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- 1 cup strong brewed espresso, cooled to room temperature - 1/2 cup almond milk (or your favorite non-dairy milk) - 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder - 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup (to taste) - 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - A handful of ice cubes These main ingredients come together to create a rich, creamy drink. The strong brewed espresso gives it a bold flavor. The almond milk adds a smooth texture. Cocoa powder brings in a nice chocolate taste. Maple syrup sweetens it just right. Vanilla extract finishes it with a lovely aroma. - Fresh coffee beans Garnishing with coffee beans makes your drink look nice. It also adds a lovely aroma when you sip. You can place a few beans on top of the drink. This simple touch turns your cocktail into a festive treat. - Cocktail shaker - Strainer - Martini glasses A cocktail shaker is key for mixing your drink. It helps to combine all the flavors well. Use a strainer to pour the drink into your glasses. This step keeps any ice or solid bits out. Chilled martini glasses make your drink feel extra special. They keep your cocktail cool and refreshing. {{ingredient_image_2}} First, brew one cup of strong espresso. I prefer using a moka pot or an espresso machine. This gives you a rich flavor. Let your espresso cool to room temperature. Cooling is key so it does not melt the ice too fast. If you skip this, your drink may get watery. Grab a cocktail shaker. Pour in the cooled espresso. Next, add half a cup of almond milk. I love using almond milk, but any non-dairy milk works well. Now, add one tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder. This gives your drink a nice chocolatey kick. Then, pour in two tablespoons of pure maple syrup. Adjust the amount to fit your sweet tooth. Finally, add a quarter teaspoon of pure vanilla extract for extra flavor. Now it’s time to shake! Add a handful of ice cubes to the shaker. Seal it tightly. Shake it hard for about 15 to 20 seconds. You want it to be frothy and creamy. After shaking, carefully strain the mix into chilled martini glasses. This keeps your drink cool and fresh. For a lovely touch, garnish with a few whole coffee beans on top. This not only looks great but also adds a nice aroma. Enjoy your Holiday Baileys Espresso Martini! To get that lovely foam on top, I recommend shaking hard. Use a cocktail shaker and add plenty of ice. Shake for 15-20 seconds. This gives your drink a nice, frothy texture. The key is to mix well but not too long. If you shake too much, the foam can get too watery. For a festive twist, try adding spices. A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can make your drink sparkle. You can also use flavored syrups. Peppermint or gingerbread syrup adds a cozy touch. Adjust the sweetness to your taste. The maple syrup gives a nice base, but feel free to add more if you like it sweeter. Presentation matters! Use chilled martini glasses for that wow factor. Before serving, drizzle a bit of chocolate syrup inside the glass. This adds a festive look. Garnish with fresh coffee beans on top. It looks pretty and adds a coffee aroma. You can also add a sprinkle of cocoa powder for extra flair. Pro Tips Use Fresh Espresso: Always brew your espresso fresh for the best flavor. Pre-ground coffee can lose its aroma and taste quickly. Chill Your Glasses: For an extra refreshing experience, chill your martini glasses in the freezer for about 10 minutes before serving. Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of maple syrup based on your personal taste preference; start with less and add more as needed. Experiment with Milk Alternatives: Try different non-dairy milks like coconut or oat for varied flavors and creaminess in your espresso delight. {{image_4}} If you want a dairy-free version, use almond milk. It works well with the other flavors. You can also try oat milk or coconut milk. These options give a nice creaminess without dairy. Just measure out the same amount as the recipe calls for. They will taste great in your martini! You can change up the flavors too! Add a splash of peppermint extract for a minty twist. This works well for the holiday season. For a chocolate taste, mix in chocolate syrup. You can also try hazelnut syrup for a nutty flavor. Just remember to adjust the sweetness so it stays balanced. If it’s warm outside, you can make an iced version! Simply blend all the ingredients with ice instead of shaking them. This gives you a frozen treat that’s perfect for summer. You can also serve it over ice in a tall glass. It’s refreshing and fun, making it a great choice for any warm day! If you have leftover ingredients, store them in the fridge. Place almond milk in a sealed container. Keep cocoa powder in a cool, dry place. Maple syrup can stay in your pantry. Make sure each item is tightly sealed to keep it fresh. You can make this cocktail ahead of time. Mix the espresso, almond milk, cocoa powder, maple syrup, and vanilla. Store this mix in the fridge for up to two days. When ready to serve, just shake with ice and strain. This keeps the drink fresh and tasty. The shelf life of almond milk is about 7-10 days once opened. Cocoa powder lasts for a long time, up to two years if stored right. Pure maple syrup can stay fresh for about a year. Always check for any changes in smell or color before using. Yes, you can use decaf espresso. If you want to enjoy the flavor without caffeine, decaf is perfect. It still gives that rich coffee taste. Just make sure it is strong enough to stand out in your drink. You can mix Baileys with many spirits. Vodka works well for a classic martini. You can also try rum for a sweeter taste. If you want a twist, use flavored liqueurs like hazelnut or coffee. To make a non-alcoholic version, skip the Baileys. Use your favorite non-alcoholic cream instead. You can also add a splash of vanilla extract for flavor. This way, you still enjoy a delicious drink without alcohol. In this post, we explored the holiday Baileys espresso martini. We covered main ingredients, garnishes, and tools needed. I shared step-by-step instructions for making this drink, plus tips for perfect foam and seasonal flavors. You learned variations like dairy-free options and iced recipes. Don’t forget storage tips for leftovers or pre-made cocktails. This drink is a delightful mix for any holiday gathering. Try these ideas and enjoy your time with friends and family. The holiday season can be even better with this unique drink in hand.

Festive Espresso Delight

A refreshing and creamy espresso drink perfect for festive occasions.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Beverage
Cuisine Coffee
Servings 2
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup strong brewed espresso, cooled to room temperature
  • 1 2 cup almond milk (or your favorite non-dairy milk)
  • 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup (to taste)
  • 1 4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • none Fresh coffee beans for garnish
  • none A handful of ice cubes

Instructions
 

  • Begin by brewing a strong cup of espresso using your preferred method. Once brewed, allow it to cool completely to room temperature to prevent dilution when mixing.
  • In a cocktail shaker, combine the cooled espresso with the almond milk, cocoa powder, maple syrup, and vanilla extract.
  • Add a generous handful of ice cubes to the shaker, filling it about halfway. Ensure the shaker is sealed tightly to prevent spills.
  • Shake the mixture vigorously for approximately 15-20 seconds, or until it is well-combined and frothy with a rich, creamy texture.
  • Carefully strain the delightful mixture into chilled martini glasses to maintain the refreshing quality of the drink.
  • For an elegant touch, garnish each glass with a few whole coffee beans placed on top, enhancing the visual appeal and aroma.

Notes

Adjust the sweetness with more or less maple syrup as desired.
Keyword cocktail, espresso, festive