Love them or hate them, the Espresso Martini is a cocktail menu staple for a reason, and not just with the super model set.
The Espresso Martini is a relatively recent addition to the cocktail canon, having been created in the 1980s. The story begins in London at the Soho Brasserie, where legendary bartender Dick Bradsell was working. One evening, a supermodel approached the bar and requested a drink that would “wake her up, then f*** her up.”
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Rising to the challenge, Bradsell combined vodka, coffee liqueur, sugar syrup, and a shot of freshly brewed espresso, shaking the mixture vigorously to produce a cocktail with a velvety froth. Thus, the Espresso Martini was born, and it quickly became a hit with the city’s glitterati.
Originally called the Vodka Espresso, this sophisticated yet potent drink has become a staple in bars around the world (it even has an annual celebration, March 15). Its allure lies in the perfect balance between the robust bitterness of espresso and the smooth warmth of vodka, making it a firm favourite for both coffee lovers and cocktail enthusiasts, and one that enjoys regular renaissances – in 2023 the US’ Nation’s Restaurant News reported that Espresso Martinis were to be found on 5% of all cocktail menus in the country, up 164% on four years earlier.
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However, the drink isn’t without its controversy – some bartenders find it derivative and don’t appreciate the celebrity status it garnered during a period in mixology history that’s considered overly flashy and lacking in substance.
Flavour Profile of the Espresso Martini
The Espresso Martini is a complex and indulgent cocktail, offering a unique interplay of flavours and textures:
Bitterness: The freshly brewed espresso provides a strong, bitter backbone, offering a powerful coffee flavour that is the star of the drink.
Sweetness: Coffee liqueur and sugar syrup add a sweet counterpoint to the bitterness of the espresso, creating a balanced taste.
Smoothness: Vodka adds a clean, smooth body to the cocktail, allowing the other flavours to shine without overpowering them.
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Creaminess: When shaken properly, the cocktail develops a silky, creamy froth on top, adding to its luxurious texture.
Aromatics: The aroma of fresh coffee and the slight hint of vanilla from the coffee liqueur make the Espresso Martini as delightful to smell as it is to taste.
Popular Variations on the Classic Espresso Martini
While the original Espresso Martini remains a beloved choice, creative bartenders have developed several enticing variations that offer new twists on this classic cocktail. Here are a few popular versions:
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Salted Caramel Espresso Martini
Ingredients: Vodka, coffee liqueur, salted caramel syrup, espresso
Method: Combine vodka, coffee liqueur, and salted caramel syrup in a shaker with ice. Add freshly brewed espresso and shake vigorously. Strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with a light dusting of sea salt and a caramel drizzle.
Flavour Profile: The salted caramel syrup adds a rich, buttery sweetness with a hint of saltiness that complements the bitter espresso, creating a harmonious blend of flavours.
Mocha Espresso Martini
Ingredients: Vodka, coffee liqueur, chocolate liqueur, espresso, cream
Method: Mix vodka, coffee liqueur, chocolate liqueur, and freshly brewed espresso in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a chilled martini glass. Top with a splash of cream and garnish with chocolate shavings.
Flavour Profile: The addition of chocolate liqueur and cream transforms the Espresso Martini into a decadent, dessert-like cocktail with a rich mocha flavour that balances the bitterness of the espresso.
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Coconut Espresso Martini
Ingredients: Coconut-flavoured vodka, coffee liqueur, coconut cream, espresso
Method: Combine vodka, coffee liqueur, and coconut cream in a shaker with ice. Add freshly brewed espresso and shake until well chilled. Strain into a martini glass and garnish with toasted coconut flakes.
Flavour Profile: Coconut cream adds a tropical twist to the classic Espresso Martini, providing a creamy, slightly sweet flavour that pairs beautifully with the bold coffee notes.
Get Your Fix Locally
You’ll also find plenty of unique variations on this caffeine classic in Hong Kong’s leading dining and mixology venues. For example, at Uma Nota, the Okinawa Drift (above) is an Espresso Martini rift created by bar manager Kim Padua. It combines cinnamon-infused vodka, espresso coffee, almond milk, Okinawa black sugar, and coconut cream to create an earthy variation with a touch of caramel.
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Draft Land on Wyndham Street also does a great Espresso Martini, on tap, made with nitrogen to ensure a smooth, almost creamy texture matched with the punchy espresso, while Winstons Coffee on Queens Road West serves the #Coffeeisthenewblack, a modern rendition with vodka, espresso, Mr Black coffee liqueur and a touch of chocolate bitters.
You’ll also find a heady Italian take on the classic at Carbone, where vodka and espresso meet coffee liqueur, and a touch of dark chocolate, while The Diplomat located nearby makes its Espresso Martinis (above) with vodka, Mr Black, Muscovado (a type of unrefined, molasses-rich sugar), vanilla, and bitter cold brew.
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You can also tone down the caffeine with a visit to tea cocktail enclave Tell Camellia. “The Espresso Martini is one of the most popular modern classics, and one that’s always been very popular due its “wake me up and f*&k me up” slogan,” says Gagan Gurung of Singular Concepts. “But it has amazing flavour for those who love coffee and at its gives that kick to younger generations they need during brunch or after dinner.”
Tell Camellia’s Teapresso Martini (reportedly a world’s first), is a tea martini that tastes like coffee because of the use of Japanese Hojicha, but without caffeine.
Whether you stick with the classic recipe or experiment with these creative variations, the Espresso Martini remains a timeless cocktail that delivers a perfect pick-me-up with a kick. Cheers to enjoying this modern classic in all its delightful forms!
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