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.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Creamy Espresso Martini with Bailey’s and Kahlua
- First, add all of your ingredients (except for the chocolate-covered espresso beans, if using) to a cocktail shaker in this order: ice cubes, vanilla vodka, Bailey’s Irish cream, Kahlúa, and espresso.
2. Cap the cocktail shaker (mason jar, or whatever you use to shake your cocktails) and shake vigorously for 45 seconds – one minute. It’s a long time to shake, but trust me, it’s worth it for the perfectly foamy top!
3. Pour and serve in a chilled martini glass.
4. Use a microplane to grate chocolate-covered espresso beans on top if you’d like. Enjoy!
Did you try this recipe? I’d love to see it! Tag @alliehagerty on Instagram and leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review below!
Creamy Espresso Martini with Baileys and Kahlúa (Vanilla Espresso Martini)
Equipment
- cocktail shaker
- martini glass
- jigger shot glass, or other method of measuring your ingredients
- microplane optional, if grating chocolate-covered espresso beans for garnish
Ingredients
- 2 ounces vanilla vodka
- 1/2 ounce Bailey's Irish cream
- 1/2 ounce Kahlúa
- 1 ounce espresso
- ice cubes
- chocolate-covered espresso beans optional
Instructions
- First, add all of your ingredients (except for the chocolate-covered espresso beans, if using) to a cocktail shaker in this order: ice cubes, vanilla vodka, Bailey’s Irish cream, Kahlúa, and espresso.
- Cap the cocktail shaker (mason jar, or whatever you use to shake your cocktails) and shake vigorously for 45 seconds – one minute. It’s a long time to shake, but trust me, it’s worth it for the perfectly foamy top!
- Strain and serve in a chilled martini glass. Use a microplane to grate chocolate-covered espresso beans on top if you’d like. Enjoy!
Notes
Expert Tips from My Kitchen
- Brew it fresh: Use freshly brewed (and cooled) espresso for the best flavor. Strong coffee works if you don’t have espresso.
- Shake for foam: Shake hard for a full minute—this is what gives you that perfect frothy top.
- Chill your glass: A cold martini glass makes the cocktail feel extra polished.
Serving Suggestions for Vanilla Vodka Espresso Martinis
- Simple garnish: Top with chocolate-covered espresso beans, a few whole coffee beans, or a dusting of cocoa powder.
- Pair it up: Serve alongside desserts like tiramisu, flourless chocolate cake, or chocolate mousse for a dreamy combo.
These espresso martinis are so smooth and creamy!
Super easy! Love this recipe.
Such a good, creamy martini!
Dangerously delicious and super easy to make! This has become a staple when entertaining or just when I’m in the mood for some decadence.
I can’t get over how creamy these are! I didn’t have vanilla vodka so I used regular vodka and some vanilla and it was really good.
Perfect espresso martinis! These are extra creamy.
This is the best espresso martini I’ve ever had, let alone made myself!
Yum! Perfectly balanced espresso martini, made these for a girls night and everyone loved them!
Am I missing something? The ingredients list is vodka and vanilla beans…
Hi Cole! You must be referencing the “make your own vanilla vodka” portion of this post. If you hit “jump to recipe” under the first image, or just scroll all the way to the bottom of the post where the recipe card is (you had to pass it to leave your comment) then you will see the recipe for the vanilla vodka espresso martini.