Baileys Flat White Martini

Looking for a new take on the oh-so-sophisticated Espresso Martini? Try this Baileys Flat White Martini. It’s a sumptuous mix of coffee, vodka and creamy Baileys and will become the star of your dinner party drinks table.

This exquisite coffee cocktail is subtle in taste but still packs a punch with its vodka-espresso kick. One to keep you on the dance floor when the rest are flagging, for sure! We also like to serve our Baileys Flat White Martini as a luxe dessert; its creamy smoothness reminds us of a (tipsy) mousse. It’s about a million times simpler than making fancy puddings, too.

Pouring vodka into cocktail jigger

 

We’re not exactly cocktail newbies (we’ve sampled a fair few…), but we thought this luxurious tipple deserved a mixologist’s touch. That’s why we caught up with Steve at the Market Harborough-based Cocktail Shaker Boys. Steve knows a thing or two about our favourite aperitifs and helped us live out our bartending dreams in a coffee cocktail masterclass.

Baileys Flat White Martini on small chopping board in front of shaker, bottle of vodka and bottle of Bailey's

 

What is an espresso martini? And where did it come from?

The Baileys Flat White Martini gives the espresso martini a fresh, creamy new makeover. The classic coffee martini has a colourful history, Steve explains. Credit goes to British bartending pro Dick Bradsell, who ran pioneering bars in 1980s London. The cocktail came about when a now-famous model (believed to be Naomi Campbell or Kate Moss) came up to the bar requesting a sippable something to “wake me up and f**k me up”. And so, the Espresso Martini was born. Initially called The Vodka Espresso, this caffeinated cocktail is an opulent mix of vodka, coffee liqueur and espresso. It’s perfect for festive parties – and every party in-between.

espresso martini from above

 

What about the flat white?

We’ve clued up on the booze. Now for the beans! The flat white is a popular espresso-based drink made by pouring steamed milk over a double espresso. It’s stronger than a latte (but smoother than a cappuccino) and served in a small cup rather than a glass.

It has a much-contended history, does the flat white. Both Australia and New Zealand lay claim to the drink in a debate sparked in 2015 when Starbucks described it as Australian. Coffee Lovers in NZ weren’t pleased. They say that Kiwi barista Frank McInnes invented the flat white coffee while making a cappuccino for a customer. He didn’t have enough fat to achieve frothy milk and described his flawed cappuccino as a ‘flat white’.

The Australians, meanwhile, defend the flat white as theirs. Or Alan Preston’s, to be precise. Preston opened Moors Espresso Bar in Sydney in 1985 and introduced a new type of coffee drink to his customers. This coffee was a take on the coffee drunk in Preston’s home state of Queensland in the 60s and 70s. ‘White Coffee – flat’ is what you would have seen on the menu at Moors Bar. Was this the first flat white? We’ll leave it up to you…

flat white in black cup and saucer with teaspoon

 

You’ve got the knowledge – now grab your shaker! Let’s get martini-ing!

Ingredients

  • 50ml Baileys Original Irish Cream
  • 25ml vodka
  • 25ml espresso
  • A few ice cubes
Two Chimps coffee bag beside vodka bottle, Bailey's and glass of ice cubes

 

Method

Place the Baileys, vodka, coffee and ice cubes into a cocktail shaker (or homemade alternative!).

Pouring Bailey's into cocktail jigger

 

Shake until the outside of the cocktail shaker feels cold and the liquid is a smooth, tan colour.

Close up of man shaking a cocktail shaker

 

Pour into a glass and enjoy!

Pouring Baileys Flat White Martini from shaker into glass tumbler

 

Cheers, Steve! Great to meet you… and sample your handiwork!

 

Flat White Martini in tumbler on a wooden chopping board

 

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