If you love a classic espresso martini but want something a little more whimsical and fruity, this berry Chantilly espresso martini is going to be your new go-to. It combines bold espresso with a sweet berry liqueur and a silky Chantilly cream float that makes it feel totally next-level. It's one of my favorite espresso martini variations, and it's SO easy to make at home.
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You'll love this berry Chantilly espresso martini
It's easy to make. If you have your berry Chantilly simple syrup ready to go, this cocktail comes together in under 5 minutes. Shake, strain, done.
It tastes like dessert. The Baileys adds a rich, creamy sweetness, the vanilla vodka brings a warm bakery note, and the berry syrup ties everything together with a bright, jammy finish. It's SO good.
It's a total crowd-pleaser. This one is perfect for girls' night, bridal showers, or any time you want to serve something that looks and tastes impressive with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Vanilla Vodka. The subtle sweetness of vanilla vodka is what makes this espresso martini feel extra indulgent. It pairs beautifully with the berry syrup and the Bailey's. Smirnoff Vanilla or Absolut Vanilla are great options.
Coffee Liqueur. You need a coffee liqueur in any espresso martini recipe. Kahlúa and Mr. Black are my two favorites. Either one works perfectly here.
Bailey's Irish Cream. This is what makes the cocktail creamy without needing any additional dairy. It adds a rich, velvety texture and a hint of chocolate that complements the berry and coffee flavors really well.
Espresso. Fresh espresso is always the best option. Let it cool before adding it to the shaker! Cold-brew concentrate can be used as a substitute if you don't have an espresso machine.
Berry Chantilly Simple Syrup. This homemade syrup is the star of the show. It's made with mixed berries and a touch of vanilla, which gives it that classic Chantilly flavor that makes this cocktail so unique. I have a full recipe and tutorial on the blog!
How to make a berry Chantilly espresso martini
- In a cocktail shaker, add 1 ½ oz vanilla vodka, 1 ½ oz coffee liqueur, 1 ½ oz Bailey's Irish Cream, 1 ½ oz cooled espresso, and ¾ oz berry Chantilly simple syrup.
- Add ice and shake vigorously for at least 30 seconds. You really want to shake it well to get that beautiful foam on top.
- Double strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass.
- Garnish with a few fresh berries and enjoy!
Tip: Do a double strain by pouring through a fine mesh strainer as you pour into the glass. This gives you that gorgeous, frothy foam top that makes an espresso martini look so pretty.
Making espresso for espresso martinis
Nespresso. I use a Nespresso machine with mild roast espresso pods for all of my espresso cocktails. It's quick, easy, and consistent.
Moka Pot. A stovetop Moka Pot is an inexpensive and underrated way to make espresso-strength coffee at home.
Cold Brew Concentrate. No espresso machine? Cold brew concentrate is the easiest substitute. Use it 1:1 in place of espresso and make sure it's cold before shaking.
Substitutions and variations
Regular Vodka. Don't have vanilla vodka on hand? Plain vodka works fine. Add a small splash of vanilla extract to your shaker to get that same warm, bakery sweetness.
Raspberry Liqueur. Want even more berry flavor? Add a small splash of Chambord or raspberry liqueur alongside the berry Chantilly syrup. It deepens the berry flavor and gives the cocktail a gorgeous color.
Make it stronger. If you want a bolder coffee flavor, increase your espresso to 2 oz or use a darker roast espresso pod.
Make it less sweet. The Baileys already adds sweetness, so if you prefer a drier cocktail, omit that or reduce the berry syrup to ½ oz.
Decaf version. Not into caffeine at night? You can absolutely use decaf espresso! The cocktail tastes just as good.
Garnish ideas
- Fresh mixed berries (raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries): always the most beautiful choice for this cocktail
- 3 espresso beans: the classic espresso martini garnish that never goes out of style
- A drizzle of the berry Chantilly syrup over the foam for a pop of color
FAQs
Can you use Bailey's in an espresso martini?
Yes! Bailey's is a great addition to an espresso martini if you want a creamy, dessert-style cocktail. In this recipe it replaces the need for any additional dairy or cream. It pairs really well with vanilla vodka and the berry Chantilly simple syrup.
Is Kahlúa or Bailey's better for an espresso martini?
They actually serve different purposes! Kahlúa is a coffee liqueur and is a non-negotiable part of the classic espresso martini recipe. Bailey's is an Irish cream liqueur that adds richness and creaminess. In this recipe, you use both, and together they make a really indulgent cocktail.
Want more espresso martini recipes?
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Berry Chantilly Espresso Martini
If you love a classic espresso martini but want something a little more fruity and indulgent, this berry Chantilly espresso martini is about to become your new favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ oz vanilla vodka
- 1 ½ oz coffee liqueur
- 1 oz Irish cream
- 1 ½ oz espresso, cooled
- ¾ oz berry chantilly simple syrup
Instructions
- Add all of your ingredients to a cocktail shaker.
- Add ice and shake vigorously for at least 30 seconds. You really want to shake it well to get that beautiful foam on top.
- Double strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass.
- Garnish with a few fresh berries and enjoy!
Notes
Tip: Do a double strain by pouring through a fine mesh strainer as you pour into the glass. This gives you that gorgeous, frothy foam top that makes an espresso martini look so pretty.
Making espresso for espresso martinis
Nespresso. I use a Nespresso machine with mild-roast espresso pods for all my espresso cocktails. It's quick, easy, and consistent.
Moka Pot. A stovetop Moka Pot is an inexpensive and underrated way to make espresso-strength coffee at home.
Cold Brew Concentrate. No espresso machine? Cold brew concentrate is the easiest substitute. Use it 1:1 in place of espresso and make sure it's cold before shaking.
Substitutions and variations
Regular Vodka. Don't have vanilla vodka on hand? Plain vodka works fine. Add a small splash of vanilla extract to your shaker to get that same warm, bakery sweetness.
Raspberry Liqueur. Want even more berry flavor? Add a small splash of Chambord or raspberry liqueur alongside the berry Chantilly syrup. It deepens the berry flavor and gives the cocktail a gorgeous color.
Make it stronger. If you want a bolder coffee flavor, increase your espresso to 2 oz or use a darker roast espresso pod.
Make it less sweet. The Baileys already adds sweetness, so if you prefer a drier cocktail, reduce the berry syrup to .25 oz or skip it entirely and use the syrup purely for garnish.
Decaf version. Not into caffeine at night? You can absolutely use decaf espresso! The cocktail tastes just as good.
FAQs
Can you use Bailey's in an espresso martini?
Yes! Bailey's is a great addition to an espresso martini if you want a creamy, dessert-style cocktail. In this recipe, it replaces the need for any additional dairy or cream. It pairs really well with vanilla vodka and the berry Chantilly simple syrup.
Is Kahlúa or Bailey's better for an espresso martini?
They actually serve different purposes! Kahlúa is a coffee liqueur and is a non-negotiable part of the classic espresso martini recipe. Bailey's is an Irish cream liqueur that adds richness and creaminess. In this recipe, you use both, and together they make a really indulgent cocktail.
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