Drinks with Anna

by Anna Tusa

Espresso The Cocktail Mixer of 2022

Y’ALL, LONG BEFORE VODKA REDBULL there was a drink in the 80’s that was doing the same thing. Featured on cocktail lists all over the world, the Espresso Martini is a modern classic cocktail. It was originally called the Vodka Espresso and was created in 1983 by bartender, Dick Bradsell, who worked at the Soho Brasserie in London. According to the story, a supermodel customer asked for a drink that would wake her up and get her drunk. Vodka was the most popular spirit at the time and the bartenders’ cocktail area was located right next to the espresso machine.The combination was obvious.

Bradsell’s variation was slightly different from the drink we know and love today. To the usual vodka and espresso, he added Kahlua, Tia Maria, and simple syrup, making for an incredibly rich, overpowering coffee taste. The first recipe lasted until the 1990s, when Bradsell adjusted his recipe to suit the martini-drinking crowd. In 1998 he changed the name to “Espresso Martini” and adapted the ingredients to suit the fashions of the time.

All year long, every city that I have traveled to, in every restaurant or bar, there has been an Espresso Martini on the menu. So, as a cocktail aficionado, I have tried many different variations and have even crafted my own variations of the classic.

The Classic Espresso Martini

1 espresso shot

1.5 oz vodka

½ oz Kahlua

¼ oz Simple Syrup

Combine all ingredients in a metal shaker filled with ice. Shake well to create a nice froth. Strain contents into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with three espresso beans. The 3 beans signify: health, happiness, and wealth.

My Handcrafted Variations:

Not your “Basic” Espresso Martini:

1 espresso shot

1 oz Nelson Brothers Bourbon

½ oz Louisa’s Coffee Caramel Pecan Liqueur (If you know about Louisa’s, then you know it’s a game changer)

Combine all ingredients in a metal shaker filled with ice. Shake well to create a nice froth. Strain into a chilled martini glass, and top with three espresso beans. This drink is perfect for a Fall afternoon pick me up.

Iced Caramel Macchiato

2 shots of Starbuck’s Caramel Macchiato Iced Espresso

1oz Three Olives Espresso Vodka

¼ oz simple syrup

Combine all ingredients in a high ball glass filled with ice Stir, then drizzle caramel across the top. We just took the Iced Caramel Macchiato to the next level.

The South of the Border

1 espresso shot

1 oz Blanco Tequila

1oz Bumbu Cream

1 teaspoon Mexican Vanilla Extract

Combine all ingredients in a metal shaker filled with ice. Shake until frothy. Rim a martini glass with cinnamon, strain