A brief history of the Espresso Martini
The Espresso Martini has had a few names over the years, beginning its life as the Vodka Espresso at Soho Brasserie in 1980s London.
The Espresso Martini has had a few names over the years. It began its life as a cocktail known as the Vodka Espresso at Soho Brasserie in 1980s London, coming from the hand of legendary bartender Dick Bradsell (who also created the Bramble).
The story goes like this: a famous model asked Bradsell to make her a drink that would wake her up and, ahem, fuck her up. Bradsell reached for vodka, coffee liqueur, and fresh espresso and hey, a modern classic cocktail was born.
The drink would pick up its Espresso Martini name later in its life, during the 1990s, and would get another moniker — Pharmaceutical Stimulant — when British artist Damien Hirst opened his bar and gallery space, Pharmacy.
And if you’re looking for a delicious twist on the Espresso Martini? Click here to get the take they make at The Gidley.
Espresso Martini
Ingredients
- 45ml vodka
- 30ml coffee liqueur
- 30ml espresso
Instructions
- Shake all ingredients with ice.
- Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Garnish with three coffee beans on top.
Notes
There are any number of ways bartenders put this drink together — the spec above makes for a drink that’s not too dry, and with a healthy kick of spirit.
