WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?
Get ready to impress your friends with a delightful Holiday Baileys Espresso Martini! This festive cocktail combines the rich flavors of coffee and creamy Baileys for a perfect holiday treat. Whether you’re hosting a party or cozying up at home, I’ve got you covered with easy ingredients and step-by-step instructions. Let’s dive into this joyful recipe that will warm your heart and boost your spirits!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor Combination: The rich espresso combined with creamy coconut milk and a hint of maple syrup creates a delightful and indulgent drink that’s perfect for any festive occasion.
- Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal ingredients and can be prepared in just 10 minutes, making it an ideal choice for last-minute entertaining.
- Customizable: Feel free to substitute the coconut milk with your favorite alternative milk or adjust the sweetness level to your taste, making it a versatile drink for everyone.
- Beautiful Presentation: The elegant garnishes of cocoa powder and coffee beans not only enhance the visual appeal but also add an extra layer of flavor to each sip.
Ingredients
List of Ingredients for Holiday Baileys Espresso Martini
To make this festive cocktail, gather the following ingredients:
– 1 cup freshly brewed espresso, cooled to room temperature
– 1/2 cup coconut milk (or your favorite alternative milk)
– 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Ice cubes
– 1/2 teaspoon cocoa powder (for garnish)
– Whole coffee beans or chocolate shavings (for garnish)
Substitutions for Dairy and Sweeteners
You can easily swap out ingredients based on your needs. If you want a dairy-free option, coconut milk works well. Almond milk or oat milk are also great choices. For sweeteners, maple syrup can be replaced with agave syrup or honey. Adjust to your taste.
Recommended Garnishes
Garnishing adds a special touch to your drink. I suggest using whole coffee beans for a classic look. Chocolate shavings also make the drink feel more festive. You might even add a sprig of mint for a pop of color. Enjoy crafting your perfect holiday cocktail!

Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Espresso
Start by brewing one cup of fresh espresso. Use your favorite method. Once brewed, let it cool to room temperature. This step is key for the best flavor. Ensure your espresso is not too hot when mixing.
Mixing the Ingredients
Grab a cocktail shaker. Add the cooled espresso. Then, pour in half a cup of coconut milk. Next, add two tablespoons of pure maple syrup for sweetness. Toss in one teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Finally, add half a teaspoon of ground cinnamon for warmth. Make sure to measure all ingredients carefully. This helps create the perfect blend.
Shaking and Straining the Cocktail
Fill the shaker with ice cubes. Aim for halfway full. Secure the lid tightly. Shake the mixture vigorously for about 15 to 20 seconds. You want it well combined and chilled. After shaking, carefully strain the mixture into two chilled martini glasses. This will highlight the drink’s beautiful color. Use a fine sieve to dust cocoa powder on top. For a festive touch, garnish with whole coffee beans or chocolate shavings. Serve right away to enjoy all the great flavors!
Tips & Tricks
Best Practices for Coffee Brewing
Using fresh coffee is key. I always choose high-quality beans for great taste. Grind the beans just before brewing for the best flavor. Use a coffee maker, espresso machine, or French press. Each method gives a unique taste. Make sure to brew the espresso strong. This will help balance the milk and sweetener in the cocktail.
Temperature Tips for Optimal Flavor
Allow your espresso to cool to room temperature. This helps bring out the rich flavors. Cold espresso blends better with the other ingredients. Avoid using hot espresso, as it can alter the cocktail’s texture. Chill your cocktail glasses in the freezer for a few minutes. This small step enhances your drink’s overall experience.
Enhancing the Cocktail Presentation
Presentation matters! Use clear martini glasses to show off the drink. A sprinkle of cocoa powder adds a nice touch. Whole coffee beans or chocolate shavings on top make it look fancy. For a festive vibe, add a colorful straw or mint sprig. These little details impress your guests and make the drink more fun!
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Espresso: For the best flavor, always use freshly brewed espresso. The aromatic oils and rich flavors are most pronounced when the espresso is freshly made.
- Chill Your Glasses: Pre-chilling your martini glasses enhances the drinking experience by keeping your espresso delight cool for longer. Simply place them in the freezer for a few minutes before serving.
- Experiment with Milk Alternatives: Coconut milk adds a unique flavor, but feel free to experiment with other milk alternatives like almond or oat milk to find your perfect taste.
- Garnish Creatively: A sprig of mint or a festive straw can elevate the presentation of your drink, making it not only delicious but visually appealing as well.

Variations
Nut-Free Option
If you want a nut-free drink, simply skip any nut-based milk. Use coconut milk, which adds a nice flavor. It’s creamy and delicious. You can also use oat milk as an option. Both will keep your drink nut-free while still tasting great.
Different Milk Alternatives
You have many choices for milk alternatives. If you prefer a different taste, try almond milk or soy milk. Each milk will give a unique flavor. For a richer taste, use whole milk or cream. Each choice can change the drink’s texture and flavor.
Flavor Additions and Modifications
Want to get creative? Add a dash of peppermint extract for a festive twist. You can also use flavored syrups, like hazelnut or vanilla. Mixing in a splash of Irish cream gives it a smooth finish. Experiment with different spices, like nutmeg or cardamom, to find your favorite.
Storage Info
How to Store Leftover Ingredients
Store leftover espresso in a sealed container. Keep it in the fridge. Use it within two days for the best taste. If you have extra coconut milk, store it in its original container. It lasts about a week in the fridge. Maple syrup can stay on your shelf. Just find a cool, dry place. Ground cinnamon and cocoa powder should also go in a dark spot. They can last for months if stored well.
Best Practices for Preparing in Advance
You can make the espresso ahead of time. Brew it and let it cool. Store it in the fridge until you need it. You can mix all the liquid ingredients too. Just combine coconut milk, maple syrup, vanilla, and cinnamon. Keep this mix in the fridge for up to two days. When you are ready to serve, shake it with ice and strain. This saves time when you have guests.
Serving Suggestions for Parties
For a festive touch, use pretty glasses. Chill the glasses in the freezer before serving. It keeps your drink cold longer. Garnish each drink with cocoa powder and coffee beans. You can also use chocolate shavings for extra flair. For a fun twist, add colorful straws or a mint sprig. Serve these cocktails with dessert or snacks for a great pairing. Enjoy sharing this delightful drink with friends and family!
FAQs
Can I make a non-alcoholic version?
Yes, you can easily make a non-alcoholic version of this cocktail. Just skip the alcohol and focus on the espresso and other ingredients. You can use a caffeine-free espresso or rich coffee substitute. This way, you still enjoy the rich flavor without the kick of alcohol. It’s perfect for everyone at your holiday gathering!
What is the best coffee to use?
The best coffee for this recipe is freshly brewed espresso. Look for a medium to dark roast for a rich flavor. If you prefer, you can also use a strong brewed coffee. Ensure it is fresh and has a bold taste. This will help balance the sweetness of the maple syrup and coconut milk.
How do I adjust the sweetness for my taste?
You can easily adjust the sweetness by changing the amount of maple syrup. Start with the suggested two tablespoons. Taste your mix and add more if you want it sweeter. You can also try other sweeteners, like honey or agave syrup. Always mix well and taste as you go!
This blog post covered everything you need for a delightful Baileys Espresso Martini. We explored key ingredients, easy steps, and tips to enhance flavor and presentation. You learned how to make it nut-free and try different milk options. Plus, we discussed storing any leftovers and prepping ahead of time.
Enjoy making this cocktail for your next celebration. With these tips, you can impress your friends and family with every sip. Happy mixin
Festive Espresso Delight
A delightful espresso-based cocktail perfect for festive occasions.
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 10 minutes mins
Course Beverage
Cuisine International
Servings 2
Calories 150 kcal
- 1 cup freshly brewed espresso, cooled to room temperature
- 1/2 cup coconut milk (or your favorite alternative milk)
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon cocoa powder (for garnish)
- to taste ice cubes
- to taste whole coffee beans or chocolate shavings (for garnish)
Begin by brewing a cup of espresso using your preferred method and allow it to cool down to room temperature to enhance its flavor.
In a cocktail shaker, combine the cooled espresso, coconut milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. Ensure all ingredients are measured accurately for the best taste.
Next, fill the shaker with ice cubes until it reaches about halfway full. Secure the lid tightly to prevent any spills.
Shake the mixture vigorously for approximately 15-20 seconds, or until the contents are well combined and chilled to your liking.
Carefully strain the mixture into two chilled martini glasses to highlight the beautiful color.
Using a fine sieve, dust the top of each drink with cocoa powder, and elegantly garnish with a few whole coffee beans or delicate chocolate shavings for that festive flair.
Serve immediately to enjoy the delightful flavors in every sip.
For an added festive touch, consider placing a small festive straw in each glass or a sprig of mint on the side for a pop of color!
Keyword cocktail, coffee, espresso, festive
WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?