Irish Espresso Martini

This smooth, sweet Irish Espresso Martini is the perfect St. Patrick’s Day cocktail! It’s a twist on the classic espresso martini that features Irish whiskey instead of vodka and a splash of Bailey’s for a creamy element. Cheers!

Irish Espresso Martini

Do NOT fight the crowds and overspend at a bar this St. Paddy’s Day! Instead, pinch a penny (and avoid the multitudes of stumbling bar patrons) by making the very best Irish espresso martini right at home. It’s just like the classic espresso martini… except even better! Well, I think it’s better because I have a deep love of Bailey’s. Everything it touches turns to gold.

Besides the creamy Bailey’s, the other big difference between this cocktail and a proper espresso martini is that we’ll be using Irish whiskey instead of vodka. After all, we can’t really call a cocktail “Irish” without Irish whiskey, right?! Any brand you like best will work well here. Jameson, Tullamore, or whatever else floats your boat will get the job done.

The Irish whiskey and Bailey’s are shaken up with Kahlua, espresso and some ice to create what might just become your new favorite cocktail! To be honest, I’ve been enjoying this version lately instead of my classic espresso martini just because of my Bailey’s obsession. Later this year, be sure to circle back and check out the very best peppermint mocha espresso martini!

How to Make an Irish Espresso Martini

Look at these short and sweet instructions! For more details on the step by step process, scroll down the recipe card at the bottom of the page.

1. Shake it up. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the whiskey, Irish cream liqueur, coffee liqueur, and espresso. Shake vigorously until well combined.
2. Garnish and serve. This is the fun part! Pour the cocktail into a martini glass and spoon any froth on top. Garnish with coffee beans, serve immediately and enjoy!

Ingredient Notes

Check out these quick notes before you head to the store! As always, you can find full measurements listed in the recipe card.

• Irish Whiskey – Jameson is my favorite brand! Use whatever you like best – Tullamore is another popular whiskey.
• Baileys – If you’re also a Baileys lover, be sure to make some Bailey’s Irish cream scones. Thank me later!
• Kahlua – This coffee liqueur adds more alcohol content to the drink and really enhances that strong coffee/espresso flavor in the most delicious way.
• Espresso – If you don’t have an espresso machine, no worries! You can use cold brew concentrate instead.

What’s the difference between Irish coffee and Irish espresso martini?

The key difference between these two adult beverages is the coffee and the espresso. Irish coffee (which I also love dearly) features a mug of hot coffee, whereas an Irish espresso martini gets the caffeine buzz from 2oz of espresso or cold brew concentrate. Plus, this Irish espresso martini recipe also features a splash of Baileys. While you may find Irish coffee with Baileys at restaurants, they’re most commonly made without.

Can I make an Irish espresso martini ahead of time?

Sure thing! You can keep these espresso martinis in the fridge for a few hours before your guests arrive if you’d like. However, given how quick and easy they are to make, I do recommend making and serving them fresh.

With that being said, it’s great to go ahead and make the espresso ahead of time and give it time to cool off or chill in the fridge. That way it’s nice and cold (or room temperature) when mixed with the other ingredients. If it’s super hot, it might melt the ice in the shaker and water down your drink.

Sip on more of my favorite cocktails!

• Nutty Irishman Cocktail
• The Best Chocolate Martini
• Whipped Coffee Mudslide Cocktail
• Sugar Cookie Martini

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