This creamy espresso martini with Baileys is ready in 5 minutes and tastes like dessert in a glass. Tips for getting that thick foam top every single time.

Side shot of cocoa powder being sifted onto a creamy espresso martini in martini glass with coffee beans in background.

Coffee and cocktails in one glass. If that’s not a personality, I don’t know what is.

A creamy espresso martini is a chilled cocktail made with freshly brewed espresso, vodka, Kahlúa, and Baileys Irish Cream, shaken hard with ice until a thick foam forms on top. It takes 5 minutes and tastes like dessert decided to get a law degree.

If you love coffee cocktails, also try my Copycat Iced Caramel Macchiato and my Peppermint Espresso Martini.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Espresso Martini

It’s coffee AND a cocktail — two birds, one very elegant glass.
Ready in 5 minutes — faster than waiting in any coffee shop line, guaranteed.
Baileys makes it silky — the Irish cream adds a velvety creaminess that the classic version doesn’t have.
That foam top is achievable — it’s not magic, it’s technique, and I’ll show you exactly how.

Ingredients You’ll Need

(Full measurements are in the recipe card below.)

Espresso — freshly brewed and cooled to room temperature. Nespresso, espresso machine, or moka pot all work. No machine? Cold brew concentrate or 1 tsp instant espresso powder mixed with 2 tbsp hot water (cooled) work in a pinch — though they won’t foam as well.
Vodka — use something decent. Grey Goose is my go-to. Vanilla vodka or espresso vodka also work great.
Kahlúa coffee liqueur — this is the coffee backbone. Don’t skip it in favour of more Baileys — they do different things.
Baileys Irish Cream — the whole reason this version is creamy. Dairy-free? Baileys Almande works.
Ice — fill the shaker generously. More ice = better chill = better foam.
3 espresso beans for garnish — the traditional garnish. They represent health, wealth, and happiness. Use regular espresso beans, not chocolate-covered — the chocolate makes them sink.

Two creamy espresso martini cocktails in martini glasses on silver serving platter

How to Make a Creamy Espresso Martini

Brew and cool your espresso. Pour it into a small bowl and let it cool completely — fridge for 10–15 minutes works. Hot espresso melts the ice and kills the foam.
Chill your glasses. Pop your martini or coupe glasses in the freezer for 10 minutes.
Add everything to the shaker. Combine cooled espresso, vodka, Kahlúa, and Baileys.
Add ice and shake hard for 30–45 seconds. Set a timer. This is where the foam comes from — sustained, vigorous shaking, not a gentle swirl.
Strain immediately into your chilled glass. Pour quickly to capture the foam. Tilt the shaker as you pour to get every last bit out.
Garnish with 3 espresso beans. Serve right away.

Tips for the Best Results

Cool your espresso completely. Hot espresso melts the ice the second it hits the shaker, which dilutes the drink and eliminates the foam. Ten minutes in the fridge is all it takes — don’t skip it.

Shake for the full 30–45 seconds. The foam on top of a creamy espresso martini comes from the natural oils in fresh espresso being aerated by hard shaking. Ten seconds gets you bubbles. Forty-five gets you foam. Use a timer.

Strain fast. Pour immediately after shaking. The foam starts collapsing within seconds of you stopping — if you let it sit in the shaker, you’ll lose it.

Close up shot of coffee cocktail in a glass with espresso beans on top.

Variations

Classic (no Baileys) — swap Baileys for ½ oz simple syrup and ½ oz heavy cream for a less sweet, more coffee-forward version.
Vanilla espresso martini — use vanilla vodka instead of regular for a warmer, sweeter flavor.
Extra creamy — add a splash of heavy cream alongside the Baileys. Rich, indulgent, worth it.
Decaf — use decaf espresso shots. Identical drink, zero 2am consequences.
Dairy-free — swap Baileys for Baileys Almande or full-fat coconut cream.
Peppermint — add a small splash of peppermint schnapps. The holiday version. Genuinely excellent.

Front facing view of classic holiday cocktaili with shaker cup in background.

FAQs

How do you get the foam on top of an espresso martini?

Use freshly brewed espresso and shake vigorously for 30–45 seconds with plenty of ice. The natural oils in fresh espresso create foam when aerated — cold brew and instant espresso won’t foam the same way.

Can I make this without an espresso machine?

Yes — use the same amount of cold brew concentrate, or dissolve 1 tsp instant espresso powder in 2 tbsp hot water and cool completely before using.

Can I use Baileys instead of Kahlúa?

You can, but the drink will be noticeably less coffee-forward. Kahlúa adds the coffee backbone; Baileys adds creaminess. Use both for best results.

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Creamy Espresso Martini Recipe With Baileys

This creamy espresso martini recipe is the perfect drink for coffee lovers. Made with fresh espresso, Irish cream liqueur and vodka, this coffee cocktail will take your evening to the next level.

Prep Time2

Total Time2

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: American

Servings: martinis

Calories: 262kcal

Author: Bailey Campbell

Ingredients

4 oz vodka
2 oz Bailey’s Irish Cream liqueur
1 oz Kaluah
4 shots espresso
1 cup ice

Instructions

Start by brewing your espresso using your favorite method. If you don't have an espresso machine, don't fret! A French press or a moka pot will also work. Chill the espresso in the fridge for about half an hour.
To keep things cool and classy, pop your martini glasses into the freezer for a quick 10-minute spa treatment.
In a cocktail shaker combine vodka, Bailey's, coffee liqueur, and chilled espresso.
Toss in a bunch of ice cubes – the more, the merrier! They'll not only chill the party but also give your martini that enchanting frothy texture.
Now, secure the shaker's lid and let your inner bartender shine! Give it a vigorous shake like you mean it for a solid 10-15 seconds. The longer you shake, the frothier your martini will be.
Retrieve your martini glasses from the freezer and strain the fabulous mixture into the frosty glasses. A fine-mesh strainer or a trusty cocktail strainer will ensure no uninvited ice shards crash this soirée.
If you're feeling extra fancy (and why wouldn't you be?), garnish your creamy espresso martinis with a sprinkle of espresso beans or coffee beans. You can also sprinkle some cocoa powder on top for a delicious chocolate flavor.

Nutrition

The nutrition information provided is calculated based on industry-standard software and should be used as a general guide only. The information may vary depending on ingredient substitutions, cooking techniques, and individual serving sizes. It is the responsibility of the reader to ensure the accuracy and appropriateness of the nutritional information provided. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalized medical or nutritional advice.

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