Why the Espresso Martini Still Reigns Supreme
There are few drinks with a story as glamorous or as enduring as the espresso martini. It was born in the 1980s when a London model famously asked bartender Dick Bradsell for a drink that would “wake me up, and then mess me up.” What he handed her was equal parts caffeine, sophistication, and chaos in a coupe glass. Decades later, that same mix still defines the cocktail’s charm.
The espresso martini has never really gone out of style; it just keeps reinventing itself. Some drinks feel stuck in their era, but this one somehow works everywhere, from a dimly lit hotel bar to your best friend’s kitchen at midnight. Maybe it’s the contrast: bold but smooth, refined but easy to drink, classic yet endlessly remixable.
The Anatomy of an Icon
A proper espresso martini starts with the essentials: fresh espresso (no cold brew shortcuts), quality vodka, and coffee liqueur. Shake it hard with ice until it froths into that signature crema, then strain it into a chilled coupe and top it with three coffee beans for good luck.
Simple? Yes. But the margin between good and great lies in balance. Too much coffee and it’s bitter. Too much sweetness and it loses its edge. The best versions taste like a late-night secret… a little indulgent, a little dangerous, and impossible to forget.
Why It Keeps Coming Back
Trends come and go (remember the Aperol spritz era?), but the espresso martini persists because it fits every mood. It’s a pick-me-up when the night feels long, a dessert when you don’t want to call it one, and an instant conversation starter when it hits the table.
It also photographs beautifully. That glossy crema and coupe silhouette were made for the grid. But beyond the aesthetics, it’s the ritual that makes it timeless: the hum of the shaker, the first sip that wakes you up just enough, and the collective “oh, that’s good” from the table.
The Modern Revival
Today’s espresso martini is evolving. Bartenders are experimenting with cold brew liqueurs, mezcal swaps, and oat milk foam tops. At-home versions use canned espresso or coffee concentrate, proving that this cocktail has fully entered the new era of convenience without losing its soul.
Even brands are catching on. Ready-to-drink espresso martinis are everywhere now, bridging that gap between craft and comfort. Whether you’re making one from scratch or twisting open a can, the result is the same: a little jolt of energy, a little taste of indulgence, and a nod to a drink that refuses to fade.
Still the Reigning Classic
The espresso martini’s secret is its balance. It is both nostalgia and novelty, effort and ease. It is what we order when we want to keep the night going just a little longer.
So, why does it still reign supreme? Because no matter how the trends shift, this one always feels right. Some classics simply earn their crown.
