History & Heritage
“The Vanilla Espresso Martini is a modern evolution of Dick Bradsell's legendary Espresso Martini, created in the early 1980s at London's Soho Brasserie. The vanilla variation emerged in the late 1990s and early 2000s with the rise of flavored vodkas, particularly after Absolut Vanilia's release in 2003. This addition of vanilla transforms the straightforward caffeinated kick into a more nuanced and decadent experience, appealing to those who prefer a slightly sweeter and more aromatic flavor profile.”
Ingredients
Quality ingredients make all the difference. Each component plays a crucial role.
Method
Technique transforms ingredients into something extraordinary.
Chill a coupe or martini glass in the freezer for at least 15 minutes
Pull a fresh shot of espresso and allow it to cool slightly
In a cocktail shaker, combine vanilla vodka, chilled espresso, coffee liqueur, optional simple syrup, and saline solution
Fill shaker three-quarters full with ice cubes
Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until shaker is frosted
Double strain through Hawthorne and fine-mesh strainer into chilled glass
Gently place three coffee beans on the foam surface
Glassware
Served up in a chilled coupe or martini glass
Garnish
Three coffee beans representing health, wealth, and happiness
Flavor Journey
Every great cocktail tells a story through its flavors. Here's the sensory experience you can expect.
Sweet
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Sour
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Bitter
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Strong
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Master's Tips
Professional insights to elevate your craft
Use freshly brewed espresso that's slightly cooled
Shake vigorously to create the signature creamy foam
Double strain for smooth, professional texture
Chill everything - shaker, glass, and ingredients
Infuse your own vodka with vanilla beans for best results
Variations & Riffs
Classic cocktails inspire countless variations. Here are some popular riffs on the Vanilla Espresso Martini.
Sweeter Version
Increase simple syrup for those preferring more sweetness.
Changes
Drier Version
Omit simple syrup for a less sweet, coffee-forward drink.
Changes
Creamy Vanilla Espresso Martini
Add Irish cream liqueur for a richer, dessert-like cocktail.
Changes
Spiced Vanilla Espresso Martini
Add cinnamon or warm spices for seasonal variation.
Changes
More to Explore
If you enjoyed this cocktail, these similar creations might capture your interest.
Caribbean Espresso Martini
A tropical twist on the classic espresso martini, featuring rum instead of vodka for warm, molasses-rich complexity with coffee and vanilla notes.
Espresso Martini
Dick Bradsell's caffeinated classic shakes vodka, coffee liqueur and hot espresso into a frothy, bittersweet nightcap.
Cinnamonitini
A warm, spiced martini-style cocktail featuring cinnamon flavors with vanilla vodka and cream – perfect for autumn and winter celebrations.