Vodka Espresso Martini

The Espresso Martini easily takes a place in Mary’s top 3 favourite cocktails! A deliciously creamy and indulgent pick me up, just before you think the night is about to end. A match made in heaven, the Espresso Martini is the is the perfect combination of a premium vodka, fresh espresso, coffee liqueur and a little bit of sugar. 

Here is a fun fact, the Espresso Martini is not actually a martini! Martini’s are traditionally served with gin and vermouth, none of which are included in this cocktail. Nowadays, the Espresso Martini is served in a coupe glass over the tradition ‘v-shaped martini’ glass. The Espresso Martini has transformed over time from the ‘Vodka Martini’ to the ‘Pharmaceutical Stimulant’, all with slight variations to them, adapting to the trends of the time period. But, when was the Espresso Martini invented? 

Dick Bradsell is coined with inventing some of the most popular cocktails seen on menus across the world- Bramble, Treacle and the Wibble. It was noted that in 1983, a celebrity customer of Bradsell’s rocked up to the Soho Brasserie in London and asked for a drink that would wake her up. Vodka was a massive trend back then and Bradsell work station was placed right next to the coffee machine. And so, the Espresso Martini was born! It was Bradsell who saw the Espresso Martini change and adapt as he moved from one bar to another. You can read all about the numerous variations of this delicious cocktail on Diffords Guide. 

How to make an Espresso Martini?

To make a quality Espresso Martini, it is important that you splash out on some quality ingredients to experience this cocktail in all its glory. The main ingredient being the vodka! Now, we wouldn’t want to brag BUT our vodka has been highly rated by some big honchos who know what they are taking about. Not only that, our Malted Barley Vodka has a distinctive cacao and chocolatey taste to it that comes through due to the way it is malted. This is a match made in heaven with coffee and we are super excited for you to try it!

The next all important ingredient is the espresso. If all my coffee bean nerds could all stand up, no? Ok well, I have sourced a wonderful blog here for you to read on coffee beans that explain the difference between and average bean and a shiny bean, and why it is important. Essentially, the darker and shiner the bean the more aromatic it will be giving you a richer and deeper flavour. 

Here is what you will need: 

60ml Malt Barley Vodka by Tayport Distillery

30 ml Fresh Espresso 

15 ml Coffee Liqueur

10mls Sugar Syrup

Instructions 

1. Combine all the ingredients in a shaker.
2. Dry shake for 10 seconds.
3. Add ice and shake for a further 10 seconds
4. Strain into a chilled coupe or ‘v-shaped’ glass.
5. Garnish with 3 coffee beans.