The Espresso Martini is a mixologist cocktail from London, 1983. Built on vodka, served in a coupe, around 22% ABV. A model came up to Bradsell at Soho Brasserie in 1983 and asked for a drink that would "wake me up and then mess me up." He combined espresso with vodka. Originally called the Vodka Espresso.
What goes in a Espresso Martini?
- ·2 oz vodka
- ·1 oz fresh espresso
- ·1/2 oz coffee liqueur
- ·1/2 oz simple syrup
- ·3 coffee beans
How do you make a Espresso Martini?
- Pull a fresh shot of espresso. Cool 30 seconds.
- Add vodka, espresso, coffee liqueur, and syrup to a shaker with ice.
- Shake hard for 15 seconds until the foam crowns.
- Double-strain into a chilled coupe.
- Float three coffee beans on top.
What should you know before making a Espresso Martini?
- Fresh espresso, never instant or pre-cooled. The crema is what makes the foam.
- Real coffee liqueur (Mr Black, Borghetti). Kahlua works but is sweeter and less coffee-forward.
- Shake hard for at least 15 seconds. The signature foam crown takes work.
Where did the Espresso Martini come from?
A model came up to Bradsell at Soho Brasserie in 1983 and asked for a drink that would "wake me up and then mess me up." He combined espresso with vodka. Originally called the Vodka Espresso. The name evolved to Espresso Martini in the 1990s when 'martini' became a marketing word for any drink served up. Bradsell never trademarked the recipe and never asked for credit; the drink was free to spread.
According to Dick Bradsell, Soho Brasserie, London, 1983.
What cocktails are similar to a Espresso Martini?
Common questions.
What is in an Espresso Martini?
Two ounces of vodka, one ounce of fresh espresso, half an ounce of coffee liqueur, and half an ounce of simple syrup. Shaken hard until the foam crowns, double-strained into a coupe, garnished with three coffee beans.
Who invented the Espresso Martini?
Dick Bradsell at the Soho Brasserie in London, in 1983. Bradsell built it for a model who asked for something to wake her up and mess her up.
Why does my Espresso Martini have no foam?
Three causes: pre-cooled espresso (the crema breaks), under-shaking (less than 15 seconds), or shaking with not enough ice. Fresh-pulled, hard shake, plenty of ice.
Is an Espresso Martini actually a martini?
No. A real martini is gin (or vodka) and dry vermouth, stirred and served up. The Espresso Martini took the 'served up in a coupe' format and the name. By the 1990s 'martini' meant 'cocktail in a stemmed glass.'