Hey, it’s Grant Cardone, and I’m here to shake up your night with something killer: how to make an espresso martini with Baileys. You’re probably sick of boring drinks—want something smooth, strong, and a little fancy to impress yourself or your crew. I’ve been there—craving a cocktail that hits hard but tastes like a million bucks. This Baileys espresso martini is it: coffee punch, creamy vibes, and a buzz to keep you rolling. Let’s ditch the guesswork and whip this up—real, fast, and badass. Ready to own it? Let’s get shaking.
What’s an Espresso Martini with Baileys?
Simple: it’s the classic espresso martini—vodka, espresso, coffee liqueur—jacked up with Baileys Irish Cream for that rich, velvety twist. It’s not just a drink; it’s a statement—bold coffee meets sweet cream, shaken cold. I tried it at a bar once—thought, “I can do this better at home.” And I did. You will too. Here’s how.
What You’ll Need
No pro bar setup needed—just grab this:
- Vodka—1 oz (30 ml), good stuff, not cheap junk.
- Espresso—1 oz (30 ml), fresh if you’ve got a machine, instant if you don’t.
- Baileys Irish Cream—¾ oz (22 ml), the star of the show.
- Coffee liqueur (like Kahlua)—½ oz (15 ml), for depth.
- Ice—handful, big cubes.
- Cocktail shaker—$15 at any store, or improvise.
- Martini glass—chill it in the fridge first.
I’ve used a mason jar when my shaker’s MIA—works fine. You’re ready.
Step 1: Brew the Espresso
Kick it off with espresso—1 ounce, hot and strong. Got a machine? Pull a shot. No machine? Mix 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder with 1 oz hot water—close enough. I’ve done both—fresh is king, but instant’s clutch in a pinch. Let it cool a bit—hot liquid kills the chill. Does Baileys espresso have caffeine? Nope, Baileys itself doesn’t, but this espresso does—about 63 mg per shot.
Step 2: Load the Shaker
Fill your shaker with ice—halfway’s good. Pour in:
- 1 oz vodka—keeps it crisp.
- 1 oz espresso—brings the buzz.
- ¾ oz Baileys Irish Cream—smooths it out.
- ½ oz coffee liqueur—adds that dark kick.
I’ve tweaked this—Baileys in espresso martini at ¾ oz is my sweet spot. Too much, and it’s dessert; too little, you miss it.
Step 3: Shake It Like You Mean It
Cap that shaker and go hard—20-30 seconds. You want it ice-cold with a frothy top. I’ve half-assed this before—flat drink, no vibe. Shake till your arms feel it—that foam’s gold. Espresso martini proportions matter—nail the shake, nail the texture.
Step 4: Pour and Serve
Strain it into your chilled martini glass—slow and smooth. You’ll see a creamy head from the Baileys espresso martini recipe—that’s the money shot. Garnish with 3 coffee beans if you’re fancy—I skip it half the time. Sip it quick—best fresh. I’ve let one sit—lost the magic. Drink it, own it.
Baileys Boost: Caffeine and Calories
Does Baileys have caffeine? No—zero in the original Irish Cream. The caffeine’s all from the espresso—63 mg here. How many calories in an espresso martini with Baileys? Rough math: vodka (65 cal), espresso (5 cal), Baileys (75 cal for ¾ oz), Kahlua (50 cal for ½ oz)—about 195-200 calories total. Worth every damn sip—I don’t count ‘em, I enjoy ‘em.
Taste: Bold Meets Creamy
Espresso martini with Baileys tastes like a coffee kick with a velvet hug—bitter espresso, sweet Baileys, a boozy edge. It’s smoother than the classic—less sharp, more lush. I’ve had it after dinner—beats dessert every time. Baileys coffee martini vibes—rich, not heavy.
Variations: Mix It Up
- Vanilla Vodka: Swap regular vodka—adds a sweet twist.
- Extra Baileys: Bump it to 1 oz—creamier, less bite.
- Kahlua Boost: Double to 1 oz—darker, deeper.
I’ve played with vanilla vodka—espresso martini with vanilla vodka and Baileys—smooth as hell. Find your groove.
Pro Tips to 10X Your Martini
- Chill everything—glass, shaker, even the vodka.
- Fresh espresso—instant’s fine, but fresh wins.
- Hard shake—foam’s non-negotiable.
- Small batch—don’t scale up, it flops.
- Sip fast—don’t let it warm up.
I’ve skimped on ice—weak drink, lesson learned. These hacks make it elite.
FAQ: Espresso Martini with Baileys Answered
How to make an espresso martini with Baileys?
Vodka, espresso, Baileys, Kahlua—shake with ice, strain.
Does Baileys have caffeine in it?
Nope—caffeine’s from the espresso only.
Calories in espresso martini with Baileys?
Around 200—vodka 65, Baileys 75, Kahlua 50, espresso 5.
Best espresso martini recipe with Baileys?
1 oz vodka, 1 oz espresso, ¾ oz Baileys, ½ oz Kahlua—shaken hard.
Can I use instant coffee?
Yes—1 tsp powder in 1 oz water—works solid.
Baileys vs. Kahlua in espresso martini?
Baileys adds creaminess, Kahlua brings coffee depth—use both.
Wrap It Up: Shake, Sip, Dominate
Here’s the bottom line: how to make an espresso martini with Baileys is your ticket to a cocktail that slays—1 oz vodka, 1 oz espresso, ¾ oz Baileys, ½ oz Kahlua, shaken cold and frothy. It’s bold, creamy, and packs a 63 mg caffeine punch—perfect for late nights or showing off. I’ve turned my kitchen into a bar with this—you can too. Stop settling for weak drinks—grab that shaker, make this espresso martini with Baileys, and rule the room.