London bartender Dick Bradsell created the Espresso Martini in the mid-1980s after a customer reportedly asked for a drink that would “wake her up and f**k her up”.
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Combining vodka, coffee liqueur and freshly brewed Illy espresso, Bradsell created a cocktail that would go on to become a global classic.
Almost four decades on, the Espresso Martini remains a staple on cocktail menus, offering operators a recognisable serve with premium appeal and relatively simple preparation.
With an estimated ingredient cost of around £2.50 per serve, depending on the spirits and coffee used, and a suggested selling price of £12, the cocktail also presents an opportunity for pubs to drive spend and achieve a healthy gross profit margin.
For Bea Bradsell, daughter of the cocktail’s creator, its enduring appeal lies in its versatility and the theatre surrounding the serve.
Multiple occasions
“Classic cocktails such as the Espresso Martini offer pubs and bars an opportunity to build higher-value occasions around an already familiar serve,” she told The Morning Advertiser (The MA).
“Its recognisable name can help reduce the barrier to customers trying a cocktail, while its premium appearance and preparation provide an element of theatre.
“It can also work across multiple occasions – from an early-evening drink through to an after-dinner serve – giving operators flexibility when building a cocktail menu.”
According to Bradsell, the drink’s popularity also gives operators an opportunity to tap into seasonal trends through limited-edition twists, without losing the familiarity of the original recipe.
Bradsell’s top tips:
Get the shake right: Don’t underestimate the importance of shaking hard for 15–20 seconds. This helps aerate the espresso and creates the signature layer of foam.
Keep everything cold: Chill the glass before serving and use plenty of ice in the shaker for a crisp, balanced cocktail.
Prioritise the coffee: Espresso is one of only three core ingredients, so its quality has a significant impact on the finished drink. Freshly brewed illy Classico provides the balance, aroma and depth needed for the serve.
Make it your own: Operators can put a house spin on the classic by experimenting with different coffee liqueurs, introducing subtle flavour notes such as vanilla or orange, or adding a premium garnish. However, the original combination of espresso, vodka and coffee liqueur remains difficult to beat.
However, getting the coffee right is key to delivering a quality serve, she advised.
“The coffee was essential to the drink,” she continued.
“My dad chose Illy for its balance and consistency. The crema, aroma and depth had to be right, because without a premium Italian espresso, you don’t have a perfect Espresso Martini.”
When it comes to serving suggestions, Bradsell said the cocktail lends itself particularly well to after-dinner occasions, pairing with coffee and chocolate-based desserts such as tiramisu and brownies.
Indulgent alternative
Alternatively, operators could position the drink as an indulgent alternative to dessert or as an evening cocktail for customers seeking a combination of rich coffee flavours and a caffeine kick.
Presentation is also important, with the Espresso Martini’s signature foam and coffee bean garnish helping to elevate the drinking experience.
“For a more premium presentation, serve in a properly chilled Martini or coupe glass and make the foam and three-bean garnish part of the theatre,” Bradsell added.
“Freshly brewed espresso and a vigorous shake will help create the distinctive crema-topped finish customers expect.”
To ensure the best results, the cocktail should be prepared to order and served immediately to maintain the quality of the espresso and its characteristic foam.
Traditionally, the drink is finished with three coffee beans, said to represent health, wealth and happiness.
Original-style Espresso Martini
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Measuring shot glass
- Fine strainer
- Chilled martini or coupe glass
Ingredients (Serves 1)
- 30ml freshly brewed Illy Classico espresso
- 40ml premium vodka
- 30ml coffee liqueur
- 3 coffee beans, to garnish
- Ice
Method
- Brew 30ml of fresh illy Classico espresso
- Add the espresso, vodka and coffee liqueur to a cocktail shaker
- Fill the shaker generously with ice
- Shake hard for 15–20 seconds
- Strain into a chilled martini or coupe glass
- Garnish with three coffee beans
- Serve immediately while the crema and foam are at their best
To be featured in The Morning Advertiser’s Drinks Masterclass series please email rebecca.weller@wrbm.com. See the previous recipe here.
