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Want to impress your guests this holiday season? The Holiday Baileys Espresso Martini is the perfect drink! It’s smooth, festive, and oh-so-easy to make. With rich espresso and a hint of sweet maple, each sip is like a warm hug. Get ready to learn how to blend, shake, and serve this delightful cocktail that will surely become a favorite. Let’s dive into the steps to create your new go-to holiday drink!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Rich Flavor Profile: This festive drink combines the boldness of espresso with the creaminess of almond milk and a touch of cocoa.
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients, this delightful espresso treat can be whipped up in under 10 minutes.
- Perfect for Celebrations: The elegant presentation in martini glasses makes it a showstopper for any festive occasion.
- Customizable Sweetness: Adjust the maple syrup to your liking, making it a versatile choice for different palates.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients for Holiday Baileys Espresso Martini
– 1 cup strong brewed espresso, cooled
– 1/2 cup almond milk or your favorite non-dairy milk
– 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
– 2 tablespoons maple syrup, adjust for sweetness
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Coffee beans for garnish
– Ice cubes
The main ingredient is strong brewed espresso. It gives the drink its rich flavor. Use fresh, high-quality beans for the best taste. Next, almond milk adds a creamy texture. You can use any non-dairy milk you like. Cocoa powder brings a hint of chocolate. It adds depth to the drink. Maple syrup sweetens it naturally. You can adjust the amount based on your taste. Vanilla extract adds warmth and aroma. Finally, we use coffee beans for garnish. They make the drink look elegant and festive. Don’t forget about ice cubes! They chill the drink perfectly.
Suggested Variations and Substitutes
– Different types of milk options
– Alternative sweeteners
– Other flavorings for a twist
You can change the milk to suit your diet. Try oat milk or coconut milk for a different flavor. Some people may prefer sweeteners like honey or agave syrup. These can replace maple syrup. For a twist, add a splash of flavored syrup. Hazelnut or caramel syrup can create a fun new taste. You can also experiment with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. These can add warmth to your drink. This way, you can make a unique version each time!

Step-by-Step Instructions
Brewing the Espresso
To brew strong espresso, start with fresh coffee beans. Use a fine grind for the best flavor. Measure one tablespoon of coffee for each ounce of water. If you have an espresso machine, follow the instructions to brew. If not, a stovetop espresso maker works well too. Once brewed, let the espresso cool to room temperature. This is key for mixing later.
Mixing the Ingredients
Now, take your cooled espresso and combine it with other ingredients. In a shaker, add the espresso, almond milk, cocoa powder, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. The almond milk makes it creamy. The cocoa powder adds a rich taste. Adjust the maple syrup based on how sweet you like it. This mix is where the magic happens!
Shaking and Serving
Shaking is vital for a great texture. Fill the shaker with ice cubes and seal it tightly. Shake vigorously for about 15 to 20 seconds. This helps combine everything and froth the drink. Strain the mixture into chilled martini glasses. For a fancy touch, garnish with a few coffee beans. This makes your drink look stunning and adds a little extra flavor.
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting Your Holiday Baileys Espresso Martini
To get the right taste, adjust the sweetness and flavors. Start with the maple syrup. Add more for a sweeter drink. If you like chocolate, add a bit more cocoa powder. This will give a rich flavor.
For a frothy texture, shake the mixture well. Fill your shaker with ice cubes. Seal it tight and shake hard for 15-20 seconds. This will create the perfect froth.
Serving Suggestions
For the best look, serve in chilled martini glasses. This keeps the drink cold and fresh. The elegant shape enhances your drink’s style.
Pair your drink with simple appetizers. Think cheese bites or chocolate truffles. They match well and make your gathering feel special.
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Espresso: For the best flavor, use freshly brewed espresso. The quality of your espresso will significantly impact the overall taste of your drink.
- Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of maple syrup based on your preference for sweetness. You can also substitute with agave syrup or honey.
- Chill Your Glasses: To keep your drink frosty longer, chill your martini glasses in the freezer for a few minutes before serving.
- Experiment with Milk Alternatives: While almond milk is a great option, try experimenting with other non-dairy milks like oat or coconut milk for different flavor profiles.

Variations
Iced Espresso Martini
To make a chilled version, follow this easy list of ingredients:
– 1 cup strong brewed espresso, cooled
– 1/2 cup almond milk (or your favorite non-dairy milk)
– 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
– 2 tablespoons maple syrup
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Ice cubes
– Coffee beans for garnish
This iced twist works well for warm days. Start by brewing your espresso and letting it cool. Mix in the other ingredients and blend with ice. Shake it well until frothy. Pour it into your glass and add coffee beans on top. Enjoy the cool and refreshing vibe!
Decadent Chocolate Espresso Martini
For a richer drink, try adding chocolate liqueur. Here’s what you need:
– 1 cup strong brewed espresso, cooled
– 1/2 cup almond milk (or your favorite non-dairy milk)
– 1 ounce chocolate liqueur
– 2 tablespoons maple syrup
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Ice cubes
– Coffee beans for garnish
Mix the espresso, almond milk, chocolate liqueur, maple syrup, and vanilla. Shake until it’s frothy. The chocolate liqueur adds a deep, sweet flavor. This drink is perfect for chocolate lovers!
Vegan Holiday Baileys Espresso Martini
For a plant-based version, swap out the dairy. You will need:
– 1 cup strong brewed espresso, cooled
– 1/2 cup almond milk
– 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
– 2 tablespoons maple syrup
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Ice cubes
– Coffee beans for garnish
Use almond milk or any non-dairy milk you like. This keeps the drink creamy and tasty. Follow the same steps to mix and shake. Your friends will love this vegan treat during the holidays!
Storage Info
Can You Make It Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make this drink ahead of time. Mix all the ingredients together, but leave out the ice. Store the mixture in the fridge. This way, the flavors can blend well. You can make it up to 24 hours in advance. When ready to serve, just shake it with ice and pour. This saves time for your holiday fun.
Best Way to Store Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in a sealed container. A glass jar works well. Make sure it is airtight. This keeps the drink fresh. You can enjoy it within a day. Just remember to shake it again before serving. This helps to restore its frothy texture.
FAQs
What is the origin of the Espresso Martini?
The Espresso Martini first appeared in the 1980s. A bartender in London, Dick Bradsell, created it. He wanted to make a drink that wakes you up and cheers you up. He mixed vodka, espresso, coffee liqueur, and sugar. This drink became famous in bars and is loved worldwide.
Can I use instant coffee instead of brewed espresso?
Yes, you can use instant coffee. Mix one tablespoon of instant coffee with hot water to make a strong cup. This works well if you do not have an espresso machine. Just make sure to let it cool before adding it to the shaker.
How to customize the recipe for larger servings?
To serve more guests, double or triple the recipe. Use two cups of espresso for four servings. Adjust the other ingredients in the same way. Remember to shake well to keep the frothy texture. Serve in larger glasses or a pitcher for easy pouring.
Making a Holiday Baileys Espresso Martini is simple and fun. We covered the key ingredients, like strong espresso and almond milk, plus tasty variations. I shared step-by-step instructions for brewing and mixing. With tips to perfect texture and serving, you can impress your guests. Remember to store leftovers properly for fresh taste. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and make this drink your own. Happy mixin
Festive Espresso Delight
A refreshing and frothy espresso drink perfect for festive occasions.
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 10 minutes mins
Course Beverage
Cuisine Coffee
Servings 2
Calories 150 kcal
- 1 cup strong brewed espresso, cooled
- 1 2 almond milk (or your favorite non-dairy milk)
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- none Coffee beans for garnish
- none Ice cubes
Brew a cup of strong espresso and allow it to cool to room temperature.
In a shaker, combine the cooled espresso, almond milk, cocoa powder, maple syrup, and vanilla extract.
Fill the shaker with ice cubes and seal it tightly.
Shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds until well-combined and frothy.
Strain the mixture into chilled martini glasses.
Garnish with a few coffee beans on top for an elegant finish.
Adjust the sweetness with more or less maple syrup as desired.
Keyword beverage, espresso, festive
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