When was the Espresso Martini Invented
The Espresso Martini is a relatively new cocktail, invented in the 1980s by a London-based bartender named Dick Bradsell. According to Bradsell, the cocktail was created when a customer asked for a drink that would “wake me up and then f*** me up.” Bradsell mixed vodka, fresh espresso, Kahlua, and sugar syrup, and the Espresso Martini was born. The cocktail quickly gained popularity in the UK and has since become a classic cocktail enjoyed all around the world.
What You Need
- vodka
- freshly brewed espresso (chilled)
- Kahlua or other coffee liqueur
- simple syrup or vanilla syrup
- Ice cubes
- 3 coffee beans (optional, for garnish)
How to Make a Espresso Martini
- Extract the espresso liquid and chill in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- Place a few coffee beans on a plate, light and turn the martini glass upside down, smoke the inside of the glass and set aside.
- Place the above ingredients in a shaker, shake with ice until chilled and with plenty of foam, pour it into a martini glass.
- Garnish with three coffee beans floating on top of the liquid as decoration.
How To Serve a Espresso Martini
How to Make Simple Syrup
Simple syrup is a sweet syrup made from equal parts sugar and water, used in cocktails, desserts, and other recipes that require a sweetener. Here’s a recipe to make simple syrup:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
Instructions:
- In a small saucepan, combine the sugar and water.
- Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar has completely dissolved.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 5-10 minutes.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and let the simple syrup cool to room temperature.
- Transfer the simple syrup to a jar or bottle with a lid and store in the refrigerator for up to one month.
Note: You can adjust the sweetness of your simple syrup by using more or less sugar. For a richer syrup, you can use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar. You can also add flavorings such as vanilla extract, herbs, or spices to the simple syrup as it simmers to add more depth to the flavor.
Tip For Making a Espresso Martini
- Use freshly brewed and chilled espresso: This will give your drink a strong and fresh coffee flavor. If you don’t have an espresso machine, you can use pre-made cold brew coffee or strongly brewed coffee that has been chilled.
- Shake the mixture vigorously: To get that frothy texture and creamy consistency, you need to shake the mixture vigorously for at least 10-15 seconds.
- Chill your martini glass: This will keep your drink cool for longer and help prevent dilution from melting ice.
- Experiment with flavors: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of vodka or coffee liqueurs to give your Espresso Martini a unique twist. You can also add a dash of chocolate or caramel syrup for added sweetness.
- Garnish with coffee beans: Adding three coffee beans to the top of your drink not only adds a visual appeal but also enhances the aroma of the drink.
Frequently asked questions
What type of vodka should I use for Espresso Martini?
It is recommended to use a premium quality vodka for Espresso Martini to ensure a smooth and balanced flavor. You can also experiment with flavored vodka for added complexity.
Can I use cold brew coffee instead of espresso?
Yes, you can use cold brew coffee instead of freshly brewed espresso. Just make sure it is chilled before adding it to the cocktail shaker.
Can I make Espresso Martini without a shaker?
Yes, you can make Espresso Martini without a shaker. Simply add all the ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth. Pour the mixture into a chilled martini glass and garnish with coffee beans.
Can I make Espresso Martini ahead of time?
It is not recommended to make Espresso Martini ahead of time as the texture and flavor may change when stored in the refrigerator. It is best to make it fresh and serve it immediately.
Can I substitute Kahlua with other coffee liqueurs?
Yes, you can substitute Kahlua with other coffee liqueurs such as Tia Maria or Baileys.
Espresso Martini
The espresso martini, a cocktail created by Dick Bradsell of London's Soho around the 1980s, is said to have been created when a young female customer walked into the bar and asked him to make a drink that would make me sober and then drunk, and Dick saw the coffee machine by the bar and created this drink. Because this cocktail has both a refreshing espresso and a drowsy vodka, many people also call him "Sober and Drunk". A strong sense of coffee and alcohol, with a sweet aftertaste, a heavy overall taste, and a strong finish with a medium to high alcohol content.
Ingredients
- 1 oz brewed espresso
- ⅔ oz coffee-flavored liqueur (such as Kahlua®)
- 1 oz vodka
- 1/6 oz vanilla syrup
Instructions
Extract the espresso liquid and chill in the refrigerator until ready to use. Place a few coffee beans on a plate, light and turn the martini glass upside down, smoke the inside of the glass and set aside. Place the above ingredients in a shaker, shake with ice until chilled and with plenty of foam, pour it into a martini glass. Garnish with three coffee beans floating on top of the liquid as decoration.
Notes
If you don't have an espresso machine, you can substitute with strongly brewed coffee that has been chilled in the refrigerator. You can also use pre-made cold brew coffee.
If you want to add a twist to your Espresso Martini, you can also experiment with flavored vodka or coffee liqueur. Vanilla or caramel flavored vodka can add a sweet and rich flavor, while hazelnut or amaretto liqueur can add a nutty and aromatic taste.
