Espresso Martini - Shake-up to Wake-up

Espresso Martini – The Shake-Up cocktail created to be The Wake-Up cocktail.

 Did you know that the Espresso Martini started off life as The Vodka Espresso?

 Why are three coffee beans used as a garnish?

 And, did you know that there is an Espresso Martini day?

The fat adam’s Espresso Martini

If not, read on!

In the late 80’s a young model, who, apparently, is now world famous, approached the famous London bartender Dick Bradsell, asking him to make her a drink that would ‘Wake her up and F*** her up”. He mixed vodka, coffee liqueur, and freshly brewed espresso to create the cocktail we now know as the Espresso Martini, although he initially called it The Vodka Espresso. It took on a few other names before it was acknowledged as The Espresso Martini.

Dick Bradsell, almost certainly, the creator of The Espresso Martini

A model that may or may not have invented the Espresso Martini

The original recipe for the Espresso Martini typically includes vodka, coffee liqueur (such as Kahlúa), and freshly brewed espresso and often, some sugar.

The combination of the rich coffee flavour and the kick from the caffeine and vodka instantly made it a popular and trendy cocktail in those fast past ‘yuppie years’. “Cheaper than coke but just as good” was the saying in the clubs of the day. It goes without saying that we don’t subscribe to that point of view.

A yuppie, but whatever you do, don’t have a better business card, get on his wrong side or criticise Huey Lewis and The News,

 Over the years, the Espresso Martini has gained widespread popularity and has become a classic cocktail served in bars around the world. While the basic recipe remains the same, variations have emerged, with some bartenders adding different ingredients or tweaking the proportions to suit personal preferences. It's a versatile drink that appeals to both coffee and cocktail enthusiasts alike.

 An excellent Espresso Martini is one that achieves a harmonious balance of punch, flavours, and textures, that makes for such an enjoyable drinking experience.

At Fat Adam’s we think the quality of ingredients is vital to building a great Espresso Martini.  Here are some the factors that contribute to making a great Espresso Martini:

Quality Ingredients: Using high-quality ingredients is crucial. Choose a good vodka (We use Fat Adam’s Sipping Vodka Of The Gods), a premium coffee liqueur (We use Kahlúa and Tia Maria together), and freshly brewed, high-quality espresso. We are big fans of dark roast Espresso, and we use strong blend in our Espresso Martini ready to drink cocktail formulation. The freshness and quality of the coffee play a significant role in the overall taste.

 Proper Ratios: Achieving the right balance of ingredients is essential. The classic recipe often calls for equal parts vodka, coffee liqueur, and freshly brewed espresso. However, some people may prefer to adjust the ratios based on personal taste preferences.

Temperature and Dilution: The espresso should be freshly brewed and hot when added to the cocktail shaker. The heat from the espresso helps to create a frothy layer on top of the drink. It's also important to shake the ingredients with ice to chill and slightly dilute the mixture for a well-balanced texture.

Presentation: Serving the Espresso Martini in a chilled glass and garnishing it with three coffee beans not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a touch of aroma to the drinking experience. Why 3 coffee beans? This trademark feature is for Health, Wealth, and Happiness. Often the beans are eaten, so use as fresh as possible.

Frothy Crema: Achieving a frothy layer, or crema, on top of the cocktail is a sign of a well-made Espresso Martini. This can be achieved by shaking the ingredients passionately in a cocktail shaker with ice. We suggest shaking for at least 30 seconds. Pro tip: Add two drops of Aquafarba into your mix, it will make a wonderful crema.

Glassware: Using the right glassware can enhance the overall experience. A stemmed glass, such as a martini glass, is commonly used for serving Espresso Martinis, a champagne coupe is also a perfect vessel.

Personalisation: Some bartenders and enthusiasts like to add their own twists to the classic recipe. This might include variations like flavoured syrups, different types of coffee liqueurs, or even a flavoured vodka. You can add to ours, although be careful you don’t upset the delicate balance.

We age ours under glass, so it’s a richer taste. There may be some settling over time, but a quick shake reintegrates the fresh coffee elements in the bottle.

 Oh, and the date for Espresso Martini Day? It’s the ides of March, or March 15th.

Just don’t ask us why it’s that date!