☕ Espresso Martini – sophisticated cocktail with coffee

Espresso Martini is a modern classic where strong espresso meets smooth vodka and sweet coffee liqueur. The result is a balanced drink that is both invigorating and delicious, perfect as a finish to a dinner.

Espresso Martini – elegant coffee cocktail with vodka and coffee liqueur

Ingredients

  • 4 cl vodka
  • 2 cl coffee liqueur (e.g. Kahlúa)
  • 3 cl freshly brewed espresso (hot)
  • 1 cl sugar syrup (1:1)
  • Ice
  • 3 coffee beans for garnish

Approach

  1. Brew an espresso and let it cool slightly.
  2. Pour vodka, coffee liqueur, espresso and syrup into a shaker with ice.
  3. Shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds for a rich foam.
  4. Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
  5. Garnish with three coffee beans in the middle of the foam.

Equipment

Flavor profile & serving tips for Espresso Martini

Espresso Martini is creamy, full-bodied and bitter-sweet with a distinct coffee flavor and a warming kick from the vodka. Perfect as an after-dinner coffee drink or as an energy booster on the dance floor. Always served well chilled and with a dense foam on top.

History

History

There are several claims about the origin of the espresso martini. One of the most common claims [ 1 ] [ 2 ] is that it was created by Dick Bradsell in the 1980s in London for a young woman who asked for "something to turn me on and then fuck me". [ 3 ] The bar where it was invented is identified as the Soho Brasserie, which would date to around 1983, while Bradsell never identified the woman in question, only referring to her as a "top model" or an American model. [ 4 ] The woman is rumoured to be Marie Helvin , who was a well-known American model in London at the time. [ 4 ] Later claims that the woman was Naomi Campbell or Kate Moss are unlikely, as they were too young at the time. [ 4 ]

Bradsell has claimed to have invented it in a widely circulated video. [ 5 ] Bradsell has also been quoted as saying about the circumstances surrounding his invention of the drink: "The coffee machine at Soho Brasseries was right next to the station where I was serving drinks. It was a nightmare, because there were coffee grounds everywhere, so coffee was on my mind a lot. And it was all about vodka at the time – that's all people drank." [ 4 ] [ 6 ]

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