A Modern Classic: Crafting the Perfect Espresso Martini

Foamy espresso martini with 3 coffee beans for garnish

The espresso martini was invented in the 1980s by a bartender named Dick Bradsell, who was based in London. The story goes that one night, a supermodel walked into his bar after a long day and asked him to make her something that would wake her up and f** her up. She was a woman with a mission, and honestly, I respect that.

The espresso martini is the perfect way to spend a night: a sexy, caffeine-filled kick. I trust this cocktail to revive me after a long day when I’m heading out for a night on the town. One of my favourite things about the espresso martini (unlike more rigid “classic cocktails” like the Negroni, Martini, or Old Fashioned) is that it isn’t defined by strict proportions or specific ingredients. It follows a looser template, leaving room for interpretation.

This means, for better or worse, your espresso martini will taste a little different everywhere you go. The type of coffee used, how it’s brewed, the base spirit, and even fun flavoured liqueurs all influence the drink’s final profile. If you're into experimenting with your own cocktail creations, the espresso martini is a great one to play around with.

One thing you'll find in almost every version, though, is the iconic garnish: three espresso beans floating on top. These are said to represent health, wealth, and happiness. So yes, ordering an espresso martini on your next night out is basically a manifestation ritual.

Need Some Inspiration? Here Are a Few Fun Twists to Try at Home:

Dubai Chocolate Espresso Martini

Dubai Chocolate Espresso Martini

The most viral dessert of 2025 meets cocktail hour. This drink uses pistachio orgeat to bring in a sweet,

nutty element, and chocolate liqueur for a rich finish. Making your own pistachio orgeat takes a bit of elbow grease, but it’s so worth it. Plus, you can use it in other cocktails like a Mai Tai—or even in your coffee or lattes. Find the cocktail recipe here.

Pumpkin Cold Foam Espresso Martini

It’s officially pumpkin spice season, so why not turn your favourite autumn latte into a cocktail? This version uses a homemade pumpkin spice syrup and a fluffy pumpkin cold foam topping. Yes, both take a little prep—but trust me, they’re worth it. And bonus: you can use them in your regular (non-alcoholic) coffee drinks too. Find the cocktail recipe here.

Dirty Chai Espresso Martini

This one's for the chai lovers. It has that cozy warmth and spice from chai, which pairs beautifully with the bitterness and nuttiness of the coffee. I use a chai liqueur I found from a local distillery, but if you can't find one, you can substitute it with coffee liqueur or even try making your own. Find the cocktail recipe here.