Few cocktails deliver the same smooth kick as the Espresso Martini. It’s bold, elegant, energizing, and perfect for after-dinner sipping or late-night conversations. With its mix of vodka, espresso, and coffee liqueur, it’s become a favorite around the world — especially when crafted with a clean, premium spirit like Illadelph Organic Vodka.
The Espresso Martini was created in the 1980s by legendary London bartender Dick Bradsell at Fred’s Club. As the story goes, a fashion model asked for a drink that would “wake me up and then f*** me up.” Bradsell responded with what became a modern classic: vodka, fresh espresso, coffee liqueur, and sugar syrup, shaken into frothy perfection.
Originally called the “Vodka Espresso,” the drink became known as the Espresso Martini during the cocktail revival of the 1990s and early 2000s, riding the wave of craft coffee culture.
This chic cocktail has many fans among the stars. Naomi Campbell reportedly loved them during London Fashion Week. George Clooney, known for both his love of coffee and spirits, has also praised this drink. Today, the Espresso Martini is a mainstay on trendy cocktail menus from New York to Tokyo.
Classic Espresso Martini Recipe
Fill a shaker with ice.
Add vodka, espresso, coffee liqueur, and syrup.
Shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds (you want foam!).
Strain into a chilled martini glass.
Garnish with 3 coffee beans — they symbolize health, wealth, and happiness.
The Espresso Martini is all about contrast — dark coffee, sweet liqueur, and clear, clean vodka. That’s why Illadelph Organic Vodka makes this drink exceptional. It brings out the flavor of the espresso without overpowering it, and its silky finish adds elegance to every sip.
Whether you’re ending a dinner party or starting a night out, the Espresso Martini made with Illadelph Vodka is the drink that keeps you classy — and awake.
An Espresso Martini is a rich and energizing vodka cocktail made with freshly brewed espresso, coffee liqueur, and a touch of sweetness. It’s silky, bold, and perfect for nights when you want both dessert and a caffeine kick.
It was created in the 1980s by legendary London bartender Dick Bradsell. A famous story says a model asked for a drink that would “wake me up and then mess me up” — and the Espresso Martini was born.
Because the drink is spirit-forward and built on deep coffee flavor, a smooth premium vodka like Illadelph Organic Vodka helps create balance and a clean finish.
Freshly brewed and slightly cooled is best — still aromatic but not hot enough to melt all the ice too quickly.
It’s a classic garnish symbolizing health, wealth, and happiness — borrowed from Italian tradition.
It has a touch of sweetness from the coffee liqueur or simple syrup, but the espresso keeps it bold and not overly sugary.
Pretty strong — it’s mostly vodka plus caffeine. It’s great as a pick-me-up cocktail after dinner or to start a night out.
Yes, but espresso gives better crema — that signature frothy top layer that makes the drink feel luxurious.
Usually a chilled martini or coupe glass — presentation adds to the sophistication.
Absolutely. Pre-mix the vodka (like Illadelph), coffee liqueur, and syrup in a bottle. Shake each serving fresh with espresso and ice for perfect texture.
Vanilla, hazelnut, chocolate, or even spicy chili variations are popular, depending on the vibe and season.
Yes — shake espresso, a splash of simple syrup, and alcohol-free coffee liqueur for a zero-proof variant with similar texture.
