By Alissa

July 16, 2023

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The Espresso Martini is my favorite pick-me-up cocktail also known as the “Grown-up vodka Red Bull”! Coffee, Kahlua, & vodka make the perfect match in this creamy, frothy drink.

Espresso Martini’s In the City

One night, as my girls and I hit the streets of San Francisco, we walked down Fillmore Street in the Marina towards our favorite bar. We noticed a packed restaurant, called Balboa Cafe, with outdoor seating. People were chatting, laughing, and gearing up for a fun evening. As we strolled by several large groups, I spotted Espresso Martinis on almost every table. It seemed like everyone had the same drink in hand!

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History of the Espresso Martini

Here’s a cool story about this drink came to be! Apparently, in the 1980s in London, at a spot called Fred’s Club, a bartender named Dick Bradsell was working. Rumor has it that a model, maybe Kate Moss (but no one’s sure), asked him for a drink to “wake her up & F- her up”. Bradsell ended up mixing vodka, espresso, some coffee flavor, and a bit of simple syrup. He gave it a good shake and out came this awesome foamy drink. And that’s how we got the Espresso Martini!

At first, it was called the “Vodka Espresso” because of what’s in it. As time went on, its name changed a bit. Some bars even dubbed it “Pharmaceutical Stimulant” for fun. But over time the name “Espresso Martini” stuck. Why? Well, it’s served in a martini glass and stars our favorite wake-me-up drink, espresso!

Why the Espresso Martini?

Now, people don’t just consider the Espresso Martini as another drink; they see it as THE drink. Whether you want a kick to start the night or a classy sip after dinner, this drink delivers. It truly lives up to its reputation as the “new vodka Red Bull.” It’s not only delicious but also incredibly easy to enjoy, providing a perfect pick-me-up to keep you awake and alert throughout the night.

kahlua rum and coffee liqueur in a dark colored glass bottle

Javy concentrate coffee in a small glass bottle

The Perfect Recipe

Now, let’s get to the heart of the matter – making your own Espresso Martini. This recipe is my personal favorite because it’s strong, tasty, and doesn’t cost $16 a glass… (if you go out and get one you’ll understand). If you are an espresso martini addict then this recipe will also save you some $$. Trust me.

espresso martini being poured in a coup glass with coffee concentrate in the background

Feel free to experiment with your Espresso Martini. You can substitute the coffee concentrate with cold brew (about 2 oz). I personally prefer Javy coffee concentrate for its robust flavor, which adds an extra layer of richness to the cocktail.

If you prefer sweeter cocktails, consider adding 0.75 oz to 1 oz of simple syrup. However, Kahlua already brings sweetness, so be careful not to overdo it. After all, the coffee flavor is the biggest part of this amazing drink! This cocktail is perfect for parties and pre-games. It will definitely keep you energized all night, and one is usually enough. Give it a try, and I hope you love it as much as I do!

Keep the Fun Going

I genuinely hope you enjoyed sipping this cocktail as much as I loved creating it. But the journey doesn’t end here! Check out the rest of my blog, where I’ve put together a bunch of other cocktail recipes for you to explore. Whether you crave something fruity like this POG cocktail recipe or something to snack on like Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice while you drink. I’ve got something that’ll hit the spot. Cheers!!

PS. Always drink responsibly and never drink and drive!

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