The Espresso Martini: History, Flair, and the Perfect Espresso Recipe

The Espresso Martini. It's more than just a drink; it's a modern classic cocktail, a caffeine-infused indulgence, and a cultural phenomenon boasting a fascinating backstory. This beloved espresso creation continues to evolve. Let's delve into the rich history of this iconic coffee cocktail, explore how to craft the perfect Espresso Martini at home using the classic espresso martini recipe, and discover a distinctly Scottish twist using premium alcohol products from Tayport Distillery. If you love classic cocktails, understanding the Espresso Martini is essential.

A Stirred History: The Birth of the Espresso Martini Legend

Soho Origins: Where the Espresso Martini Began

The Espresso Martini story starts in the mid-1980s in London's vibrant Soho district. The area was buzzing, partly thanks to the filming of David Bowie's Absolute Beginners, drawing a fashionable crowd. The specific location? The Soho Brasserie on Old Compton Street, where the sign still stands today. This is where the magic of this famous espresso cocktail first happened.

Dick Bradsell: The Creator and the Famous Request

The creator was the legendary bartender Dick Bradsell. His daughter, Bea Bradsell (now with The Drink Cabinet in Glasgow), recounts the famous tale. A young, unnamed model approached the bar asking for a drink that would "wake her up and *#/* her up". This request sparked the creation of a legendary cocktail.

The Rise of the Vodka Espresso

At that time, The Soho Brasserie had just installed a new illy espresso machine, and getting used to it meant coffee grounds often dusted the bar. Vodka was the dominant spirit of the 80s. Combining these elements – vodka, coffee liqueur, and freshly brewed espresso coffee – Bradsell created the "Vodka Espresso". This early version, the precursor to the modern Espresso Martini, was served on the rocks. It was a simple yet effective espresso cocktail.

Evolution of a Cocktail Recipe: Refining the Espresso Martini

Perfecting the Balance: From Vodka Espresso to Espresso Martini

This original "Vodka Espresso" was quite different from the Espresso Martini cocktail we enjoy today. Over 15 years, Bradsell meticulously refined his recipe, aiming for the perfect dessert cocktail. He drew inspiration from the balance of the Brandy Alexander, another classic cocktail. His experiments involved premium Polish vodka (known for its creamy texture) and his preferred illy coffee espresso, alongside various coffee liqueurs. Using quality ingredients was key.

The Influence of the Neo-Martini Trend

By the 1990s, the cocktail evolved further. The "Neo Martini" trend – where almost any vodka-based cocktail served in a V-shaped martini glass was dubbed a "Martini" – influenced its presentation. Thus, the Vodka Espresso found its way into the iconic martini glass, solidifying its name and look as the Espresso Martini. This wasn't a traditional martini, lacking gin or vermouth, but the name stuck.

Garnishes and Adjustments: The Finishing Touches

Bradsell also added the traditional garnish of three coffee beans, inspired by the Italian sambuca con la mosca, symbolizing health, wealth, and happiness. He crucially included "sugar to taste" (often as simple syrup or sugar syrup) in the recipe, acknowledging the personal nature of coffee preference. This makes the Espresso Martini recipe adaptable.

A Brief Name Change: The Pharmaceutical Stimulant

For a short time in 1998, while Bradsell managed the bar at Damien Hirst's Pharmacy restaurant, the drink was renamed "Pharmaceutical Stimulant" to match the menu's theme. The name Espresso Martini, however, ultimately prevailed.

Global Popularity and Coffee Culture

The Espresso Martini's popularity surged later. Bea Bradsell notes the influence of Australian third-wave coffee culture, which emphasized the quality of the espresso itself. Sadly, Dick Bradsell's passing also inadvertently boosted its UK profile, as venues featured memorial menus showcasing his creations, including this signature espresso cocktail, coinciding with a growing national passion for quality coffee.

Crafting Your Own: The Ultimate Espresso Martini Recipe

While variations exist (some even experiment with cold brew coffee or cold brew concentrate instead of fresh espresso), Dick Bradsell never minded experimentation. However, a classic espresso martini recipe provides a solid foundation. Here’s a popular version of the espresso martini cocktail recipe:

Espresso Martini Ingredients

• 35ml Vodka (Consider premium options like Tayport Distillery Malt Barley Vodka, Tayport Distillery Madagascan Vanilla Vodka)
• 35ml Freshly Brewed Espresso (a crucial element for flavour and crema, must be hot but cooled slightly) - don't substitute with standard coffee. A good shot of espresso is key.
• 35ml Tayport Distillery Coffee Liqueur
• Optional: 25ml Simple Syrup (sugar syrup) (adjust to taste)
• Ice
• Garnish: 3 Coffee Beans

Tip: You can purchase the Tayport Distillery Vanilla Vodka and Coffee Liqueur together in our Espresso Martini Cocktail Gift Set.

(Note: Ensure you have all ingredients before starting)

Instructions for the Perfect Espresso Martini

1. Chill: Pre-chill your cocktail glass (a martini glass is traditional for an Espresso Martini).
2. Prepare: Get your garnish of three coffee beans ready. Prepare a lemon zest twist if using. Ensure your hot espresso has cooled slightly.
3. Combine: Pour the vodka, cooled espresso, coffee liqueur/liqueur, simple syrup (if using), and saline (if using) into a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
4. Shake: Shake vigorously! This is crucial for chilling the drink and creating the signature frothy top on your Espresso Martini. "Shake it like you hate it!" as Bea Bradsell advised.
5. Strain: Fine strain the mixture into the chilled martini glass. (Bradsell sometimes preferred pouring straight without a fine strain for a creamier texture – experiment to find your preference). This is a key step in many cocktail recipes.
6. Garnish: Float the three coffee beans on the foam, often in a petal formation. Your Espresso Martini is ready!

Why Choose Tayport Distillery Vodka and Liqueur? A Scottish Spirit with Unique Character

Try making your Espresso Martini cocktail with premium spirits from Tayport Distillery, a Scottish family producer whose products offer unique character derived from their specific production methods and local sourcing:

Tayport Distillery Coffee Liqueur:

Unlike traditionally brewed coffee liqueurs, Tayport Distillery's Coffee Liqueur is cold brewed using coffee sourced from Aimers in Dundee. Aimers has been sourcing and roasting coffee in Scotland for over 140 years, highlighting their expertise. This cold brew process ensures a remarkably smooth and less bitter taste, offering a nuanced coffee flavour to your Espresso Martini.

Tayport Distillery Malt Barley Vodka:

Most vodkas are crafted from wheat or potatoes, but Tayport Distillery's vodka is exceptionally unique. It is handcrafted in small batches using local malt barley. This distinct production method results in a vodka with an exceptionally smooth mouthfeel and a subtle, natural sweetness. As Bea Bradsell noted, Dick Bradsell favoured good quality Polish vodka for its creamy texture; Tayport Distillery's Malt Barley Vodka offers a similarly smooth character with an added touch of Scottish provenance, making it an excellent vodka choice for a premium espresso martini.

Tayport Distillery Madagascan Vanilla Vodka:

For those who enjoy a hint of aromatic complexity, using Tayport's Madagascan Vanilla Vodka can add a delightful twist to the classic recipe. A great option for espresso martini variations.

By choosing Tayport Distillery, you're not only using premium Scottish spirits with a unique flavour profile but also supporting a company with a passion for quality, local sourcing, and sustainable practices. The cold brewing technique for their coffee liqueur and the use of malt barley for their vodka set their products apart and can bring an exciting dimension to your homemade Espresso Martini.

Food and Music Pairings for your Espresso Martini Cocktail

Food Pairings

The Espresso Martini's rich coffee and slight sweetness make it ideal with chocolate desserts, tiramisu, or as a digestif drink. It's less common than pairings for an Irish Coffee or French Martini, but delightful nonetheless.

Music Pairings: Your Espresso Martini Soundtrack

Enhance your cocktail experience! Your curated Spotify playlist (featuring Sabrina Carpenter's "Espresso", Sade, Thievery Corporation) provides a cool, stylish backdrop for enjoying your perfect Espresso Martini.

Tips for the Ultimate Espresso Martini

Here are some tips for making the best espresso martini:

• Fresh Espresso is Key: Always use fresh espresso from an espresso machine or quality source for the best flavour and crema. Avoid using standard brewed coffee or old espresso. Using cold brew coffee will result in a different drink.
• Cool the Espresso: Let the hot espresso cool slightly before shaking to prevent too much ice melt and dilution. A few minutes in the fridge helps.
• Shake Vigorously: A hard shake is vital for that desirable frothy head on your martini. This aerates the espresso and coffee liqueur.
• Sweetness to Taste: Adjust the simple syrup/syrup based on your coffee liqueur's sweetness and your preference. The original recipe always allowed for this.
• Crema is Crucial: The creamy foam defines a great Espresso Martini. Fresh espresso and a good shake are essential.
• Garnish: The three coffee beans signify health, wealth, and happiness.

Espresso Martini FAQ

Who invented the Espresso Martini?

Dick Bradsell.

Where was it invented?

The Soho Brasserie, London.

Original name?

Vodka Espresso.

Why "Martini"?

Named during the 90s Neo-Martini trend for vodka cocktails in a martini glass. It's not a true martini.

Who was the model?

Bradsell never revealed her name. Rumours suggest Marie Helvin, but not confirmed.

The Espresso Martini is a testament to cocktail innovation. Whether using the classic espresso martini recipe or trying espresso martini variations with Tayport Distillery's distinctive vodka and cold brew coffee liqueur, this espresso cocktail is sure to impress. It's more than just an easy cocktail; it's an experience. Enjoy this fantastic coffee cocktail responsibly!