There are several claims for the origin of the espresso martini. One of the more common claims[1][2] is that it was created by Dick Bradsell in the late 1980s while at Fred's Club in London for a young lady – sometimes claimed to be Naomi CampbellorKate Moss[dubious – discuss] – who asked for "something to wake me up, then fuck me up".[3] Bradsell has made this claim in a widely-circulated video.[4] Bradsell has also been quoted about the circumstances of his invention of the drink, "The coffee machine at the Soho Brasseries was right next to the station where I served drinks. It was a nightmare, as there were coffee grounds everywhere, so coffee was very much on my mind. And it was all about vodka back then – it was all people were drinking."[5][6]
The recipes for an espresso martini vary depending on the source. Traditionally, they include KahlúaorTia Maria.
Difford's Guide recommends 1.5 US fluid ounces (44 mL) of vodka, 1 US fluid ounce (30 mL) of hot espresso coffee, and 2⁄3 US fluid ounce (20 mL) of coffee liqueur.[7] The ingredients are poured into a shaker filled with ice. The mixture is then shaken, fine strained and poured into a chilled martini glass. The drink is garnished with coffee beans (and perhaps a twist of lemon zest) and served.[8][9]
The drink had a surge in popularity in the early 2020s.[10] This popularity was met with apprehension by bartenders due to the time and effort required to prepare the drink.[11]
There can be slight twists made to the classic espresso martini recipe. Examples include adding Cointreau and Chocolate sauce to make a Chocolate Orange Espresso Martini,[12] or adding Marshmallow syrup to make a Toasted Marshmallow Espresso Martini.[13]
^"Dick Bradsell and his Vodka Espresso". YouTube. April 24, 2011. Retrieved January 27, 2017. London's Cocktail Guru Dick Bradsell has a brief interview with Kasia Olszko; Then Uncle Dick makes a Vodka Espresso, followed by a Vodka Martini.
Media related to Espresso Martini at Wikimedia Commons
