Few modern cocktails have achieved the global, enduring fame of the Espresso Martini. Elegant yet electric, refined yet indulgent, it occupies a rare, sweet spot where craft cocktail culture, coffee culture, and nightlife all collide. From its somewhat cheeky origin story in 1980s London to its current status as a worldwide staple, the Espresso Martini has become a ritual, a symbol of contemporary cocktail sophistication, and a caffeinated bridge between evening and late night. Our rendition is a low abv Espresso Martini and calls for Lustau PX San Emilio, which provides depth and viscosity to this tasty tipple.
COCKTAIL: Espresso Martini
Full Ingredients list
- .75oz (22.5ml) Lustau PX San Emilio
- .75oz (22.5ml) Mr. Black Coffee Liqueur
- 2oz (60ml) Chilled Espresso or Cold Brew Coffee
- Garnish: 3 coffee beans
Recipe author: Steven Dragun
THE ORIGINS OF THE ESPRESSO MARTINI
The Espresso Martini is widely credited to the legendary London bartender Dick Bradsell, often called the father of the modern cocktail renaissance in the UK. Working at Soho’s Fred’s Club in the mid 1980’s, Bradsell was approached by a young model who asked for a drink that would “wake me up—and then f*** me up.” Bradsell combined vodka, fresh espresso, coffee liqueur, and sugar, shaking it into an aromatic, silky, bittersweet potion. He originally called it the Vodka Espresso, but by the 1990s it evolved into the name we know today.
Its timing was perfect: premium vodka was booming, espresso machines were becoming more common in Europe and the US, and the drink bridged the gap between sophistication and hedonism. In essence, it defined the nightlife of its era and continues to do so. At its core, the Espresso Martini succeeds because it harmonizes a couple distinct flavor components: bitterness and roast from fresh espresso, along with sweetness and structure from the coffee liqueur. The Espresso Martini is now firmly part of the modern classic canon: bold, aromatic, and effortlessly stylish. Its magic lies in its balance of caffeine and alcohol, bitterness and sweetness, with a touch of sophistication and indulgence. Whether ordered as a pre-dinner lift or a late-night treat, the Espresso Martini captures a contemporary spirit that few cocktails can match.
WHY PEDRO XIMENEZ IS BEST IN A LOW ABV ESPRESSO MARTINI COCKTAIL?
Pedro ximenez sherry is perfect for a low ABV Espresso Martini because the px mirrors and enhances the flavors of coffee. Notes of dark chocolate, fig, date, molasses, caramel, and roasted espresso are all flavors that pair with coffee. When used in an Espresso Martini, the px behaves like a high-end fruited chocolate sauce, but with more structure and acidity due to the aging of the wine. Additionally, px adds a silky viscosity that enhances the texture of the cocktail, while adding a complex sweetness that transforms the cocktail in a lovely way.
WHAT GLASS IS BEST TO SERVE AN ESPRESSO MARTINI IN?
The Espresso Martini is traditionally served in a coupe glass but could also be served in a Martini glass. The champagne coupe is a shallow, broad-bowled saucer shaped stemmed glass generally capable of containing 180 to 240 ml (6 to 8 US fl oz) of liquid. It first appeared circa 1663, when it was created by Venetian glassmakers employed at a Greenwich glass factory owned by the Duke of Buckingham and became popular within the English high society. It originally became famous through the popularity of pink champagne and the white mousse which accompanied it, both of which were complemented by the saucer-shaped crystal coupe.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO MAKE AN ESPRESSO MARTINI WITH LUSTAU SHERRY?
Creating a Lustau PX Espresso Martini either at home or for a cocktail program is both an enjoyable and cost-effective endeavor.
– Cost-Effective: At approximately $3.33 per serving, crafting this cocktail is roughly the same cost as a traditional Espresso Martini, but the low ABV and added complexity will most likely result in consuming more than one cocktail.
– Controlled Alcohol Content: With an ABV of around 6.9%, the Lustau Low ABV Espresso Martini offers a low alcohol level (reducing alcohol content of the original recipe by 7.4%), making it a luscious choice for various occasions, moods and preferences.
– Customization: By investing in quality ingredients like Lustau PX San Emilio, you can enjoy a sophisticated and delightful cocktail experience in the comfort of your own home or offer a genuine experience for your guests.
Below is a breakdown of the estimated costs and alcohol by volume (ABV) for each ingredient, along with the total cost per serving:
HOW TO PREPARE A LOW ABV ESPRESSO MARTINI WITH LUSTAU PX AT HOME
1. Add all ingredients to a shaking tin
2. Add ice, shake, and strain into a chilled coupe glass
3.Garnish with 3 coffee beans
FAQ
1) What makes this Espresso Martini “low ABV”?
Most low ABV cocktails are generally 10% ABV or less. Our Low ABV Espresso Martini has 6.9% ABV, which falls below the 10% threshold.
How does Lustau PX change the flavor?
Lustau PX changes the flavor by adding depth and complexity to the cocktail. With a flavor profile of dark chocolate, fig, date, molasses, caramel, and roasted espresso, px sherry compliments the flavors of coffee perfectly.
Can I pair it with food or is it just an after-dinner drink?
Food pairings with an Espresso Martini are possible but generally work best with desserts and baked goods. Other less common but equally tasty pairing options are meats, nuts, and cheeses.
What’s the best way to serve a low ABV Espresso Martini?
The Espresso Martini is traditionally served up in a coupe or Martini glass. However, you can enjoy this cocktail over ice in a rocks glass depending on your preference. We recommend trying them both ways and deciding which one you like most.
