Baileys Chocolate Espresso Martini

Here’s the ingredients you’ll need to make this indulgent cocktail.

• Vanilla Vodka: While any 80-proof vodka like Tito’s or Kirkland will work, a vanilla flavored vodka brings this cocktail to the next level. I personally love OYO Honey Vanilla Bean Vodka from Middle West Spirits, a local Columbus, Ohio distillery.
• Espresso/Coffee: A freshly brewed espresso is the peak ingredient for an espresso martini, however I am a lazy girl with a caffeine sensitivity and no espresso machine, so I typically opt to use regular coffee. I do enjoy using a nicer brand or flavor of coffee, for this recipe I have used a mocha blend.
• Baileys Chocolate Irish Cream Liqueur: The star of this cocktail is really the Baileys Chocolate Liqueur, however, if you don’t have Baileys Chocolate or can’t find it at your grocery store, any kind of Irish cream and some chocolate syrup would achieve the same delicious effect.
• Coffee Liqueur: Since I usually use coffee rather than espresso in this drink, coffee liqueur adds a nice coffee flavor and works in tandem with the Baileys Chocolate so that one does not outshine the other, creating the perfect balanced martini. I always use Kahlua, but I’m sure any coffee liqueur would be delicious!
• Honey: A little wildflower honey adds a touch of sweetness and adds to the overall flavor profile of this dessert cocktail. Simple syrup would also work in a pinch, or if you are looking to make your cocktail a little less sweet, you can skip this ingredient.
• Sea Salt: I like to add a pinch of sea salt to the mix to create a sweet and salty flavor contrast, almost like a chocolate covered pretzel!
• Sugar Sprinkles: Since I am following the dessert theme, I wanted to add a red pop of color with some sugar sprinkles on the edge of my glass, however this is where you can get creative with a garnish of your choosing!
• Strawberries: For Valentine’s Day, I sliced a few strawberries into the shape of a heart and strung them onto a cocktail pick to make a fun garnish. The strawberries pair very nicely with the chocolate flavored martini – but are not necessary. If you are more of a traditionalist, you could top your espresso martini with three espresso beans instead.
• Decorative Cocktail Picks: Again, not a necessary step, however I love to add a little flair to my cocktails by garnishing with a decorative cocktail pick or skewer of some sort. I find it an easy way to dress up my drinks when hosting and to bring a party theme into each and every element of the table.