Credit legendary British bartender Dick Bradsell for this delicious concoction. The story he tells is that a now-famous model asked for a drink to “wake me up and f*ck me up.” His solution—a combination of vodka, espresso, and coffee liqueur—is now considered a classic. Typically, the Espresso Martini is made with Kahlúa and is topped with three coffee beans (representing health, happiness, and prosperity). – AJ Dean
Glass: Martini
Garnish: Coffee beans
Ingredients
- 2 oz/60 ml vodka
- ½ oz/15 ml coffee liqueur
- 1 oz/30 ml espresso, freshly brewed
- ¼ oz/7 ml simple syrup
- Coffee bean, for garnish
Directions
In a cocktail shaker, add the vodka, coffee liqueur, espresso, and simple syrup. Add ice and shake until chilled. Strain into a martini glass. Garnish with a coffee bean floated on the top.
Variation
Let’s face it, not everyone has an espresso machine. Not to worry. Here’s a recipe for an Easy Espresso Martini, using store-bought cold-brew coffee. In a lowball glass, add 2 oz (60 ml) vodka, 1 oz (30 ml) cold-brew coffee, and 1 oz (30 ml) coffee liqueur and stir to mix. Add an ice cube and serve.