Creamy Espresso Martini with Baileys and Kahlúa

Coffee lovers will obsess over my Creamy Espresso Martini with Baileys and Kahlua! This great espresso martini recipe includes a few simple ingredients like coffee liqueur, fresh espresso, Irish cream liqueur, and instead of regular vodka, I use vanilla vodka!  My vanilla espresso martini is a better way to enjoy your favorite caffeinated martini with a delicious hint of vanilla. Plus, it has a frothy top that is oh so delicious and foamy!  Trust me, this is the best espresso martini recipe! 

This creamy espresso martini recipe with vanilla vodka would pair perfectly with some warm chocolate chip cookies!  It’s the perfect after-dinner drink to enjoy with dessert. For an extra decadent evening, try my No-Chill Brown Butter Pistachio Chocolate Chip Cookies. Trust me, the best way to enjoy these espresso martinis with vanilla vodka is with a delicious, hot chocolate chip cookie! My easy espresso martini recipe will be a favorite, but if you enjoy martinis as much as I do and are looking for another classic cocktail, try my Dry Dirty Martini! The perfect drink for an elegant dinner at home. My Limoncello Martini is another elegant cocktail for happy hour at home! 

Recipe Highlights: Creamy Espresso Martini with Baileys and Kahlua

• Inspiration: The espresso martini was first created in London in the 1980s, but this version gets a creamy, modern twist with Baileys, Kahlúa, and vanilla vodka. In my opinion, this is the perfect espresso martini. 
• Best Served For: After-dinner drinks, holiday gatherings, or whenever you’re in the mood for a dessert cocktail that feels a little fancy. This frothy espresso martini has a deliciously creamy texture and is the perfect way to unwind! 
• What Makes It Special: The combination of coffee liqueur, Irish cream, and vanilla vodka gives it a rich, layered flavor that’s indulgent without being too sweet. It’s a traditional espresso martini with rich flavor! 
• Shake for the Foam: The secret to that iconic frothy top is shaking longer than you think—about a full minute. It’s the detail that takes this martini from good to unforgettable.

Ingredients

• Vanilla vodka – Infusing a subtle and sweet warmth, the vanilla vodka adds a little something extra. Plus, you can make homemade vanilla vodka easily with my tips below!
• Bailey’s Irish cream – Adding a creamy and indulgent twist, Bailey’s Irish Cream imparts a luscious texture and a subtle hint of vanilla.  The flavors complement the cocktail’s espresso coffee base.
• Kahúa – The velvety and complex coffee liqueur, Kahlúa, enhances the cocktail with its deep coffee flavor and a hint of sweetness, contributing to the overall decadence of the vanilla espresso martini.
• Espresso – The star of the show, a bold and robust shot of fresh espresso, provides the vanilla espresso martini with a powerful caffeine kick! It also gives the espresso martini a rich coffee flavor. 
• Chocolate-covered espresso beans – Grating chocolate-covered coffee beans over a vanilla vodka espresso martini provides a beautiful garnish. The espresso beans also give a rich chocolatey flavor to each sip – yum! These are totally optional, but my friends love it! 

Substitutions and Additions

• Cold brew coffee – No espresso machine? No problem! You can use cold brew for this recipe – the coffee flavor won’t be as strong as it would be with a shot of espresso, but you’ll still end up with a delicious coffee cocktail! If you want, you can also order a few espressos from your local coffee shop! I promise, whichever route you take, this will be the perfect Bailey’s espresso martini recipe! 
• Instant coffee – Opting for instant coffee instead of espresso in a vanilla vodka espresso martini offers a convenient solution without compromising the cocktail’s robust coffee flavor, making it an accessible choice for a quick and enjoyable drink.
• Regular vodka – If you don’t have vanilla vodka on hand, you can use regular vodka. This drink would end up more like a classic espresso martini cocktail, but it would still be delicious. 

How To Make Your Own Vanilla Vodka For The Perfect Vanilla Espresso Martini at Home

Making vanilla-infused vodka is a simple and rewarding process. Here are the steps to create your own batch:

Ingredients:

• 1 bottle of vodka (750 ml)
• 2-3 vanilla beans

Instructions:

1. Choose high-quality vodka – Select a good-quality vodka for the base. The neutral flavor of vodka allows the vanilla to shine through.
2. Prepare vanilla beans – Slit the vanilla beans lengthwise, exposing the tiny seeds inside. This helps release the flavors and aromas.
3. Combine vodka and vanilla beans – Place the slit vanilla beans into the vodka bottle. You can drop them whole or cut them into smaller pieces for more surface area contact. If you’re using a separate container, ensure it has a tight-sealing lid.
4. Seal and shake – Seal the vodka bottle or container tightly and give it a good shake. This ensures that the vanilla beans are evenly distributed and immersed in the vodka.
5. Store in a cool, dark place – Place the sealed bottle or container in a cool, dark place, such as a cupboard or pantry. Let it infuse for at least 1-2 weeks, shaking the container occasionally to mix the ingredients.
6. Taste testing – After the initial infusion period, taste the vanilla vodka. If you’re satisfied with the strength of the vanilla flavor, you can strain out the vanilla beans. If not, you can continue infusing for an additional week or two.
7. Strain and bottle – Once you’re happy with the flavor, use a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove the vanilla beans from the vodka. You can transfer the infused vodka back into its original bottle or use a new, clean container.
8. Add fresh vanilla beans (optional) – Add fresh vanilla bean seeds to the final bottle for an extra touch. This won’t continue to infuse the vodka but can add visual appeal and a subtle hint of fresh vanilla.
9. Store and enjoy – Seal the bottle tightly and store your homemade vanilla-infused vodka in the refrigerator or a cool, dark place. It’s now ready to use in your favorite cocktails or enjoyed alone.

Experiment with different vanilla bean varieties and infusion times to customize the flavor to your liking. Homemade vanilla-infused vodka makes a fantastic gift and adds a unique twist to various delicious cocktails.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Creamy Espresso Martini with Bailey’s and Kahlua