Cocktail of the Month: The Espresso Martini
By • September 14, 2026 0 346
“Necessity is the mother of invention,” according to a proverb that evolved from an ancient concept expressed by the Greek philosopher Plato in “The Republic.” The idea is that human needs will spark creation.
This theory could apply to the creation of one of the most enduring cocktails of the last 50 years. Let’s travel back to the mid-’80s in London’s Soho. With the David Bowie film “Absolute Beginners” being shot in the area, everyone who was anyone was flocking to the trendy enclave.
During this time, a top model wandered into the Soho Brasserie and requested “something to wake me up, then f*** me up.”
Bartender Dick Bradsell complied, generating a new cocktail on the spot. By chance, the bar had just installed a new Illy coffee machine, which was situated next to his station. He combined espresso with vodka — the dominant spirit back then. Coffee liqueur rounded out the flavor, adding depth and sweetness.
Bradsell’s first draft was served over ice and christened “The Vodka Espresso.”
There is still speculation about who this famous model was. Despite rumors claiming that it was either Naomi Campbell or Kate Moss, they would have been too young at the time.
As Bradsell moved around the London bar scene, his concoction evolved. It was later called “The Pharmaceutical Stimulant.” Then, during the 1990s, when any drink served in a V-shaped stemmed glass was labelled a martini, it was renamed “The Espresso Martini.” It officially hit menus under that moniker in 1997.
This tipple is traditionally garnished with three coffee beans, taken from the Italian tradition when serving sambuca. Each bean represents a wish for the person drinking it: health, happiness and wealth.
The growth of coffee culture made it continuously popular throughout the 21st century. Thanks to its “energy-boosting” effect, the Espresso Martini remains a club favorite. Following the tradition of coffee after a meal, it’s also an excellent dessert drink.
Another advantage is its adaptability. While the cocktail in its simplest form can be ordered at bars throughout Washington, some have added their own personal spin.
Kitchen + Kocktails has a silky and indulgent toasted marshmallow adaptation with a dessert-like finish. Shaw’s Alchemist DC serves a bright and floral lavender rendition, along with a heartier butterscotch version. And if your taste leans more toward tea, try the acclaimed Chai Espresso Martini at Dupont Circle’s Residents Café & Bar.
With only three ingredients — vodka, coffee liqueur and espresso — it’s an uncomplicated tipple to make at home, and easily customized.
Plain vodka is preferred, but if you have a serious java jones you can substitute flavored spirits such as Van Gogh Double Espresso Vodka, with a bold and dry profile, or Belvedere Dirty Brew, blended with coffee bean macerations for a savory, complex taste.
Coffee liqueurs vary wildly. The most popular, Mexico’s Kahlúa, which is forged from coffee beans, rum and sugar, has a sweet profile. A less cloying option is Tia Maria, made from Jamaican coffee and rum, which has a rich vanilla undertone. Mr Black Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur is made from an Arabica coffee and vodka base with roughly half the sugar of mass-market brands, delivering an intense, authentic espresso punch.
For the espresso component, there are a plethora of options, including brewing at home or buying from one of D.C.’s respected coffee shops and roasteries. If you’re looking to sample local products, you’re in luck. The fourth annual DC Coffee Festival will be held on Oct. 3 and 4 at Union Market.
If you don’t have any fancy martini glassware at home, serve it straight up in a highball glass or over ice like the original.
The Espresso Martini
1.5 oz. vodka
1 oz. espresso coffee
2/3 oz. coffee liqueur
Add ingredients into a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with three coffee beans.
The Espresso Martini
