If the 2000s were the Cosmopolitan, and the 2010s were the Moscow Mule, then the 2020s are the decade of the Espresso Martini. Combining the buzzes of alcohol and caffeine, the drink’s popularity has skyrocketed over the past several years.
“In some form, the pairing of coffee and spirits dates back more than a century,” says Drew D’Errico, director of wine and spirits at Resorts World. “At their core, espresso martinis bring together two universally loved elements: exceptional coffee and quality spirits.”
The classic espresso martini combines vodka and espresso with liqueur, but the idea lends itself to infinite variations. The base could be rum, mezcal, tequila, or bourbon; the liqueur, flavored with coffee, espresso, vanilla, caramel, or amaretto.
Jonah Gibbs, beverage director for Bar Boheme and Petite Boheme, notes that coffee has always been a solid cocktail component. “Stirred drinks like old fashioned and Manhattan variations take to coffee really well.” So, mix it up!
Best Espresso Martinis
Palate makes a classic version, with house-made coffee-infused vodka and espresso.
At Bourbon Steak by Michael Mina, Pátron Reposado is echoed in XO Cafe Coffee Liqueur and spiked with mole bitters and pistachio.
The Capital Grille’s variation gets a double dose of the good stuff with both espresso and espresso liqueur added to vodka.
Vegas Vickie’s offers two takes: traditional with vodka, Kahlua, and espresso; and “grandissimo,” with vanilla-infused tequila, cold brew liqueur, and espresso spiked with saffron and garnished with gold leaf.
Nocturno’s most interesting variation eschews vodka for mezcal and a hint of apricot.
Best Espresso Martini Alternatives
Jive Turkey’s Frozen Irish Coffee, a New Orleans standard, is like a vodka-zazzed Frappucino that goes down dangerously easy.
The Gitchie Gitchie at Petite Boheme shakes up vodka with cognac-whiskey-derived Villion liqueur, China China liqueur, chocolate and coffee.
The Carajillo is a simple, sophisticated cocktail made from espresso and Licor 43, a Spanish vanilla-forward herbal liqueur. ¡Viva! serves theirs with an espresso-spiked ice sphere that smooths the flavor as it melts.
Bizarre Bar’s Limoncello Espresso combines two of Italy’s archetypical flavors to create a unique cocktail.
Las Vegas Brewing Company offers the 1677 Stout and Easy Briessy Porter. The former has flavors of coffee and cocoa, while the latter is a deeper espresso-dark chocolate vibe.
