The origins of the espresso martini are said to have started in Soho in 1983 at the bar of Dick Bradsell. After a request from a customer who wanted a drink that would "wake her up, and f*ck her up", Bradsell smashed together coffee and vodka and the rest was history. Nowadays it's commonplace on any cocktail bar menu, with everywhere from uptown restaurants to your local 'spoons offering to shake one up for you. But, if you really want to see where this classic cocktail can go, we've selected some spots to scope out the best espresso martinis in London.
Last edited by Kiera Chapman
Last updated on 2nd December 2024
Ollie's House is offering the ultimate espresso martini, but not as you know it. Introducing their pancakes, made with cocoa, dulce de leche, vanilla ice cream, maple syrup and a shot of espresso martini. An epic way to start to the morning? We think so.
Featuring a swish bar and over 60 cocktails, it's no surprise that Bbar are whipping up some of the best espresso martinis in London. Using a Japanese shaking technique and fresh coffee, it's a real winner when it comes to the classic tipple.
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Looking to get fancy with your cocktails? The Milestone Hotel and Residences is a brilliant shout. Their Midnight Espresso is a twist on a classic; filled with cognac, Kahlua, coffee and topped with a scoop of cardamom ice cream. *Drool*
In the mood for a class espresso martini? Head over to Common Late, a vintage apothecary tipple house on The Pavement. Exuding romance, warmth and the best cosy vibes in town, this intimate bar serves bespoke cocktails such as their signature-style espresso martini made with Peruvian caturra bean and Rye whisky, as well as light bites like delish charcuterie selections.
Known for its sublime drinks selection, its no surprise that The Cocktail Club is one of the best places for espresso martinis in London. Head over to their haunts during happy hour, where you can catch these coffee-rich sips for a bargain price.
A stylish hotel haunt in East London, The Dixon Hotel fronts The Courtroom Bar. Along with truffle chips, crispy squid and other bar snacks, the watering hole also has a killer espresso martini, made up of in-house roasted coffee beans.
Any party girl worth her salt knows that no night out is complete without tequila, whether you're knocking them back at the bar or getting matey with a marg. We'd recommend getting yourself down to Nikki's then, where their highly sippable XOXO Espresso Martini that throws a good slug of cafe Patron into the mix.
Shaking together one of the most lip-smacking espresso martinis in East London, Map Maison's master mixologists know a thing or two about rocket-fuel cocktails. Head on over for a delectable evening guzzling back tasty sips.
If you're looking to embrace the New York vibes, head to this bar inside The Rubens at the Palace. Its espresso martini is a must-have, which is an excellent mix of Absolut Blue Vodka and Kahlua. Pair with an array of classic, Champagne and signature cocktails or vintage mocktail martinis.
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For a fun girl's night out, head to the swish Chesterfield Mayfair for an unforgettable cocktail experience. Sip on a caramel espresso martini which is a mix of Absolut vodka, Kahlua, coffee and syrup - the perfect sweet treat.
If you're on the hunt for an espresso martini to trump them all, then this tipple at Soho bar Greek Street Live is in with a chance of coming out on top. Made using Bacardi 8, coffee liqueur, espresso and banana, it boasts a rich flavour with creamy, fruity notes. Enjoy it in the late-night music venue while catching a band or a spot of jazz.
Cloudy skies aside, summer has already come to Archer Street SW11. Venture down to their basement tiki bar for a Myki Beach cocktail that adds a scoop of delicious ice cream into an English Harbour Rum espresso martini for a sweet and creamy finish to your favourite drink.
If you're looking for a fun twist on the classic cocktail then head over to Farringdon party bar Piano Works. The non-stop music hub serves its own take on the espresso martini, switching in Black Fire tequila coffee liqueur and vanilla-infused vodka.
One of Islington's most innovative cocktail bars, you'd better believe this Wonderland-inspired space has more than a few twists in its espresso martini tale. Taking its name from a Neil Gaiman story, the Anansi Espresso is a unique concoction of Bulleit rye, Punt e Mes, coffee and maraschino liqueurs, espresso and cherry.
On Mare Street, you'll discover one of the most curious bars in the city serving up a sensational espresso martini. The Absinthe Parlour At The Last Tuesday Society is an intimate den full of eclectic ornaments, from taxidermy to scorpions in glass cabinets. Venture further into the colourful wonderland, past a luminous fish tank, to take a seat in a plush, red velvet booth and order a chocolate absinthe espresso martini. Perfect.
Keeping things simple with Eristoff, Kahlua, fresh espresso and a dash of vanilla syrup, The Old Compton Brasserie's espresso martini is the only thing you'll want to be sipping alongside their delicious food and eye-popping interiors.
Dovetail Bar is the understated gem of Clapton. With its sleek design, intimate atmosphere, and expertly curated drinks menu, it's a local favourite for those in the know. The bartenders are skilled and passionate, always eager to craft the perfect cocktail to match your mood.
You'll find one of the best espresso martinis in the city here for £11 - made with Eristoff, Kahlua and salted espresso, it truly is a stunner.
For cracking classic cocktails, you've gotta get your butt over to Homeboy in Islington. Ever the popular watering hole, this stylish bar is a fantastic place to enjoy a powerful espresso martini or two in a seriously cosy setting.
A cafe-bar hybrid, The Black Cab Coffee Co is a no-brainer for places to drink espresso martinis in London. Head over to the Nine Elms beauty on a Friday and sip on three flavoured caffeinated cocktails for a wallet-friendly price with your number ones.
Based at the Bloomberg Arcade, this slick sports bar and restaurant from the team behind Gymkhana has taken their espresso martini love one step further and got them on tap. Pouring out the good stuff by the gallon, it's the perfect pairing for some of their sublime Indian BBQ.
If you're looking for the classic concoction done good then you should be making your way to Grind at your earliest possible convenience. A double shot of their house blend comes laced with Finlandia vodka and a touch of sugar syrup for a cold, refreshing cocktail designed for leisurely sipping. But if you are going for something a little bit more experimental, their Flat White Russian is a must-try.
Sure, everyone raves about the food, but its Dishoom's Monsoon Martini that makes us weak at the knees. Catuai espresso comes 'vivified' with Luksusowa, chilli liqueur, walnut bitters and the perfect crema. And so what if you're having a night off the sauce, they've also concocted the Dry Monsoon Martini that loses the booze but none of the flavour.
Sitting pretty above The Strand if its booze and views you're looking for then Radio Rooftop offers the best of both. But for a real taste of the high life, get their Grey Goose and vanilla mousse espresso martini into your life for the lightest and most decadent take on the classic that we've found so far.
