Espresso MARTINI
The Espresso Martini: Dick Bradsell's Coffee Creation
The Espresso Martini was created by legendary London bartender Dick Bradsell in 1983 at the Soho Brasserie. According to Bradsell, a young model (often reported to be Kate Moss, though never confirmed) approached the bar and requested a drink that would "wake me up, then fuck me up," according to Punch.
Bradsell responded by combining vodka with freshly pulled espresso, coffee liqueur (originally Tia Maria), and sugar. The cocktail was initially called the Vodka Espresso before being renamed the Espresso Martini, despite containing no vermouth and not being a true martini, as noted in Liquor.com.
The drink combines these ingredients to create a rich, caffeinated cocktail with a distinctive foam layer on top from shaking the fresh espresso. The three coffee beans traditionally garnishing the drink represent health, wealth, and happiness, according to Difford's Guide.
The Espresso Martini remained relatively niche until the 2010s when it experienced a massive revival, becoming one of the most popular cocktails globally. The drink's resurgence coincided with specialty coffee culture's growth and social media's visual appeal for the cocktail's photogenic foam top. Today the Espresso Martini is considered one of the most important modern classic cocktails.
RECIPE:
2 oz vodka
1 oz fresh espresso (cooled)
1/2 oz coffee liqueur (Kahlúa or Mr Black)
1/4 oz simple syrup
3 coffee beans for garnish
Method:
Add vodka, espresso, coffee liqueur, and simple syrup to a shaker with ice.
Shake vigorously until well-chilled and frothy.
Double strain into a chilled martini glass.
Garnish with three coffee beans floated on the foam.