Espresso Martini

If the coffee is wrong, the drink will be wrong. If the balance is off, it becomes heavy very quickly. Once you understand what actually matters here, the Espresso Martini becomes one of the most reliable drinks you can make.

The Espresso Martini is a coffee-based cocktail built around vodka, fresh espresso, and a small amount of sugar. It is defined by three things: balance, texture, and freshness. When done properly, it should be smooth, lightly sweet, and finished with a stable foam on top.

Notes on the espresso martini

Balance matters in an espresso martini

Coffee already brings bitterness. The syrup should only soften it, not dominate it. If the drink feels too sweet, reduce the syrup. If it feels too sharp, increase it slightly. It is all about the balance of the drink.

Why fresh espresso matters in an espresso martini

Fresh espresso provides crema, which is essential for the foam. Pre-made coffee will not create the same texture and often tastes flat. Do not even think of regular coffee. It is a trap! And if possible stay away from those 3Cs (crap coffee capsules). You will f#*k up the drink, and not as it was intended to: Let the drink mess you up… ;)

How to get the foam right

The foam comes from shaking hot espresso with ice.

• Shake hard, not gently

• Use fresh espresso (this is non-negotiable)

• Double strain to keep the top smooth

If done correctly, the drink should have a stable, even foam layer.

The role of coffee liqueur

Coffee liqueur adds sweetness and depth, but it can easily make the drink too heavy. Use it sparingly, or skip it if you prefer a cleaner version.

Espresso martini variations

• Sweeter version: add a small amount of coffee liqueur

• Drier version: reduce syrup and skip liqueur

• Stronger coffee version: increase espresso slightly and adjust sweetness

• Use gin or genever: for even more depth you can try other spirits

Espresso martini background

The Espresso Martini was created in the 1980s by British bartender Dick Bradsell.

According to the widely shared story, a customer asked for a drink that would “wake me up and then mess me up”. Bradsell combined vodka with fresh espresso and sugar, creating a drink that balanced stimulation with alcohol.

Originally known as the Vodka Espresso, the drink later became widely known as the Espresso Martini, even though it does not follow the traditional Martini structure. Its popularity has gone through several waves, but it remains one of the most recognisable modern cocktails.

Why espresso martinis use three coffee beans

The three coffee beans are a traditional garnish. They are often said to represent health, wealth, and happiness. This idea likely comes from Italian coffee traditions, where coffee beans are used as a symbolic garnish. In the context of the Espresso Martini, the beans are mostly decorative, but they add a familiar visual cue and reinforce the coffee element of the drink.