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Video about Espresso Martini on my YouTube channel.
March 15th – Espresso Martini Day.
A classic Martini consists of gin and vermouth, and possibly some other additions. Less classic Martini can be with vodka instead of gin. So technically, Espresso Martini isn’t a true Martini, since it doesn’t contain neither gin nor vermouth.
The cocktail was originally named Vodka Espresso by its creator, Dick Bradsell, when he first mixed it in 1983 at London’s Soho Brasserie. This name accurately reflected its ingredients.
However, in the 1990s, as classic straight-up cocktails experienced a renaissance, a new category known as Neo-Martinis emerged. These drinks were often vodka-based and served in V-shaped cocktail glasses—commonly called “martini glasses.” People loved the style of serving, the elegance of the name, and the appeal of vodka-based cocktails. As a result, the Neo-Martini family gained popularity, borrowing the “Martini” name while disregarding its traditional composition.
While a customer’s preference isn’t law, ignoring it entirely can be bad for business. By 1997, when Bradsell was working at London’s Match Bar, the cocktail was officially renamed Espresso Martini and began being served in a martini glass.
At the same time, Bradsell also gave it a third name: Pharmaceutical Stimulant, likely a nod to the story of its origin. According to Bradsell, a top model once walked into his bar and requested, “Something that’s gonna wake me up, then fuck me up.” With a coffee machine right next to his station and vodka being the most popular spirit at the time, he quickly crafted what would become an iconic cocktail.
Espresso Martini soared in popularity and was eventually recognized by the IBA as part of its “New Era Drinks” category.
Classic Espresso Martini recipe, according to IBA.
Ingredients:
-1 2/3 oz / 50 ml Vodka
-1 oz / 30 ml Coffee Liqueur
-1/3 oz / 10 ml Simple Syrup
-1 espresso
Process:
Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled glass.
Garnish – three coffee beans
Drinkware:
Cocktail glass
The cocktail is traditionally served as a digestive.
Of course, many variations of the Espresso Martini have been created.
In Simon Difford’s Guide, I found a recipe for a Chocolate Orange Espresso Martini, which includes orange vodka and chocolate liqueur alongside coffee liqueur. I love dark chocolate with orange, so I decided to make my own version. Instead of orange vodka, I used regular vodka and injected the orange flavor with Grand Marnier.
My Version of a Chocolate Orange Espresso Martini
Ingredients:
-1 1/2 oz / 45 ml Vodka
-1/2 oz / 15 ml Coffee Liqueur (Kahlua in my case)
-1/2 oz / 15 ml Dark Creme de Cacao
-1/2 oz / 15 ml Grand Mariner
-1 oz / 30 мл fresh coffee
Process:
Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled glass.
For a great cocktail, every ingredient should be of high quality. The coffee must be fresh and flavorful, and the vodka should be smooth and premium.
I’m actually not a big fan of espresso—I prefer Turkish coffee. So, for my cocktail, I used Turkish coffee instead. Technically, that makes my drink a Chocolate Orange Coffee Martini, but whatever.
Now, if you’re a coffee lover, today is the perfect day to savor an Espresso Martini!
