☕ Espresso Martini

Vodka, Kahlúa, and fresh espresso — Dick Bradsell's 1983 London classic with the essential crema.

5 min
Serves 1
Shaken
Martini Glass
Ingredients
  • 1½ oz Vodka
  • 1 oz Coffee liqueur (Kahlúa or Tia Maria)
  • 1 oz Freshly pulled espresso (cooled slightly — still warm is fine)
  • ¼ oz Simple syrup (adjust to taste)
  • 3 coffee beans to garnish
Method
  1. 1
    Pull a fresh espressoThe espresso must be fresh — not instant, not filter coffee, not cold brew. The crema from a fresh shot is what creates the foam on the finished drink.
  2. 2
    Chill your glassPlace a martini glass in the freezer.
  3. 3
    Combine in shakerAdd vodka, coffee liqueur, espresso, and simple syrup to a shaker.
  4. 4
    Shake very hardAdd ice and shake as hard as you can for 15–20 seconds. The vigorous shake creates the frothy, crema-topped foam. Do not underestimate how hard to shake.
  5. 5
    Double strainStrain through a fine-mesh strainer into the chilled glass. A thick tan foam should billow on top.
  6. 6
    GarnishPlace 3 coffee beans in a cluster on the foam. The traditional arrangement is three beans in a triangle, symbolising health, wealth, and happiness.

The Dick Bradsell Story

Dick Bradsell created the Espresso Martini at the Soho Brasserie in London in 1983. The story goes that a young model (widely speculated to be Kate Moss, though this is unconfirmed) asked him for a drink to 'wake me up and f*** me up'. Bradsell grabbed the espresso machine and the vodka and created the cocktail on the spot.

The drink transformed London's cocktail culture. Along with the Bramble (also Bradsell's creation), it defined the 1980s–90s bar scene and was the first clear demonstration that coffee belonged in a serious cocktail context. The three-bean garnish is non-negotiable for true believers — it's tradition, not decoration.

Variations

❄️ Frozen Salted

Blend with ice and a pinch of salt instead of shaking. See our full recipe for the Frozen Salted Espresso Martini.

🥃 Bourbon Espresso Martini

Replace vodka with bourbon for a richer, warmer version. The caramel and vanilla notes of bourbon pair beautifully with coffee.

🥥 White Espresso Martini

Replace coffee liqueur with coconut cream liqueur (Baileys, or coconut Kahlúa). Add 1 oz espresso and 1 oz coconut water. Tropical and creamy.

Related
🍸 Cocktails A–Z Browse all 72 classic recipes ❄️ Frozen Salted Espresso Martini The blended, salted upgrade ☕ Black Russian Coffee liqueur and vodka, no espresso