Espresso Martini

The story

The Espresso Martini was created in the 1980s by British bartender Dick Bradsell at the Soho Brasserie in London. It was inspired by a request from a customer for a drink that would 'wake me up and then f*** me up.' Its blend of coffee and vodka quickly gained popularity, becoming a staple in cocktail bars worldwide.

How it tastes

The Espresso Martini offers a rich, bold coffee flavor complemented by the sweetness of Kahlúa and sugar syrup. The vodka provides a smooth base, making it an excellent after-dinner drink or a pick-me-up at any time.

Getting it right

The key to a perfect Espresso Martini lies in the quality of the espresso and the shaking technique. Ensure the espresso is freshly brewed for optimal flavor, and shake vigorously to create a frothy texture and a good layer of crema on top.

Variations

• Coffee Martini — A simpler version that uses only vodka and coffee liqueur, omitting the sugar syrup.
• Vanilla Espresso Martini — Incorporates vanilla vodka for an added layer of flavor.

Substitutions

• Kahlúa — Use any coffee liqueur like Tia Maria or a homemade coffee syrup.
• Sugar syrup — Substitute with simple syrup or agave syrup for sweetness.

Questions

Can I make an Espresso Martini without coffee?

Yes, you can create a variation using coffee liqueur and vodka without actual espresso, but it will lack the fresh coffee flavor.

Is there a non-alcoholic version?

You can make a non-alcoholic Espresso Martini by omitting the vodka and Kahlúa, and using coffee, sugar syrup, and a splash of tonic water for fizz.

What type of vodka is best for an Espresso Martini?

A high-quality, neutral vodka is ideal, as it allows the coffee flavors to shine without overpowering them.

This text was drafted by a language model from the catalogue’s data and is machine-translated outside English.

Updated October 5, 2026