Bar-Cove

Are you a coffee lover? A cocktail enthusiast? What if we told you there’s a drink that combines the rich, invigorating notes of coffee? It pairs these notes with the sophisticated kick of a martini. Enter the coffee martini—a modern classic that has taken the world by storm. Perfect for an after-dinner treat or a chic evening out. This versatile cocktail offers a delightful balance of bitterness. It also provides sweetness and that unmistakable coffee aroma.

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“Wake me up and then f*** me up.”

The coffee martini, often interchangeably referred to as an espresso martini, boasts a relatively recent origin story. Although the exact origin is a matter of debate, many credit bartender Dick Bradsell in London during the 1980s for its creation.

The legend goes that a now-famous model walked into his bar and asked for a drink that would “wake me up and then f*** me up.” Bradsell, with a stroke of genius.

He came up with the combination of vodka, coffee liqueur, sugar, and a shot of fresh espresso. Thus, the coffee martini was born.

It quickly rose in popularity. It became a staple in bars around the globe. It is a favorite for those seeking a stimulating yet indulgent libation.

Why We Love Coffee Martinis

There’s something inherently appealing about a coffee martini. It’s more than just a drink; it’s an experience. The warmth of vodka smoothly follows the first jolt of coffee. This combination creates a symphony of flavors that both invigorate and relax. It’s the ideal bridge between dinner and the evening’s entertainment, providing a gentle lift without being overly stimulating. The velvety texture and iconic foamy top also add to its allure, making it a visually stunning cocktail.

Personally, I remember my first coffee martini experience. It was at a dimly lit jazz club. The bartender handed me an elegant glass with its dark, frothy drink. A perfect trio of coffee beans floated on top.

One sip and I was hooked! The rich coffee was delightful. The subtle sweetness added charm. That undeniable kick made it the perfect companion to the smooth jazz tunes. It instantly became my go-to after-dinner drink, a little treat that always feels luxurious.

Now, let’s dive into some recipes so you can craft your own buzz-worthy creations at home!

The Classic Espresso Martini

This is the quintessential coffee martini, elegant in its simplicity and perfectly balanced. It serves as the benchmark for all other coffee martinis. It offers a robust coffee flavor. This flavor is perfectly complemented by the subtle sweetness of liqueur and the clean finish of vodka.

You get that delightful jolt of caffeine, a smooth boozy warmth, and a lingering coffee aroma that’s incredibly satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz (60 ml) Vodka (a good quality vodka makes a difference!)
• 1 oz (30 ml) Coffee Liqueur (Kahlua or Tia Maria are popular choices)
• 1 oz (30 ml) Freshly Brewed Espresso, chilled
• 0.5 oz (15 ml) Simple Syrup (adjust to your sweetness preference)
• Ice
• 3 whole coffee beans, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Brew and Chill: Start by brewing a fresh shot of espresso. It’s crucial for the espresso to be fresh and then chilled. You can do this quickly by pouring it over a few ice cubes and then removing the melted ice.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a cocktail shaker, add the vodka, coffee liqueur, chilled espresso, and simple syrup.
3. Add Ice: Fill the shaker with plenty of ice.
4. Shake Vigorously: This is key for achieving that iconic foamy top. Shake very vigorously for about 15-20 seconds until the shaker is frosty cold.
5. Strain: Double strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass. A double strain uses a fine mesh sieve in addition to your shaker’s built-in strainer. This method helps remove any small ice shards. It ensures a smooth, silky texture.
6. Garnish: Float three coffee beans on top of the foam. This is not just for aesthetics; the aroma enhances the drinking experience.

Dark Chocolate Coffee Martini

This is perfect for those who love a rich, decadent treat. This variation adds a layer of chocolatey indulgence. It perfectly complements the coffee. While the classic is purely coffee-forward, this version presents a luxurious bitterness and sweetness from dark chocolate. The vanilla vodka further enhances the dessert profile, making it a truly special treat.

This change transforms the drink into a dessert-like experience.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz (45 ml) Vanilla Vodka
• 1 oz (30 ml) Coffee Liqueur
• 1 oz (30 ml) Freshly Brewed Espresso, chilled
• 0.5 oz (15 ml) Dark Chocolate Liqueur (like Godiva Dark Chocolate Liqueur)
• 0.25 oz (7.5 ml) Simple Syrup (optional, adjust to taste)
• Ice
• Chocolate shavings or a small piece of dark chocolate, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare Espresso: Brew and chill your espresso.
2. Combine & Shake: Fill a shaker with ice. Mix the vanilla vodka, coffee liqueur, and chilled espresso. Add the dark chocolate liqueur. Include simple syrup if used.
3. Vigorous Shake: Shake well for 15-20 seconds until thoroughly chilled and frothy.
4. Strain & Garnish: Double strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a sprinkle of chocolate shavings or a small square of dark chocolate on the rim.

Salted Caramel Coffee Martini

The salted caramel coffee martini is a delightful twist on the classic. It brings a sweet and savory dynamic to the drink. First, the salted caramel adds a rich, buttery sweetness that coats your tongue. Then, a subtle hint of salt emerges, cutting through the sweetness and brightening the coffee. Ultimately, the cocktail transforms from a simple coffee drink into a sophisticated dessert in a glass.

This interplay of flavors creates a more complex and indulgent profile than the classic version.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz (45 ml) Vodka
• 1 oz (30 ml) Coffee Liqueur
• 1 oz (30 ml) Freshly Brewed Espresso, chilled
• 0.5 oz (15 ml) Salted Caramel Liqueur (or caramel syrup with a pinch of sea salt)
• Ice
• Pinch of sea salt flakes, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Espresso Prep: Brew and chill your espresso.
2. Mix & Shake: Add vodka, coffee liqueur, chilled espresso, and salted caramel liqueur to a shaker filled with ice.
3. Shake Well: Shake vigorously until the mixture is very cold and frothy.
4. Serve & Garnish: Double strain into a chilled martini glass. If desired, lightly sprinkle a few sea salt flakes on the foam for an extra pop of flavor.