Irish Cream Espresso Martini: A St. Paddy’s Day Twist on a Classic

If you love a classic espresso martini but want to give it a festive St. Patrick’s Day glow, you’re in for a treat. This Irish Cream Espresso Martini brings together the bold, rich flavors of espresso with the creamy sweetness of Baileys Irish Cream, a kick of vodka, and a hint of crème de menthe for a touch of minty green magic. Whether you’re kicking off a celebration or wrapping up the night with a dessert-like cocktail, this festive twist is sure to impress.

Why It’s Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day

This cocktail keeps the velvety texture of a traditional espresso martini while bringing in the creamy, comforting notes of Baileys and a refreshing crème de menthe twist. It’s bold, boozy, and absolutely delicious—just the way we like it for St. Paddy’s Day!

Tasting Notes

• Flavor: Bold espresso with smooth Irish cream and a subtle mint finish.
• Texture: Creamy yet strong, with a luxurious frothy top.
• Sweetness Level: Just right—slightly sweet but still rich and boozy.
• Aroma: Freshly brewed espresso with hints of vanilla, chocolate, and mint.
• Best Served In: A chilled martini glass with a dusting of chocolate shavings or espresso beans.

Ingredients

• Vanilla vodka
• Baileys Irish Cream
• Crème de menthe
• Freshly brewed espresso
• Coffee liqueur (optional, for extra depth)
• Ice
• Chocolate shavings or espresso beans (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Prepare the Espresso: Brew one shot of strong espresso and let it cool slightly.
2. Shake It Up: In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine 2 oz vanilla vodka, 1.5 oz Baileys, 0.5 oz crème de menthe, and the espresso.
3. Shake Vigorously: Shake for about 15-20 seconds to create a smooth, frothy texture.
4. Strain & Serve: Strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with chocolate shavings or crushed espresso beans.
5. Enjoy! Sip and let the St. Paddy’s Day magic begin!

Tips & Tricks

• Want a greener hue? Add a drop of green food coloring to amp up the festive color.
• Don’t have crème de menthe? Use peppermint schnapps instead for a similar minty kick.
• Make it extra creamy by adding a splash of heavy cream for a latte-like texture.
• For a boozier kick, add ½ oz of coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa) to deepen the flavor.
• Chill your glass beforehand for an ultra-refreshing experience.

Variations to Explore

• Iced Irish Espresso Martini – Serve it over ice in a rocks glass for a more casual, sip-all-night experience.
• White Chocolate Irish Martini – Swap the crème de menthe for white chocolate liqueur for a smoother, dessert-like variation.
• Frozen Irish Cream Espresso – Blend the ingredients with ice for a slushy, boozy treat!

Your Burning Questions Answered

Can I make this without alcohol?
Yes! Swap the vanilla vodka for vanilla almond milk, the Baileys for a non-alcoholic Irish cream alternative, and the crème de menthe for peppermint extract.

Can I batch-make this cocktail?
Absolutely! Mix the vanilla vodka, Baileys, espresso, and crème de menthe ahead of time and keep it chilled. When ready to serve, shake with ice and strain into glasses.

What’s the best coffee to use?
Freshly brewed espresso or cold brew concentrate works best. Avoid weak coffee—it won’t have the bold flavor needed to stand up to the creamy liqueurs.