Espresso martini
IBA official cocktail | |
---|---|
Type | Cocktail |
Base spirit | |
Served | Straight up: chilled, without ice |
Standard garnish | 3 coffee beans |
Standard drinkware | Cocktail glass |
IBA specified ingredients† |
|
Preparation | Pour all ingredients into cocktail shaker, shake well with ice, strain into chilled cocktail glass. |
† Espresso martini recipe at International Bartenders Association |
The espresso martini, also known as a vodka espresso, is a cold caffeinated alcoholic drink made with espresso, coffee liqueur, and vodka. It is not a true martini as it contains neither gin nor vermouth, but is one of many drinks that incorporate the term martini into their names.
Origin
[edit]There are several claims for the origin of the espresso martini. One of the more common claims[1][2] is that it was created by Dick Bradsell in the late 1980s while at Fred's Club in London for a young lady – sometimes claimed to be Naomi Campbell or Kate Moss[dubious – discuss] – who asked for "something to wake me up, then fuck me up".[3] Bradsell has made this claim in a widely-circulated video.[4] Bradsell has also been quoted about the circumstances of his invention of the drink, "The coffee machine at the Soho Brasseries was right next to the station where I served drinks. It was a nightmare, as there were coffee grounds everywhere, so coffee was very much on my mind. And it was all about vodka back then – it was all people were drinking."[5][6]
The recipes for an espresso martini vary depending on the source. Traditionally, they include Kahlúa or Tia Maria.
Difford's Guide
[edit]Difford's Guide recommends 1.5 US fluid ounces (44 mL) of vodka, 1 US fluid ounce (30 mL) of hot espresso coffee, and 2⁄3 US fluid ounce (20 mL) of coffee liqueur.[7] The ingredients are poured into a shaker filled with ice. The mixture is then shaken, fine strained and poured into a chilled martini glass. The drink is garnished with coffee beans (and perhaps a twist of lemon zest) and served.[8][9]
Popularity
[edit]The drink had a surge in popularity in the early 2020s.[10] This popularity was met with apprehension by bartenders due to the time and effort required to prepare the drink.[11]
Variants
[edit]There can be slight twists made to the classic espresso martini recipe. Examples include adding Cointreau and Chocolate sauce to make a Chocolate Orange Espresso Martini,[12] or adding Marshmallow syrup to make a Toasted Marshmallow Espresso Martini.[13]
References
[edit]- ^ Blythe, Thomas (July 23, 2012). "Shot in the dark: beware the espresso martini". GQ UK. Condé Nast. Retrieved January 27, 2017.
- ^ Parkhill, Chad (November 4, 2016). "Why is Australia so obsessed with the espresso martini?". The Guardian. London, England. Retrieved January 27, 2017.
- ^ "An oral history on the espresso martini". British GQ. 2012-07-23. Retrieved 2023-12-15.
- ^ "Dick Bradsell and his Vodka Espresso". YouTube. April 24, 2011. Retrieved January 27, 2017.
London's Cocktail Guru Dick Bradsell has a brief interview with Kasia Olszko; Then Uncle Dick makes a Vodka Espresso, followed by a Vodka Martini.
- ^ Simon Difford (2017). "Vodka Espresso/Espresso Martini". Difford's Guide. Retrieved January 27, 2017.
- ^ Hatchman, John (August 25, 2016). "Spirit of the Month – Mr Black Cold Press Coffee Liqueur". The London Economic. The London Economic. Retrieved January 27, 2017.
- ^ "Espresso Martini". Difford's Guide. Retrieved October 11, 2021.
- ^ Newman, Kara (2016). "Espresso Martini". Liquor.com. Retrieved January 27, 2017.
- ^ Cloak, Felicity (December 28, 2016). "How to make the perfect espresso martini". The Guardian. London, England. Retrieved January 27, 2017.
- ^ Sidman, Jessica (11 June 2021). "The Espresso Martini—the Grown-Up Red Bull and Vodka—Is Back". Washingtonian. Retrieved 13 October 2021.
- ^ Crowley, Chris (7 October 2021). "The Espresso Martini Is the Hottest Drink on the Planet. Bartenders Hate It". Grub Street. Retrieved 13 October 2021.
- ^ "Chocolate Orange Espresso Martini". Ramsbury. Retrieved 2024-05-07.
- ^ Spurr, Roger (2023-11-09). "Easy Toasted Marshmallow Espresso Martini Recipe". The Home Cocktail Club. Retrieved 2024-05-07.
External links
[edit]- Media related to Espresso Martini at Wikimedia Commons