Our Be-All, End-All Espresso MartiniPlus, a couple variations—if you’re looking to get creative.

During the 1980s and ‘90s craft cocktail revival, Dick Bradsell was a bar consultant working in the U.K., where he contributed a few of the era’s most influential cocktails to the modern bartender's repertoire. Most notable among them: the classic espresso martini. Bradsell originally served the drink, which he called the “vodka espresso,” on the rocks. I suggest trying the drink both up and on ice to see which you prefer.

Optional Variations:

Sweetness: if you prefer a sweeter build, add ¼– ½ ounce simple syrup.
Spirit: Try swapping out the vodka for tequila, rum, Cognac, or even gin. 
Balance: If you like, add a few drops of a fourth ingredient for bitterness or brightness, such as an amaro or fruit liqueur.

Ingredients

  • 1½ oz. vodka
  • ¾ oz. coffee liqueur (such as Galliano Espresso or Mr. Black)
  • 1 oz. freshly brewed hot espresso
  • 3 coffee beans, for garnish

Instructions

Step 1

To a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add the vodka, coffee liqueur, and espresso. Shake well, then strain into a chilled coupe glass. Arrange 3 coffee beans on the top in a floral pattern for garnish and serve immediately.
  1. To a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add the vodka, coffee liqueur, and espresso. Shake well, then strain into a chilled coupe glass. Arrange 3 coffee beans on the top in a floral pattern for garnish and serve immediately.
Recipes

Our Be-All, End-All Espresso Martini

Plus, a couple variations—if you’re looking to get creative.

Espresso Martini
PHOTOGRAPHY BY BELLE MORIZIO

By Shannon Mustipher


Published on December 29, 2022

During the 1980s and ‘90s craft cocktail revival, Dick Bradsell was a bar consultant working in the U.K., where he contributed a few of the era’s most influential cocktails to the modern bartender's repertoire. Most notable among them: the classic espresso martini. Bradsell originally served the drink, which he called the “vodka espresso,” on the rocks. I suggest trying the drink both up and on ice to see which you prefer.

Ingredients

  • 1½ oz. vodka
  • ¾ oz. coffee liqueur (such as Galliano Espresso or Mr. Black)
  • 1 oz. freshly brewed hot espresso
  • 3 coffee beans, for garnish

Instructions

Step 1

To a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add the vodka, coffee liqueur, and espresso. Shake well, then strain into a chilled coupe glass. Arrange 3 coffee beans on the top in a floral pattern for garnish and serve immediately.
  1. To a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add the vodka, coffee liqueur, and espresso. Shake well, then strain into a chilled coupe glass. Arrange 3 coffee beans on the top in a floral pattern for garnish and serve immediately.

Optional Variations:

Sweetness: if you prefer a sweeter build, add ¼– ½ ounce simple syrup.
Spirit: Try swapping out the vodka for tequila, rum, Cognac, or even gin. 
Balance: If you like, add a few drops of a fourth ingredient for bitterness or brightness, such as an amaro or fruit liqueur.

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