The Bradsell Legend
In the late 1980s, a young model (rumoured to be Kate Moss, though Bradsell never confirmed it) walked up to the bar at Fred's Club in London and asked Dick Bradsell for something to "wake me up, then f*** me up." He reached for the espresso machine, the vodka bottle, and a shaker. The Espresso Martini — originally called the Vodka Espresso — was born.
The Crema Is Everything
That thick, tawny crema sitting on top of the drink isn't just decoration — it's the signature. To get it right, you need fresh espresso (not cold brew, not instant), and you need to shake hard. The natural oils and sugars in fresh espresso emulsify when shaken, creating that velvety foam. If your crema is thin or non-existent, your espresso wasn't fresh enough.
Coffee Liqueur: The Third Wheel
Kahlúa is the traditional choice — sweet, vanilla-forward, approachable. For something more sophisticated, try Mr Black or Patrón XO Cafe. Mr Black in particular adds an intense, almost cold-brew-like coffee hit without excessive sweetness. Whichever you choose, go easy — 15ml is enough. This drink should taste of espresso, not liqueur.
Pro Tips
- The espresso should be warm, not cold — warm espresso emulsifies better when shaken
- Add the sugar syrup only if needed — taste your espresso first; some are sweet enough on their own
- The three coffee beans represent health, wealth, and happiness — an Italian tradition
