The espresso martini packs a double punch of alcohol and coffee. This smooth, energizing cocktail merges vodka, espresso, coffee liqueur, and syrup into one invigorating drink. While loved today as an after-dinner digestif, the espresso martini has debatable origins in the 1970s or 80s as a daytime bartender pick-me-up.
Legend has it that the espresso martini was invented in 1983 at Fred’s Club in London. Rumor has it that Kate Moss was visiting the bar and supposedly asked for a drink that would “wake me up and then f*** me up.” Bartender Dick Bradsell then mixed up the first espresso martini - a cocktail that was both stimulating and intoxicating.
Another origin story credits London bartender Dario Bortoli with popularizing double espresso with a dash of vodka in the late 1970s. However, Bradsell is most often credited with taking the idea, refining it, and making it a menu staple at Fred's Club.
The cocktail rose to prominence internationally throughout the 1980s and 90s at hotspots and nightclubs like the Met Bar in London. The combination of a shot of espresso with vodka, Kahlúa, and sugar proved both energizing and indulgent - perfect for partying all night long.
The espresso martini embodies the indulgent, neon-hued cocktail culture of the 80s and 90s. But its stimulating kick of caffeine remains appealing today at the end of a meal or when in need of a liquid pick-me-up. The cocktail has also appeared on trendy brunch menus as a weekend morning jolt alongside classics like the Bloody Mary.
Whether you’re looking to revive your energy or keep the party going into the night, the espresso martini delivers. Learn how to mix up this beloved coffee-flavored classic:
Espresso Martini
Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz freshly brewed espresso, hot
- 1 oz coffee liqueur like Kahlúa
- 1 tsp brown sugar syrup
- Coffee beans for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Brew fresh espresso
Use your espresso machine to pull a single or double shot of espresso. Make sure it's hot and freshly brewed.
Step 2: Add ingredients to a cocktail shaker
Pour the hot espresso along with the vodka, coffee liqueur, and brown sugar syrup into your cocktail shaker filled with ice.
Step 3: Shake vigorously
Seal the shaker and shake hard for at least 10-15 seconds to blend and chill the drink thoroughly.
Step 4: Fine strain into coupe glass
Double strain your cocktail through a fine mesh strainer to remove any coffee grounds.
Step 5: Garnish with coffee beans
Add 3 coffee beans floating on top for garnish.
Step 6: Enjoy your pick-me-up!
Sip and savor the invigorating blend of espresso and spirits. The espresso martini is ready to give your energy a caffeinated kickstart!
Feel free to tweak ratios to your taste preferences. The espresso martini is perfectly balanced when no single flavor overpowers. Shake up this coffee cocktail anywhere you need a little liquid motivation and indulgence!
Often people will ask me why 3 coffee beans are commonly used as the garnish for an espresso martini:
- Aesthetic Appeal The 3 coffee beans floating on top of the cocktail simply look nice and are visually appealing. The beans add a nice finishing touch and indicate to the drinker what ingredients are in the cocktail.
- Aroma Having 3 coffee beans on top enhances the coffee aroma right before you take a sip. Smell is closely linked to taste, so having that coffee smell accentuates the espresso flavor.
- Reinforce the Flavor Letting the coffee beans infuse a bit into the drink helps reinforce the espresso flavors. As you sip, you get hints of extra coffee taste from the beans.
- Texture/Mouthfeel As you drink the cocktail, the beans add a little extra fun textural element. Their subtle crunch contrasts nicely with the lush liquid.
- Symbolism Three is seen as a visually balanced and appealing garnish number. The beans represent the key espresso ingredient.
So in short, the 3 bean garnish adds aroma, flavor, aesthetics, and texture to elevate the overall drinking experience. The beans complement the coffee liqueur and espresso in the cocktail wonderfully. Next time you order an espresso martini, be sure to enjoy the garnish as part of the overall presentation!
As always I am open to hear your take and your input. You can reach me at [email protected]