Overview: The 2020s have established the espresso martini as the defining cocktail of the decade, with popularity skyrocketing over the past several years. While the pairing of coffee and spirits dates back more than a century, modern iterations offer infinite variations beyond the classic vodka base. This overview explores specific preparations available in Las Vegas and New Orleans.
The Full Story
The classic espresso martini combines vodka and espresso with liqueur, but the concept lends itself to infinite variations. The base could be rum, mezcal, tequila, or bourbon; the liqueur, flavored with coffee, espresso, vanilla, caramel, or amaretto. Jonah Gibbs, beverage director for Bar Boheme and Petite Boheme, notes that coffee has always been a solid cocktail component. Stirred drinks like old fashioned and Manhattan variations take to coffee really well.
Las Vegas establishments have embraced this trend with distinct interpretations. Palate makes a classic version, with house-made coffee-infused vodka and espresso. At Bourbon Steak by Michael Mina, Pátron Reposado is echoed in XO Cafe Coffee Liqueur and spiked with mole bitters and pistachio. The Capital Grille’s variation gets a double dose of the good stuff with both espresso and espresso liqueur added to vodka.
Vegas Vickie’s offers two takes: traditional with vodka, Kahlua, and espresso; and “grandissimo,” with vanilla-infused tequila, cold brew liqueur, and espresso spiked with saffron and garnished with gold leaf. Nocturno’s most interesting variation eschews vodka for mezcal and a hint of apricot.
Production & Profile
Technical specifications vary significantly across these locations. The Capital Grille adds a double dose of espresso and espresso liqueur to vodka, while Vegas Vickie’s traditional version uses Kahlua alongside the base spirits. Nocturno eschews vodka for mezcal and includes a hint of apricot. Bourbon Steak by Michael Mina utilizes Pátron Reposado in XO Cafe Coffee Liqueur, spiked with mole bitters and pistachio.
Other notable preparations include Jive Turkey’s Frozen Irish Coffee alternative described as a vodka-based Frappuccino in New Orleans. Gitchie Gitchie at Petite Boheme shakes up vodka with cognac-whiskey-derived Villion liqueur, China China liqueur, chocolate and coffee. The Carajillo is a simple, sophisticated cocktail made from espresso and Licor43, a Spanish vanilla-forward herbal liqueur.
Brand & Industry History
Drew D’Errico, director of wine and spirits at Resorts World, states that in some form, the pairing of coffee and spirits dates back more than a century. While the 2000s were associated with the Cosmopolitan and the 2010s with the Moscow Mule, the current era sees the espresso martini taking center stage. This evolution highlights how classic components adapt to modern preferences for alcohol and caffeine combinations.
What This Means
The drink’s popularity has skyrocketed over the past several years, marking the 2020s as the decade of the Espresso Martini. This shift indicates a sustained consumer interest in combining the buzzes of alcohol and caffeine. The trend suggests that while the core pairing is established, innovation continues to expand the boundaries of what constitutes a standard espresso martini.
Consumer Takeaway
Drinkers seeking this experience can choose between classic vodka-based mixes or explore unique bases like mezcal, tequila, and rum. Options range from simple preparations using Licor43 to complex variations featuring mole bitters, pistachio, and gold leaf garnishes. Local establishments offer specific profiles, such as the 1677 Stout and Easy Briessy Porter from Las Vegas Brewing Company, which feature flavors of coffee and cocoa or an espresso-dark chocolate vibe.
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