Espresso Martini
Created by legendary bartender Dick Bradsell in London in 1983, the Espresso Martini was born when a famous model asked for something to "wake me up and then mess me up." The combination of vodka, coffee liqueur, and fresh espresso produces a rich, creamy cocktail crowned with a beautiful crema. It has experienced a massive resurgence in popularity.
The Espresso Martini stands as one of modern cocktail culture's greatest success stories – a perfect marriage of caffeinated energy and alcoholic sophistication. This isn't just another coffee cocktail; it's a liquid pick-me-up that delivers both the jolt you need and the smooth satisfaction you crave. Born from a simple request to create something that would 'wake me up and then mess me up,' Dick Bradsell's 1983 creation has become the ultimate after-dinner cocktail for the modern drinker. With its signature foam crown and intense coffee flavor balanced by smooth vodka, the Espresso Martini transforms your evening into something extraordinary.
👨🍳 Instructions
Brew a fresh shot of espresso and allow it to cool slightly (you want it warm, not hot, so it does not melt the ice too quickly).
Combine the vodka, Kahlua, espresso, and optional simple syrup in a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
Shake very hard for 15 seconds to create a rich foam and crema on top.
Fine-strain into a chilled coupe or Martini glass.
Garnish with three coffee beans floated on the foam. Serve immediately.
Flavor Profile
Tools Needed
Jigger
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Cocktail Shaker (Boston)
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OXO SteeL Cocktail Strainer (Hawthorne)
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Coupe Glass Set
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- 1
Use freshly brewed espresso that's warm but not scalding hot – around 140°F is ideal to avoid melting your ice too quickly while still extracting maximum crema
- 2
Invest in quality coffee liqueur like Kahlúa or Mr. Black for depth of flavor, and use a premium vodka as the base spirit carries the drink's character
- 3
Shake with extreme vigor for at least 15 seconds – the harder and longer you shake, the more luxurious foam you'll achieve on top
- 4
Double strain through both a Hawthorne strainer and fine mesh to ensure a silky smooth texture free of ice shards
- 5
Float three coffee beans on the foam as garnish – they represent health, wealth, and happiness in Italian tradition
📜 History & Origin
The Espresso Martini's origin story is as captivating as the drink itself. In 1983, at London's legendary Soho Brasserie, bartender Dick Bradsell faced an unusual request from a young model – she wanted a drink that would simultaneously energize and intoxicate her. Drawing inspiration from the moment, Bradsell combined premium vodka with rich coffee liqueur and a shot of fresh espresso, creating what would become one of the most iconic cocktails of the late 20th century. Initially called the 'Vodka Espresso,' the drink gained its current name during the cocktail renaissance of the early 2000s. Bradsell, often called the 'King of Cocktails,' went on to work at renowned establishments like Fred's Club and Match Bar, but the Espresso Martini remained his crowning achievement. The cocktail experienced a remarkable resurgence in the 2010s, particularly among younger drinkers who embraced its Instagram-worthy appearance and energizing effects. Today, it represents the perfect fusion of coffee culture and cocktail craft, embodying the fast-paced, sophisticated lifestyle of urban nightlife.
