Baileys Martini (with Irish cream)
Type: Beverage/Cocktail

Representative image. Recipe yield may differ
Amounts
Ingredient
Amount (g)
Irish Cream
2 ounces (56.7)
Vodka
1.5 ounces (42.5)
Espresso
1 ounce (28.3)
Simple Syrup
0.5 ounce (14.2)
Ice
1 cup (240)
Chocolate Shavings
1 teaspoon (3)
Totals
14 oz
(385 g)
Calories
Ingredient
Calories (kcal)
Baileys Irish Cream
327
Vodka
64
Espresso
2
Ice Cubes
0
Chocolate Syrup
94
Totals
487 kcal
Steps
1. Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice cubes.
2. Add the desired quantity of Baileys Irish cream into the shaker.
3. Pour in the desired quantity of vodka into the shaker.
4. Add a splash of coffee liqueur into the shaker.
5. Securely place the lid on the cocktail shaker.
6. Vigorously shake the cocktail shaker for about 15-20 seconds to thoroughly mix the ingredients and chill the drink.
7. Remove the lid from the shaker and strain the mixture into a martini glass.
8. Optionally, garnish the martini with a sprinkle of cocoa powder or chocolate shavings on top.
9. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade Baileys Martini!
Substitutions
Substitute for Baileys Irish Cream:
- 1/2 cup heavy cream + 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract + 1 tablespoon sugar
Substitute for vodka:
- White rum or gin in the same quantity as vodka
Substitute for espresso:
- 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee
Substitute for chocolate syrup:
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder + 2 tablespoons sugar + 1 tablespoon water, mixed until smooth
Substitute for ice cubes:
- Frozen milk cubes or frozen coffee cubes to maintain the desired consistency without diluting the drink
Adjustments:
- If using rum instead of vodka, the taste might differ slightly, so adjust the sweetness accordingly.
- If using coffee instead of espresso, the flavor might be milder, so you can add a little more cocoa powder or sugar to enhance the chocolate taste.
- If using the homemade Baileys substitute, adjust the sweetness to your preference by adding more sugar if desired.
Pairings
- Chocolate desserts (e.g., chocolate cake, chocolate mousse)
- Vanilla or coffee-flavored desserts (e.g., tiramisu, crème brûlée)
- Nut-based desserts (e.g., pecan pie, almond cookies)
- Creamy desserts (e.g., cheesecake, panna cotta)
- Irish-inspired desserts (e.g., Irish coffee cake, Irish cream chocolate truffles)
- Rich and indulgent desserts (e.g., bread pudding, chocolate lava cake)
- Spiced desserts (e.g., gingerbread, cinnamon rolls)
- Warm beverages (e.g., hot chocolate, coffee)
- Whiskey-infused desserts (e.g., whiskey chocolate truffles, whiskey bread pudding)
- Desserts with caramel or toffee flavors (e.g., caramel flan, toffee apple tart)
Upgrades
1. Improve presentation:
- Rim the martini glass with cocoa powder or crushed graham crackers for a visually appealing touch.
- Garnish with a fresh mint sprig or a dusting of grated dark chocolate on top for an elegant finish.
2. Improve texture/flavor profile:
- Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to the cocktail for a creamy and indulgent texture.
- Enhance the flavor by infusing the Baileys with a hint of coffee or vanilla extract before mixing.
3. Elevate with luxurious ingredients:
- Use premium Irish cream liqueur instead of regular Baileys for a richer and more sophisticated taste.
- Add a splash of aged rum or a drizzle of caramel sauce to enhance the complexity and depth of flavors.
Diet Restrictions
- Replace regular Baileys Irish cream with a dairy-free alternative, such as almond milk-based Irish cream, for individuals with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies.
- Use a sugar-free or low-sugar Irish cream substitute to reduce the overall sugar content for individuals with diabetes or those watching their sugar intake.
- Opt for a lower-calorie vodka or choose a lower-alcohol version to reduce the calorie content of the cocktail.
- Replace regular sugar or simple syrup with a natural sweetener like stevia or agave syrup for those looking to reduce their sugar intake.
- Add fresh herbs or spices like mint or cinnamon to enhance the flavor without adding extra calories or sugar.
- Serve the martini over ice or dilute it with sparkling water to decrease the alcohol content and make it a more refreshing and hydrating option.
- Garnish with fresh fruit slices or herbs instead of sugary syrups or candy to add visual appeal without adding unnecessary calories or sugar.
Healthy Choices
- Use a low-fat or almond milk-based Irish cream substitute instead of traditional Baileys to reduce the saturated fat content.
- Replace refined sugar with a natural sweetener like stevia or honey, or reduce the amount of sugar used in the recipe.
- Use organic or homemade chocolate syrup instead of store-bought options to avoid artificial additives and excessive sugar.
- Opt for a smaller serving size to control calorie intake.
- Garnish with fresh mint or citrus zest to add flavor without additional calories.
- Consider adding a splash of freshly brewed coffee or espresso for a hint of caffeine and added complexity to the flavor profile.
- Serve over ice instead of blending with ice cream or other high-calorie mixers.
- Experiment with adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance the taste without adding extra calories.
- Enjoy in moderation to maintain a balanced and healthy lifestyle.
Shortcuts
1. Use a store-bought Irish cream instead of making your own from scratch. This will save time and still provide the authentic flavor.
2. Opt for instant coffee or coffee liqueur instead of brewing fresh coffee. This will eliminate the need for brewing and cooling time.
3. Substitute regular vodka for flavored vodka to skip the step of infusing your own flavors.
4. Use powdered sugar instead of making a simple syrup. This will dissolve quickly and save time.
5. Skip the chocolate drizzle on the glass rim. It's a decorative touch that won't significantly affect the taste.
6. Prepare a larger batch of the cocktail and store it in the refrigerator for future servings. This will save time on individual preparation.
7. Experiment with different types of milk or cream substitutes to find a more cost-effective option that still provides a creamy texture.
8. Use a cocktail shaker or blender to quickly mix the ingredients instead of stirring them by hand.
9. Consider using affordable generic brands for ingredients like vodka and coffee liqueur, as they can often provide a similar taste at a lower cost.
10. Garnish with a simple coffee bean or a sprinkle of cocoa powder instead of more expensive ingredients like whipped cream or chocolate shavings.