Make a Baileys Espresso Martini, a creamier and sweeter version of the popular caffeinated cocktail; it will surely put some pep in your step.
Even if you’ve never had the pleasure of sipping on one, you’re probably still aware that the Espresso Martini is THE cocktail of the moment, and has been growing in popularity since 2021. Various recipes have been popping up in magazines, morning shows, and podcasts for the last few years, with no signs of slowing down. Coffee and cocktail enthusiasts all seem to be in agreement… the Espresso Martini is now a bona fide classic and not just a flash in the pan. Or shaker, rather.
I had only become aware of this drink in the last year or so. I kept hearing about it, seeing people post pictures online and even seeing a news report about this “new” cocktail. When I started to dig a little into how the recipe came about, I was more than a little surprised to learn about the actual history of it.
While there are more than a few claims to the drink’s invention, the most credible one dates all the way back to the year 1983. British barman Dick Bradsell was working at Fred’s Club in London when a young patron had requested he make them a drink that would “wake me up, then f–k me up.” There are rumors that this customer was either Kate Moss or Naomi Campbell, but that’s never been verified. Bradsell went to work crafting this new tipple. With a coffee machine right next to his station, and vodka being what everyone at the time was drinking, he combined the two, and the Vodka Espresso was born. It would eventually undergo a name change and become the Espresso Martini we know it as today.
After spending a few decades in relative obscurity, the Espresso Martini took on a new life. By the early 2020s, Yelp confirmed that online mentions of the cocktail were up by 300 percent. And with many modern bartenders opting for higher shelf liquors and ingredients in their mixtures, the quality of the Espresso Martini has only gotten better. Tonight we’ll be adding Baileys Irish cream to our recipe, for a little extra sweetness.
Is the Baileys Espresso Martini a Martini?
It is not a “martini” in the traditional sense, as martinis are made using gin and dry vermouth. Vodka is a popular substitute, but many experts will argue that only gin martinis are the real thing. The cocktail we’re making tonight uses the iconography and name, but no gin or vermouth is present.
What is the Best Vodka to Use in a Baileys Espresso Martini?
It would be very tempting to reach for a bottle of flavored vodka, like vanilla. And that’ll work just fine in this recipe, adding a little extra sweetness. I, however, went with unflavored organic vodka when I made one at home, mostly to let the Baileys Irish cream and espresso provide the lion’s share of flavor. The spirit melded seamlessly with the other ingredients and brought just the right amount of warmth with every sip.
Ingredients
- 1 oz vodka
- 1 1/2 oz Irish cream liqueur
- 1 oz freshly brewed espresso
- Ice for shaking
- 3 coffee beans for garnish
Instructions
- Combine the vodka, Irish cream liqueur, and freshly brewed espresso in a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Shake the mixture vigorously until the outside of the shaker feels cold and a nice foam has formed on top of the liquid.
- Strain the chilled cocktail into a martini glass.
- Garnish the drink with three coffee beans on the surface.
Nutrition
FAQs & Tips
A martini glass, chilled for about 15 minutes in your freezer, is an elegant and fancy-looking way to drink this potent potion. Float a few espresso beans on top for garnish.
Yes. You can pre-assemble the ingredients in an airtight container and store in your fridge for a few days until you’re ready to serve. If you have any leftover, you can turn them into ice cubes and pop a few in your next cold brew. Be aware that the quality and freshness of the coffee can be affected by storing it for any length of time.
At 179 calories, this drink isn’t the heaviest, but use caution when having more than one. The espresso used in it might open your eyes a little wider than you’re used to.
Baileys Espresso Martini Variations
When is a martini not a martini but still a martini? I wouldn’t worry about the naming conventions of some of these cocktails, as long as you like them. And if you loved the Baileys Espresso Martini, Twist & Toast has other recipes that you’ll be jazzed to experiment with. Try some of these out then explore the site for more recipes that intrigue you:
- Espresso Martini – Learn to mix up this very popular cocktail, the one everyone seems to be enjoying these days, the original Espresso Martini.
- Chocolate Martini – Did you skip dessert? Drink one up instead with the devilishly delicious Chocolate Martini.
- French Martini – Sweet, tart and simple, the French Martini will have you dreaming of Paris with every sip.
- Bushwacker – Creamy, coconutty and boozy, the Bushwacker will help you explore uncharted flavors.
Leave a Comment