Imbibe Magazine | 19.06.2026 02:55
The origin story of many classic cocktails often becomes lore, but for the Espresso Martini, it’s become legend. Created by London bartender Dick Bradsell in the ’80s, the cocktail was said to have been mixed for an unnamed, although supposedly famous, model looking for a potent pick-me-up. Bradsell obliged with a mix of vodka, coffee liqueur, simple syrup, and espresso. Originally called a Vodka Espresso before being given the Martini moniker, the drink skyrocketed in popularity. Inevitably this led to a downfall in quality, with overly sweet versions laden with syrups and creams upending the balance of the original formula.
