The Espresso Martini, a cocktail born in 1980s London, has become a global favorite. Its origins trace back to bartender Dick Bradsell, who crafted it by blending vodka, espresso, and coffee liqueur to satisfy a customer’s request for a drink that would “wake her up and mess her up.” Originally called the Vodka Espresso, it gained popularity as the Espresso Martini in the 1990s, thanks to the martini glass trend.
This drink’s appeal lies in its bold espresso flavor, smooth vodka base, and touch of sweetness, topped with a velvety foam and three coffee beans for garnish. By 2023, U.S. sales had surged by 50%, making it one of the most-ordered cocktails in the country. Its popularity reflects the rise of specialty coffee culture and the demand for high-quality, visually striking cocktails.
Venues like Simone on Sunset in Houston have embraced this classic, offering their own versions, including a tequila-based twist. The Espresso Martini’s balance of flavor, caffeine kick, and stylish presentation ensures its continued success worldwide.
Espresso Martini cocktail recipe
The Origin Story: Dick Bradsell’s 1980s London Creation
The Espresso Martini has its roots in the lively bar culture of 1980s London. At the heart of this story is bartender Dick Bradsell, whose quick thinking turned a simple request into a cocktail that would become a timeless classic. Here’s how his creation took shape.
Dick Bradsell and the Birth of the Vodka Espresso
The story goes that a model walked into Bradsell’s bar one evening with a very specific request – she wanted a drink that would wake her up and pack a punch at the same time. Bradsell, ever the resourceful bartender, grabbed what was available: vodka, coffee liqueur, and freshly brewed espresso. The result? The very first version of what we now call the Espresso Martini, originally dubbed the Vodka Espresso. This creation quickly became a staple in Soho’s buzzing nightlife scene, cementing its place in cocktail history.
How the Vodka Espresso Became the Espresso Martini
The drink’s name evolved alongside its reputation. As cocktail historian Simon Difford recounts:
“It didn’t actually start as an Espresso Martini… It actually started as a Vodka Espresso and went from that to the Espresso Martini.” – Simon Difford, cocktail historian
By the 1990s, the trend of serving cocktails in martini glasses was in full swing. This led to the addition of the “Martini” label, giving the drink a more polished and stylish identity. The new name helped it gain broader appeal, transforming it from a Soho favorite into a global phenomenon.
Coffee and Cocktails in 1980s London
The cultural landscape of 1980s London was the perfect setting for experimentation. Quality coffee was becoming more accessible, thanks to improved espresso machines making their way into bars. This shift inspired bartenders to start blending coffee into their cocktail creations. By the late 1990s, the Espresso Martini had become synonymous with London’s nightlife, embraced by young artists, Britpop musicians, supermodels, and the city’s social elite. It captured the bold, energetic spirit of the era, embodying the fusion of coffee culture and cocktail innovation.
The Classic Recipe and Its Timeless Appeal
The Espresso Martini has come a long way since its debut as the Vodka Espresso in 1980s London. Despite countless variations over the years, the original recipe remains the gold standard, capturing the perfect harmony of coffee and spirit. Its enduring charm lies in its simplicity and balance, qualities that have cemented its place in cocktail culture.
The Original Recipe
The story of the Espresso Martini begins with Dick Bradsell, who crafted the drink in response to a customer’s request for something that would “wake her up and mess her up.” As bartender Terry Cashman recounts, “He mixed her a drink using vodka, sugar, coffee liqueur and a shot of espresso, pulled from the coffee machine next to his station”.
The classic recipe is straightforward yet masterful: 2 oz vodka, 1 oz fresh espresso, 0.5–1 oz coffee liqueur, and 0.25 oz simple syrup. These ingredients are shaken vigorously to achieve the drink’s iconic foam. While it was originally served on the rocks, the modern presentation in a coupe glass – with a garnish of three coffee beans – has become its signature look.
This recipe doesn’t just define the Espresso Martini; it sets the stage for endless creative twists while preserving its essence.
A Lasting Legacy
Though modern versions abound, the original Espresso Martini continues to stand out for its perfect blend of caffeine and spirit, a balance that has made it a timeless classic.
Why the Espresso Martini Stays Popular
The Espresso Martini, with its roots in British cocktail culture, continues to charm drinkers around the globe. From chic London lounges to trendy Houston bars, this drink has held its place as a favorite. Its lasting appeal lies in its harmonious flavors, eye-catching appearance, and alignment with the modern coffee movement.
A Perfect Flavor Balance
The Espresso Martini strikes a delightful balance between bold espresso, smooth vodka, and a touch of sweetness. This combination appeals equally to coffee aficionados and cocktail lovers. It delivers a drink that’s both energizing and indulgent, managing to feel like a sophisticated dessert without being overly sweet. Whether you’re looking for a refined cocktail or a caffeine pick-me-up, this drink fits the bill.
The Allure of Presentation
Part of the Espresso Martini’s charm lies in its polished, elegant presentation. The velvety crema on top and its sleek glass make it a natural star on social media and a staple at upscale events. Beyond its looks, the drink has become synonymous with nightlife, celebrations, and intimate evenings, making it a versatile choice for various occasions.
The Specialty Coffee Influence
The rise of specialty coffee has elevated the Espresso Martini. Bartenders now prioritize high-quality ingredients like freshly brewed espresso, premium liqueurs, and artisanal touches. Modern variations, such as Simone on Sunset’s creation featuring Reyka Vodka, Borghetti Espresso Liqueur, fresh espresso, turbinado sugar, and a hint of orange oils, showcase this evolution. Many bars have invested in top-tier espresso machines, steering clear of pre-made shortcuts. Its straightforward yet adaptable recipe allows bartenders to innovate while maintaining the drink’s signature balance.
The Espresso Martini Experience at Simone on Sunset
The Espresso Martini has become a favorite among cocktail lovers around the globe, and Simone on Sunset brings its own polished take on this iconic drink.
A European-Style Cocktail Bar in Houston
Nestled in Houston’s Rice Village, Simone on Sunset, founded by Juliana Vasconcellos, offers a cocktail experience that blends European tradition with a modern vibe. Known for its carefully curated wine list and handcrafted cocktails, this spot merges classic techniques with a fresh, contemporary touch. In May 2024, Simone on Sunset gained recognition as a go-to destination for both locals and visitors, celebrated for its unique mix of sophistication and laid-back charm. This balance of old and new mirrors the journey of the Espresso Martini itself – a timeless cocktail with room for reinvention.
Simone on Sunset’s Espresso Martini
Paying homage to the Espresso Martini’s origins in Britain, Simone on Sunset crafts its own signature version with a thoughtful twist. Their classic Espresso Martini combines Reyka Vodka, Borghetti Espresso Liqueur, freshly brewed espresso, turbinado sugar, and a hint of orange oils . The turbinado sugar adds a rich, subtle sweetness, while the orange oils provide a bright, citrusy edge that elevates the drink’s deep coffee flavors.
“The Espresso Martini at Simone on Sunset is a refined signature cocktail…This elegant and flavorful cocktail is a delightful blend of indulgence and refinement, making it a standout choice for any occasion.”
- Simone on Sunset
For those craving a creative spin, Simone on Sunset also offers a Tequila Espresso Martini. This version swaps vodka for 818 Tequila Reposado, introducing the smooth, aged notes of tequila to the cocktail’s coffee-forward profile. According to the bar, it’s “Sophisticated, smooth, and energizing – an elevated take on an espresso classic”. Prices are set at $16 for the classic and $19 for the tequila variation. Both drinks showcase the artistry behind Simone on Sunset’s approach to mixology, keeping the Espresso Martini as stylish and relevant as ever.
Perfect for Any Occasion
The Espresso Martini at Simone on Sunset isn’t just a drink – it’s an experience. Its chic presentation and invigorating flavors make it an ideal choice for everything from romantic date nights to corporate events or lively group outings. Add in the bar’s inviting patio and lively atmosphere, and you’ve got a setting where the Espresso Martini feels right at home – whatever the occasion.
Conclusion: A Lasting British Cocktail
The Espresso Martini has journeyed from its 1980s origins in London, crafted by Dick Bradsell, to becoming a global favorite. Originally called the “Vodka Espresso”, this cocktail reached new heights of popularity in December 2022, setting Google search records as more Americans searched for “espresso martini” than ever before.
What makes this drink so enduring? It’s the perfect combination of caffeine and elegance. Cocktail historian Simon Difford explains, “It’s a serious drink, but it’s an approachably serious drink. There’s nothing, I would say, gimmicky about an Espresso Martini other than, perhaps, the name”. Its approachable sophistication, paired with its visually striking presentation and energizing kick, has made it a hit with people of all ages and from all corners of the world.
Today, venues like Simone on Sunset keep the Espresso Martini alive and fresh, offering both traditional recipes and inventive twists. Eduardo Porto Carreiro, VP of beverage at Rocket Farm Restaurants, sums it up well: “You have the specific specs that originated the drink, but because it has morphed and evolved over the last 40 years into more than just a drink, it’s an experience and a vibe, you can tinker with the ingredients”.
From its creative beginnings in London to its reinvention in cocktail bars across the globe, the Espresso Martini continues to thrive. Each new variation pays tribute to its British roots while embracing modern tastes, proving that a great cocktail can transcend time, trends, and borders.
FAQs
What is the story behind the Espresso Martini and how did it become a global favorite?
The Origins of the Espresso Martini
The Espresso Martini was born in 1983 in London, thanks to the creativity of famed bartender Dick Bradsell. Legend has it that a customer came to the bar with a very specific request: a drink that would “wake me up and then f*** me up.” Bradsell rose to the challenge, mixing vodka, coffee liqueur, and freshly brewed espresso. Initially called the Vodka Espresso, the drink eventually took on the name Espresso Martini, a nod to its sleek presentation and growing allure.
Blending caffeine with alcohol, this cocktail quickly became a hit in London’s buzzing nightlife. Its bold taste, creamy texture, and sophisticated charm soon captured attention far beyond the city. Today, the Espresso Martini is a global favorite, earning its place as a modern cocktail classic.
Why has the Espresso Martini become so popular in the United States recently?
The Espresso Martini has become a standout favorite across the United States, celebrated for its mix of elegance and bold, rich flavor. It’s especially popular among younger crowds and brunch aficionados, who love its energizing jolt and chic aesthetic. Whether it’s the caffeine buzz or its stylish presentation, this cocktail has secured its place as a beloved choice.
Its revival owes much to its presence on social media and restaurant menus, where it has quickly climbed to top-seller status. Recent trends highlight a surge in mentions and sales, cementing its reputation as a must-have drink for everything from laid-back get-togethers to high-end celebrations.
How has the specialty coffee movement shaped modern Espresso Martini recipes?
The specialty coffee movement has breathed new life into the Espresso Martini, elevating it with a focus on top-tier ingredients and exceptional flavor. As more people value high-quality, ethically sourced coffee, bartenders have stepped up their game, incorporating premium beans, single-origin espresso, or even cold brew into the mix. These upgrades deliver richer, more nuanced flavors that resonate with coffee lovers and cocktail aficionados alike.
This reinvention has cemented the Espresso Martini’s place as a modern favorite, seamlessly blending the craft of coffee with the creativity of mixology. Its bold, robust flavor and velvety finish continue to win over contemporary tastes, making it a go-to choice for everything from casual gatherings to upscale events.