Are you looking for a drink to keep you alert during a night of dancing? Or, perhaps you need a pick-me-up after a long day of work. Whatever your reason for needing a little lift, an Espresso Martini is the obvious choice! Popular at cocktail bars around the world, this sophisticated drink is wonderful for coffee lovers and not quite as spirit heavy as some of its relatives. If the obvious alcohol in a traditional Martini sends shivers down your spine, try crafting an Espresso Martini with our perfect recipe.

A Contemporary Cocktail Choice

Compared to many other much-loved cocktails, the Espresso Martini is a fairly recent invention. It was first mixed by the bartender Dick Bradsell, who was working at Soho Brasserie at the time. Legend has it that a customer asked for a drink that would both wake them up and get them drunk, and the Espresso Martini was born!

Well, actually, it was originally called a Vodka Espresso. Vodka being the most popular spirit at the time, it was the obvious choice for this double-whammy cocktail.

Espresso Martini Recipe

Don’t be fooled by the delicious coffee flavour of this drink; it still packs a punch! Here’s what you’ll need to mix your own:

- 2 ounces of vodka
- 1 ounce of espresso
- ½ ounce of coffee liquor
- ½ ounce of sugar syrup
- Coffee beans to garnish

Once you have the ingredients, the rest is easy. Simply shake them together in a cocktail shaker filled with ice until your drink is perfectly chilled. Strain into a cocktail glass - preferably a Crystal Martini Glass - and garnish with three coffee beans placed in the centre of your cocktail.

If you prefer a less sweet Espresso Martini, then skip the sugar syrup and rely on the gentle sweetness from your coffee liquor instead. Some people also prefer to add a small pinch of salt to their drink, so play around to see which combination you prefer.

Hot or Cold Espresso?

The shot of espresso in your Martini should always be cold. That doesn’t mean it can’t be freshly brewed, but should always be popped in the fridge to chill before you add it to your drink. If your Espresso is warm enough to melt the ice in your shaker, it’s too hot! 

What Vodka Should You Use?

A smooth, clean vodka is the best option for an Espresso Martini. We enjoy Koskenkorva Vodka in our Martinis, which has a pure, clean nose and a gentle warmth that pairs well with coffee. It’s simple and straightforward, with a premium quality that can’t be ignored.

Create Your Own Mixology Bar

Whether you’re starting a cocktail bar or would like to craft more drinks at home, you need the right tools. At UrbanBar, we’ve hand-selected a wide range of high-quality, gorgeously designed barware that’s perfect for both showing off and creating beautiful cocktails. Be sure to take a look at our range and up your cocktail-making game today.

Image: Maksym Fesenko / Shutterstock.com