with whipped cream and lightly dusted with powdered sugar, surrounded by halved lemons.
      Lemon Bars with Graham Cracker Crust
    • Close-up of a slice of strawberry blueberry pie with a crumb topping and vanilla ice cream, highlighting the vibrant berry filling and the creamy ice cream on a ceramic plate.
      Strawberry Blueberry Pie
    • A close-up of cheesecake mousse in a glass jar, topped with whipped cream and a sliced strawberry, showcasing the creamy texture through the glass.
      Cheesecake Mousse Cups

    Get my Cookbook!

    Sweet Summertime Cookbook - recipe book of summer desserts and summer recipes!

    Footer

    creamy espresso martini pin

    ↑ back to top

    About

    About Chenée
    Shop my Favorite Tools
    Disclosure Policy
    Privacy Policy
    Nutrition Disclaimer
    Contact

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

    Subscribe

    As Seen In

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.


    Copyright © 2025 Chenée Today, LLC. All rights reserved.

    12.5K shares
    • Facebook
    • Flipboard
    • Pinterest
    • Email
    • Bluesky

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    Let us know what you thought of this recipe:

    This worked exactly as written, thanks!
    My family loved this!
    Thank you for sharing this recipe!
    I can't wait to make this again!
    This recipe was a big hit! Five stars!
    This is my new go-to from now on! Loved it!

    Or write in your own words:

    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required