If you love coffee and cocktails, then a Creamy Espresso Martini is about to become your new favorite drink. This rich and indulgent twist on the classic Espresso Martini blends the boldness of espresso with a velvety smooth creaminess that makes it even more irresistible.
Whether you're looking for a sophisticated after-dinner drink, a fun weekend treat, or just a way to satisfy your coffee cravings with a little extra kick, this recipe is a must-try! For more sippable favorites, try my Green Tea Shot, Mango Black Tea Cocktail, or White Tea Shot.
Quick Look
- 🕒 Prep Time: 10 minutes
- 🌡️ Cook Time: Just brew the espresso
- ⏳ Total Time: 10 minutes
- 🍽️ Serving: 1 cocktail
- ⚡ Calories: 277kcal
- 🌶️ Flavor Profile: Bold roasted espresso, velvety cream, and just-right sweetness
- ✋ Difficulty: Easy - the only skill required is shaking hard
Quick Answer
Brew a fresh shot of espresso and let it cool slightly. Fill a cocktail shaker with vodka, espresso, coffee liqueur, a splash of Baileys Irish Cream, and ice, then shake hard for 15-20 seconds to build the signature froth. Strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with three coffee beans.
Jump to:
The recipe comes from a night out to dinner with my sister, and we just had to have one! Our martini did not dissapoint - it was smooth, bold and perfectly balanced. The secret splash our bartender added? A splash of Baily's Irish Cream! Everthing is in this recipe so you can make it too!
Follow this recipe, and you'll have a cocktail that's as smooth as it is sophisticated - like slow sippping on a green tea shot.
Why This Recipe Works
Click to see the technique science
- Strong, fresh espresso. No instant coffee here! A fresh shot of espresso gives that deep, rich coffee flavor. Make sure to use really good and mold-free coffee, as it is a healthier choice with better flavor.
- High-quality vodka. The better the vodka, the smoother the cocktail.
- The froth is all about the shake. That signature foamy top? Shake the shaker really well - HARD for about 15-20 seconds - to get that yummy frothy topping!
- Cool the espresso slightly first. Fresh, hot espresso works best, but let it cool a touch before shaking so it froths instead of melting the ice.
- A chilled glass keeps it crisp. A cold martini glass keeps your drink crisp and refreshing to the last sip.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Bold and coffee-forward. The espresso brings deep, roasted coffee notes that wake up your taste buds.
- Smooth and creamy. The addition of cream (or Baileys) softens the bite and makes each sip luxuriously smooth.
- Sweet but balanced. The coffee liqueur adds just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering the espresso.
- Boozy and sophisticated. The vodka gives it a warming kick, making it perfect for sipping slowly and savoring. It's like your favorite iced coffee met a fancy cocktail bar - and they created magic!
Key Ingredients
- Vodka - 2 oz; a good-quality vodka makes all the difference! (Need ounce conversions? I have a full guide.)
- Freshly brewed espresso - 1 oz, cooled slightly for the best froth. Here's the organic coffee I use - it comes in whole beans and is third party tested for mold and heavy metals, assuring it is safe. Plus it tastes delicious!
- Coffee liqueur - 1 oz; Kahlúa works beautifully.
- Heavy cream or Baileys - ½ oz for that smooth, creamy texture.
- Ice cubes - for shaking only; served chilled without ice!
- Garnish - 3 coffee beans for the signature Espresso Martini look!
If you need an espresso machine, here is the espresso machine (use coupon code DANIELLEF for 30% off) I use and love! It brews single or double cups and has a steamer for milk to make lattes - might have to try it for this turmeric tea latte! As always, please see recipe card below for full ingredient list.
Variations
- Vanilla Espresso Martini - add ½ oz of vanilla vodka for a sweet twist.
- Mocha Espresso Martini - mix in ½ oz of chocolate liqueur for a rich, chocolatey touch, the same combo that makes chocolate ganache so irresistible.
- Coconut Espresso Martini - use coconut rum instead of vodka for a tropical spin.
- Spicy Espresso Martini - add a pinch of cayenne for a subtle heat!
- Dairy-free twist - the base cocktail is naturally dairy-free; add a splash of oat milk in place of Baily's Irish Cream for creaminess.
How to Make an Espresso Martini
1Brew your espresso - fresh, hot espresso works best, but let it cool slightly before using.
2Fill your cocktail shaker - add vodka, espresso, coffee liqueur, Baily's Irish Cream, and ice.
3Shake like a pro - shake HARD for about 15-20 seconds (this is the secret to that creamy froth!).
4Strain and serve - strain into a chilled martini glass.
5Garnish like a boss - drop three coffee beans on top; they're said to symbolize health, wealth, and happiness.
Expert Tips
- Shake it hard! The more you shake, the more froth you'll get on top. Use a cocktail shaker with a tight seal.
- Use fresh espresso. Instant coffee won't cut it - brew a fresh shot for the best flavor.
- Chill your glass. A cold martini glass keeps your drink crisp and refreshing.
- Adjust the sweetness. Like it stronger? Skip the Irish Cream or use less. Want it sweeter? Add a little more or some natural simple syrup.
- Watch the caffeine. A full shot of espresso packs about 63mg of caffeine - typically equivalent to a small cup of coffee. If you're sensitive to caffeine but still want the flavor, try decaf espresso, or get the coffee-dessert fix from a frozen hot chocolate smoothie instead!
- Plan the morning after. A hydrating cortisol cocktail is the gentle way to start the next day.
Serving Ideas
Serve it as a sophisticated after-dinner drink at late-night gatherings, or as the pick-me-up cocktail when the evening needs an energy boost. Take a sip, and enjoy the perfect balance of bold espresso, smooth vodka, and just the right touch of sweetness. Hosting a spread? Pair it with a party snack platter for the crowd and a slice of healthy chocolate cake or lemon yogurt cake on the side. Sweet bites like no-bake cookies and avocado chocolate pudding love the coffee notes too. Cheers to good vibes, great coffee, and the perfect cocktails!
Recipe FAQs
Yes! You can use a strong cold brew concentrate or an AeroPress to make espresso-like coffee.
A smooth, high-quality vodka like Grey Goose, Belvedere, or Tito's works best.
Make sure you're shaking it hard for at least 15 seconds and using freshly brewed espresso.
Absolutely! This cocktail is naturally dairy-free, but you can add a splash of oat milk for a creamy twist in place of Baily's Irish Cream.
Since this cocktail includes a full shot of espresso, about 63mg of caffeine, it packs a bit of an energy boost along with the alcohol. The caffeine content can vary depending on the strength of your espresso, but it's typically equivalent to a small cup of coffee.
Imagine the perfect fusion of a rich espresso shot, velvety cream, and smooth vodka, all shaken to perfection - bold and coffee-forward, smooth and creamy, sweet but balanced.
Creamy Espresso Martini Recipe
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Ingredients
- 2 ounce vodka (a good-quality vodka makes all the difference!)
- 1 ounce freshly brewed espresso (cooled slightly for the best froth)
- 1 ounce coffee liqueur (Kahlúa works beautifully)
- ½ ounce heavy cream or Baileys (for that smooth, creamy texture)
- Ice cubes (optional, for shaking only—served chilled without ice!) (optional, for shaking only—served chilled without ice!)
- Garnish: 3 coffee beans (for the signature Espresso Martini look!)
Instructions
- Brew your espresso – Fresh, hot espresso works best, but let it cool slightly before using.
- Fill your cocktail shaker – Add vodka, espresso, coffee liqueur, Baily's, and ice.
- Shake like a pro – Shake HARD for about 15-20 seconds (this is the secret to that creamy froth!).
- Strain & serve – Strain into a chilled martini glass.
- Garnish like a boss – Drop three coffee beans on top—they’re said to symbolize health, wealth, and happiness.
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