Few cocktails capture the energy of a night out quite like the Espresso Martini. With its bold coffee kick, silky texture and sophisticated edge, it's a modern icon—but where did it come from, and how did it become so popular?
Who Invented the Espresso Martini?
The Espresso Martini was born in the 1980s, thanks to legendary London bartender Dick Bradsell. As the story goes, a now-famous model walked into the Soho Brasserie and asked for a drink that would “wake me up, and then f*** me up.” Bradsell responded with a masterstroke: vodka, fresh espresso, coffee liqueur, and sugar syrup—shaken to perfection. The result was a drink that delivered both a caffeine hit and a boozy punch.
Originally called the Vodka Espresso, the cocktail later became known as the Pharmaceutical Stimulant before finally earning its now-iconic name: the Espresso Martini. Despite having no gin or vermouth, its elegant V-shaped glass earned it a place among the martini family by association.
Why Did It Become So Popular?
The Espresso Martini quickly gained traction in London’s bar scene during the late ‘80s and ‘90s, riding the wave of the cocktail renaissance. Its appeal was twofold: it combined the rise of coffee culture with the glamour of cocktail drinking. Fast forward to today, and it’s a staple on cocktail menus across the globe, particularly as a post-dinner drink or weekend indulgence.
In the age of Instagram, its signature crema and trio of coffee beans (for health, wealth, and happiness) made it as photogenic as it is delicious—helping fuel a global comeback in recent years.
Modern Takes on the Espresso Martini
Bartenders and brands alike have embraced the Espresso Martini’s versatility, experimenting with new ingredients—from flavoured vodkas to alternative coffee infusions and seasonal variations like Gingerbread Espresso Martini.
At Kocktail, we’ve taken the classic and elevated it with bar-quality ingredients, pre-batched for effortless enjoyment at home. Our Espresso Martini is crafted with cold brew coffee, vodka, and a touch of vanilla for a smooth yet powerful serve. Simply shake with ice and strain into a chilled glass—it’s as close to the bar experience as you can get without leaving the house.
Fun Facts About the Espresso Martini
- The traditional garnish of three coffee beans is inspired by the Italian custom of serving Sambuca with three beans, symbolising health, wealth, and happiness.
- Dick Bradsell also created other classics like the Bramble and the Treacle.
- The drink has no actual connection to the Martini beyond the glassware—but we love it all the same.
Conclusion: A Cocktail with Staying Power
From a one-off request in a London bar to global cult status, the Espresso Martini has stood the test of time. Whether you love it for the caffeine, the kick, or the sheer indulgence, there’s no denying it’s a cocktail with a story worth sipping.
