Created in 1983 by Dick Bradsell, the Espresso Martini is a modern classic and one of the most popular co*cktails in the world. You could call it the perfect pick-me-up, after-dinner coffee, or the sophisticated drinker's 'Vodka Redbull.'
Ingredients:
Serve in a Martini glass
- 1 1/2 oz (45ml) Absolut Vodka
- 1/2 oz (15ml) Kahlua coffee liqueur
- 1 oz (30ml) of freshly brewed espresso
- 1/2 oz (15ml) simple syrup (or to taste)
Garnish:3 espresso beans
Tools & Equipment
How to Make
- Add all the ingredients to your Boston shaker. Add the freshly brewed espresso last (just before adding the ice) to reduce dilution.
- Add ice then shake hard for 15 â 20 seconds. Shaking this co*cktail hard is important as it will activate the espresso that creates that beautiful foamy top. The general rule is, if in doubt, shake again & shake harder.
- Fine strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass
- Gently drop the espresso beans in to garnish
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About
One of my personal favorites, the Espresso Martini is a modern classic that quickly became one of the most popular co*cktails in the world. Some people go out just to drink them. I guess itâs not that surprising â when you combine two legally addictive and commonly consumed drugs, youâre bound to create something that goes wild!
As a drink, itâs a delicious bitter-sweet combination of vodka, coffee liqueur and espresso. When made properly, itâs sophisticated, edgy and unexpectedly strong.
Itâs also suitable for almost any occasion. Whether youâre indulging in your nightâs first co*cktail, taking it as an indulgent after-dinner digestif, or throwing your office Christmas party, the espresso martini will take your night where it needs to go!
History
The story goes that Dick Bradsell came up with the Espresso Martini at the Soho Brasserie, London in 1983 when an up and coming supermodel came into the bar and asked for a drink that âwakes me up and then f***s me up.â
Side note: Bradsell claimed that this young model went on to become world famous. Some speculate that it was Kate Moss, others Naomi Campbell. But considering that they would have been aged 10 and aged 14 respectively at the time, I find these speculations unlikely! Bradsell has never revealed her real identity.
Bradsellâs solution to his patronâs problem was a strong combination of vodka, freshly brewed espresso, sugar syrup and coffee liqueur. According to Dick, he chose those ingredients because vodka was the rage at the time, âeveryone was drinking it.â And because his work station was right next to the coffee machine so espresso was always on his mind.
Thus, the Vodka Espresso was born. Yep, you heard me correctly, the Espresso Martini was originally called a Vodka Espresso. It was later changed to profit from a more desirable name and to cash in on the martini revolution.
Believe it or not, Dick actually tried to change it once more in the late 1980s by calling it the âPharmaceutical Stimulantâ, which is essentially the same drink served on the rocks. But, this name never caught on.
The drink grew quickly in popularity through the 1980s and 1990s, until it eventually became a victim of its own success. Similar to frozen, watery margaritas and daiquiris, cheaper and pre-mixed versions were eventually created to profit from its name. Which, in the end, ruined the co*cktail for many bartenders throughout the United States.
However, it wasnât ruined everywhere and the Espresso Martini is just as sophisticated today as it was back then when made properly. Australians, in particular, have cultivated a love-affair with this modern classic.
In fact, itâs so popular that Mr. Black coffee started a festival around it called âEspresso Martini Festâ around it. They held over 6 events in 2 years (2016 & 2017), across Melbourne, Sydney and London (yep, lotâs of Aussies in London!) and they were all completely sold out!
One of the reasons for the drinkâs popularity is because of Australiaâs love for freshly brewed espresso. In almost every bar, pub & restaurant, in Australia, youâll find a well-looked after espresso machine and bartenders know how to use it. So instead of resorting to cheaper alternatives, theyâre martinis were always made with fresh coffee and that vastly improves the quality of this co*cktail.
Which brings me onto an important point.
Use Freshly Made Hot Espresso
![Espresso Martini co*cktail Recipe, History & Variations - Crafty Bartending (6) Espresso Martini co*cktail Recipe, History & Variations - Crafty Bartending (6)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)
This is the most important element to a well-made espresso martini â freshly brewed espresso. Because the coffee flavor and aromas are so prominent, using fresh espresso is crucial.
When youâre making it behind the bar, grind the espresso fresh and extract the shot just prior to pouring into the co*cktail shaker.
If you donât have access to an espresso machine, consider investing in one for your home like this one. For what you get, theyâre relatively cheap.
If thatâs not an option and you still want to make this drink, youâll have to resort to a cold-brew alternative.
Whatever you do, please donât use instant coffee :-). Itâs not worth it!
Side note: When working with hot espresso, itâs important to add the coffee in last just before you shake it because if you add it too early, it will quickly melt the ice and dilute the mix.
Variations
This is a great drink to experiment with. You can change the base spirit for vanilla vodka, tequila, dark rum or even Irish whiskey. Each spirit will bring its own characteristics and complexities. One of my favourite variations combines an aged Caribbean dark rum with vanilla syrup, top with whipped cream, and then finished off with liquid ice â itâs incredible!
You can also experiment with the coffee liqueur used. For instance, you could swap out Kahlua for the less-sweet Tia Maria.
You could also use a different liqueur altogether. I once came across a variation that used Pedro Ximenez Sherry which gave it a sweet, raisinycharacteristic. It worked really well.
How Strong Is the Espresso Martini?
Itâs no secret that the espresso martini is one hell of a potent drink. This combination of alcohol & caffeine is particularly strong so you need to be careful when drinking it.
As far as alcohol % go, once shaken and diluted, it sits around the 20% ABV mark (around 40 proof).