The Espresso Martini: A Complete History & Classic Recipe

Dark, velvety, and charged with sophistication, the Espresso Martini is the rare cocktail that bridges two worlds — caffeine and alcohol, energy and indulgence. It’s the drink that says “I want to wake up and get drunk at the same time,”and somehow makes it look elegant.

With its glossy crema, rich aroma, and bittersweet balance, the Espresso Martini has become the definitive cocktail of modern nightlife — equal parts fashion, flavor, and fuel.

But beneath its sleek exterior lies a surprisingly gritty origin story — one that begins in 1980s London with a supermodel, a jolt of caffeine, and a bartender’s quick thinking.

I. Origins

The Espresso Martini was created in London in the early 1980s by the legendary bartender Dick Bradsell — one of the most influential figures in modern cocktail culture.

The story goes that a young model (often rumored to be Kate Moss or Naomi Campbell, though Bradsell never confirmed) walked into Fred’s Club in Soho and asked for a drink that would “wake me up, then f** me up.”*

Bradsell, improvising behind the bar, pulled a shot of espresso from the machine nearby, added vodka, coffee liqueur, and a little sugar syrup, then shook it hard with ice.

The result? A jet-black drink with a silky, tan crema and an electric balance of sweetness, bitterness, and strength.

He originally called it the Vodka Espresso, but as it migrated onto cocktail menus in the 1990s, it adopted the more elegant moniker — Espresso Martini.

II. Historical Evolution

The 1980s – Birth of a Classic

When Bradsell created the Espresso Martini, vodka was the spirit of the decade — clean, cool, and endlessly versatile. The cocktail fit the era’s sleek, urban aesthetic perfectly: minimal, modern, and potent.

It also tapped into the growing café culture of London, where espresso machines were becoming as much a part of nightlife as neon lights and synth beats.

The 1990s–2000s – Global Fame

The drink exploded in popularity through the 1990s and early 2000s, particularly as baristas and bartenders blurred the line between coffee and cocktail culture. It became the signature “late-night pick-me-up” — the perfect bridge from dinner to dancing.

The 2010s–2020s – The Craft Revival

As coffee culture went artisanal and cocktail culture went historic, the Espresso Martini found new life as a modern classic. Specialty coffee roasters, cold brew distillers, and premium coffee liqueurs elevated its flavor to new heights.

It’s now one of the most ordered cocktails in the world, equally beloved by caffeine enthusiasts and cocktail purists alike.

III. Ingredients & Technique

The Espresso Martini looks simple, but balance and timing are everything. The key lies in fresh espresso, precise sweetness, and the perfect shake to create that signature crema.

Core Components

• Vodka: Clean and neutral — the spirit base that lets the coffee shine.

• Coffee Liqueur: Kahlúa, Tia Maria, or a craft alternative for sweetness and depth.

• Espresso: Freshly pulled, hot, and aromatic.

• Simple Syrup: Adds balance and roundness.

The Classic Ratio

• 2 oz (60 ml) vodka

• 0.5 oz (15 ml) coffee liqueur

• 1 oz (30 ml) fresh espresso

• 0.25 oz (7 ml) simple syrup (adjust to taste)

IV. Cultural Significance

The Espresso Martini is more than a drink — it’s a ritual of nightlife.

It represents the modern rhythm of work, play, and perpetual motion — a drink that says, “the night isn’t over yet.”

Culturally, it embodies 1980s London sophistication — minimalist design, cosmopolitan glamour, and the thrill of the new. It also became a symbol of the millennial and Gen Z cocktail boom, where coffee culture merged seamlessly with bar culture.

In essence, it’s the perfect metaphor for the modern era: wired, stylish, and a little bit restless.

V. How to Make the Classic Version Today

Recipe — The Classic Espresso Martini

Ingredients

• 2 oz (60 ml) vodka

• 0.5 oz (15 ml) coffee liqueur (e.g., Kahlúa or Mr Black)

• 1 oz (30 ml) hot, freshly brewed espresso

• 0.25 oz (7 ml) simple syrup (optional, to taste)

Method

1. Brew espresso immediately before mixing — it must be hot and fresh.

2. Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice.

3. Shake hard (10–15 seconds) to chill and create crema.

4. Double strain into a chilled coupe or Martini glass.

5. Garnish with three coffee beans (representing health, wealth, and happiness).

Specs

• Glass: Coupe or Martini glass

• Ice: Shaken, served up

• Garnish: Three coffee beans

• Style: Vodka coffee cocktail

Technique Notes

• Use fresh espresso only — stale or cold coffee kills the crema.

• Shake vigorously — aeration forms the iconic frothy top.

• Adjust sweetness based on liqueur choice; some brands are sweeter than others.

Variations & Lineage

• Cold Brew Martini: Replace espresso with chilled cold brew concentrate.

• Baileys Espresso Martini: Adds cream liqueur for dessert richness.

• Tequila Espresso Martini: Mezcal or tequila for a smoky riff.

• Reverse Espresso Martini: Swaps vodka for rum or whiskey for deeper flavor.

Service & Pairing Tip

• Perfect as an after-dinner cocktail or late-night indulgence.

• Pairs beautifully with chocolate desserts or tiramisu.

VI. Modern Variations & Legacy

The Espresso Martini is now one of the most iconic cocktails of the 21st century — a drink that defines contemporary style as much as the Martini did for the 1920s.

It bridges the sensory worlds of bar and café, blending caffeine’s clarity with alcohol’s warmth. Bartenders love it because it’s theatrical — the crema, the aroma, the first sip of bittersweet foam.

Its legacy is also deeply tied to Dick Bradsell’s impact on cocktail culture. Like his other creations (the Bramble, the Treacle), it celebrates the art of invention and the joy of impeccable simplicity.

In every shake, it carries his philosophy: great drinks don’t need gimmicks — just balance, freshness, and a little flair.