This Toasted S’mores Espresso Martini is a wintry twist on a classic cocktail, made with creamy Baileys Irish Cream for a sensational melt-in-your-mouth kind of drink.
If there’s one thing that has had me in a chokehold recently, it’s been espresso martinis. Whether it’s the espresso that keeps me up or the vodka that keeps me going, this classic cocktail has truly been my latest obsession. (I promise I’m an alcoholic! 😂)
Jokes aside, never in a million years did I see myself as a martini fan! They are often too spirit-forward and drown out other flavors, especially when you’re having them with a meal.
That all changed when my husband and I went to Bern’s Steak House in Tampa. I ventured out and tried their espresso martini – and it took me to a new world. It was creamy, cold, and had the perfect amount of sweetness.
Although the espresso martini has been around for decades (it originated in London in the 1980s), there are slight variations when it comes to making it. The true original recipe includes vodka, fresh espresso, coffee liqueur, and sugar, shaken into a martini glass.
I wanted to create this perfected, creamy, and delicious (but not too strong!) cocktail at home.
I used regular Baileys liquor in place of the coffee liquor and it tastes amazing. In fact, I almost posted that recipe until my husband came home with S’mores Baileys.
Y’all, this stuff is so damn delicious I can drink it on its own!
What You Need for a Baileys Espresso Martini
Baileys is known for its rich, creamy, and sweet Irish cream products. The original blends Irish whiskey and spirits with Irish dairy cream which can give cocktails like an espresso martini the signature texture and flavor that they are known for.
Although the traditional espresso martini uses coffee liqueur (usually Kahlua), I like to use Baileys instead to lock in that creamy texture.
This also gives you endless possibilities for your martini. For the Toasted S’mores Espresso Martini recipe below, I used the s’mores flavor. However, you can use other Baileys flavors, such as salted caramel, vanilla cinnamon, or even a more classic espresso creme.
Another easy way to make this toasted s’mores espresso martini recipe your own is to use flavored vodka, such as vanilla, caramel, or coffee. You could even get creative and think more like a barista and take on flavors like hazelnut, chocolate, and more.
Now, if you are really not a fan of vodka, replace it with tequila! I used to order espresso martinis with tequila all the time. No shame in my game, y’all! I love tequila and you can still get creative by using a smoky tequila or even vanilla-flavored tequila.
As for the espresso, I just brewed some in my Nespresso maker, but you can use cold brew concentrate or a very, very strongly brewed coffee. Just make sure to cool it down a little bit before adding it to the shaker!
The fun thing about cocktails is you can serve them straight in a glass or get creative. For instance, you could blend this with some ice for a more frappucino-esque feel on a hotter day. Or you could even make them into jello shots.
Can you imagine a little dollop of whipped cream and shaved chocolate on top of a toasted s’mores espresso martini as a jello shot? Out of this world. I’m definitely adding that to my to-do list. I’ll report back later 😉
What you need for a Bailey’s Espresso Martini
Adding Bailey’s to an espresso martini really gives it that creamy and rich flavor that a espresso martini is known for! This Bailey’s martini recipe isn’t far off from the traditional espresso martini recipe.
You can definitely try other Baileys flavors as well with this martini, such as Bailey salted caramel, vanilla and cinnamon cream.
Vodka, I use just what I had but you can plain old regular vodka, but another easy way to revamp an espresso martini recipe is to use flavored vodka such as vanilla, caramel or coffee are all great options.
Now if you really are not a fan of vodka, replace it with tequila! I use to order espresso martinis with tequila ALL the time! No shame in my game ya’ll, I love tequila and its also a great option for you to even use smoky tequila or even vanilla flavored tequila.
Coffee Liqueur, Kahlua is what’s traditionally used in an espresso martini recipe. But can you definitely make an espresso martini without Kahlua! Or you could use another coffee liqueur for espresso martinis like Tia Maria.
I just brewed some espresso in my Nespresso maker but you can use cold brew concentrate or just a very very strongly brewed coffee. Just make sure to cool it down a little bit before adding it to the shaker.
Just an East/West coast girl living the southern life. I love sharing all my tested and perfected recipes here, along with some travel guides and a little bit of my lifestyle
2 replies on “Toasted S’mores Espresso Martini”
Can’t wait to try this out!!! Love espresso martinis 🍸 😍
You will love it!!!