Coffee drinks
Espresso Martini
Made with classic simple syrup · Dick Bradsell, Soho Brasserie, London, 1983
- coupe
- none (served up)
- shake
Espresso Martini
- 1¾ oz52 ml vodka
- 1 oz30 ml freshly pulled espresso (one strong shot)
- ¾ oz22 ml coffee liqueur (Bradsell split it between Kahlúa and Tia Maria)
- ¼ oz7 ml simple syrup
- Pull the espresso and add it to a shaker with the vodka, coffee liqueur and syrup.
- Fill with ice and shake very hard so the coffee foams.
- Strain into a chilled coupe and let the crema settle on top.
- Float three coffee beans on the foam.
Garnish: three coffee beans
The syrup
In this recipe
Classic Simple Syrup¼ oz7 ml
Simple syrup is equal parts sugar and water, heated just until the sugar dissolves.
1/4 oz 1:1 simple syrup, which sits between Bradsell's 5 ml and IBA's 10 ml.
As printed: 5 ml sugar syrup (Bradsell, Match EC1 recipe); IBA prints 10 ml; Imbibe 1/4 oz 1:1 simple syrup.
Or use
Vanilla Syrup¼ oz7 ml
Vanilla syrup is simple syrup infused with vanilla: dissolve 1 cup sugar in 1 cup water, steep a split vanilla bean in it for 30 minutes (or stir in 1 tbsp extract once cool), and use 2 tbsp per 12 oz latte.
A popular modern twist: use the same amount in place of the simple syrup. It's a variation, not the original.
As printed: Plain sugar syrup in every canonical spec.
Or use
Demerara Syrup¼ oz7 ml
Demerara syrup is demerara sugar dissolved in water, usually rich: 2 parts sugar to 1 part water by weight.
2:1 demerara adds a toffee note. Because it's richer, use a scant 1/4 oz (about 5-7 ml). A variation.
As printed: Plain sugar syrup in every canonical spec.
Where it comes from
Dick Bradsell created it in London around 1983 at the Soho Brasserie, reportedly for a model who wanted a drink that would wake her up. It began as the 'Vodka Espresso', served on the rocks, and took on its martini-glass form and three-bean garnish at Match EC1; it was also served as the 'Pharmaceutical Stimulant'.
Source: Dick-Tales (Dick Bradsell's recipe, Match EC1 version, as reprinted by CLASS Bar magazine) by Dick Bradsell.
Checked against: CLASS Bar: How to make an Espresso Martini (with Bradsell's Dick-Tales recipe) · IBA: Espresso Martini · Imbibe: Vodka Espresso · Punch: Espresso Martini · Wikipedia: Espresso martini (history only)
Gear for this drink
Mixology & Craft 16-Piece Cocktail Shaker Set
OXO SteeL Angled Measuring Jigger
Best for Measuring syrup into drinks
Cuisinart Fine Mesh Stainless Strainers (set of 3)
Best for Every infused or fruit syrup