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Why is the Espresso Martini back in the spotlight
The Espresso Martini is strongly back in the spotlight, earning its place once again on the menus of the world’s leading cocktail bars. But what lies behind the perfect balance between the bold character of freshly brewed espresso and the purity of vodka?
In this exclusive interview, Leonardo, Coffee Trainer at Flair Academy Milan, shares the technical secrets behind the cocktail, explores the latest market trends and explains why Russian Standard Vodka is the ideal choice for creating a perfectly balanced Espresso Martini—whether behind the bar or at home.
Today we’re taking a closer look at one of the biggest trends in modern mixology: the rise of the Espresso Martini. Leonardo, why has this cocktail become a must-have on cocktail menus once again?
The Espresso Martini’s renewed popularity reflects two major trends that have reshaped the drinks industry over the past decade: the rise of the Third Wave Coffee movement and an increasingly sophisticated approach to cocktail making. Today’s consumers expect more than just a well-made drink. They’re looking for premium ingredients, distinctive flavour profiles and a story behind every serve. The Espresso Martini brings all of these elements together. It bridges the gap between coffee culture and cocktail culture, combining the energy of espresso with the elegance of a perfectly balanced after-dinner drink. At Flair Academy, we see students becoming fascinated by the technical challenge the cocktail presents. Successfully combining the warmth of freshly extracted espresso with the icy precision of a shaker to achieve a smooth, velvety texture is a skill that demands both technique and attention to detail.
The Story of the Espresso Martini: From Soho to a Global Classic
The origins of the Espresso Martini have become almost legendary. Can you tell us how it all began?
The story begins in Soho, London, during the vibrant cocktail scene of the 1980s. While working at the iconic Fred’s Club, legendary bartender Dick Bradsell was approached by a well-known fashion model with a memorable request: she wanted a drink that would “wake me up, then mess me up.” Inspired on the spot, Bradsell combined freshly brewed espresso with vodka, creating a cocktail he originally called the Vodka Espresso. As Martini glasses became increasingly fashionable throughout the 1990s, the cocktail naturally evolved into what we now know as the Espresso Martini—a modern classic that continues to inspire bartenders and coffee lovers around the world.
At Flair Academy, you place great emphasis on ingredient quality. What role does vodka play in an Espresso Martini?
Vodka is the backbone of the cocktail. Many people assume that the intensity of the coffee masks the character of the spirit, but the opposite is true. A well-crafted vodka should enhance the espresso, bringing balance and structure without overshadowing its aromas. That’s exactly why we choose Russian Standard Vodka. Its exceptionally clean profile and remarkable smoothness allow the coffee to take centre stage while giving the cocktail clarity, balance and elegance. Filtered through charcoal to achieve outstanding purity, Russian Standard Vodka supports the rich flavours of the espresso without introducing harsh or intrusive notes.
The result is an Espresso Martini with a silky mouthfeel, refined balance and a clean finish that naturally invites another sip.
Creating the Perfect Espresso Martini Foam
The cocktail’s signature is its rich, velvety foam. Leonardo, what’s the secret behind getting it just right?
It all comes down to creating the perfect emulsion.
The natural oils released by freshly brewed espresso react with the dramatic temperature change during shaking, producing the dense, creamy foam that defines a well-made Espresso Martini.
Three elements are essential:
- Freshly brewed espresso – The coffee must be extracted immediately before mixing to preserve its crema and aromatic oils.
- Sugar syrup – More than simply adding sweetness, it helps stabilise the foam, giving it greater consistency and longevity.
- A vigorous hard shake – Shake energetically for at least 10–12 seconds to incorporate air and achieve the cocktail’s signature silky texture.
If the vodka is properly chilled—as is the case with Russian Standard Vodka—the result is a dense, velvety foam with a texture reminiscent of dark chocolate mousse.
The Professional Espresso Martini Recipe
Here’s the recipe we teach at Flair Academy, carefully balanced to highlight the clean character of Russian Standard Vodka.
Ingredients
- 45 ml Russian Standard Vodka
- 30 ml freshly brewed espresso
- 15 ml coffee liqueur
- 7.5–15 ml sugar syrup/strong> (adjust according to the sweetness of the coffee liqueur and personal preference)
Method
1. Chill the glass
Begin by chilling a Martini glass to ensure the cocktail is served at the ideal temperature.
2. Brew the espresso
Prepare the espresso immediately before mixing to preserve its crema, aromatic oils and freshness.
3. Shake
Add all the ingredients to a shaker filled with fresh ice and shake vigorously until the shaker is well chilled.
4. Double strain
Fine strain into the chilled glass to achieve a perfectly smooth surface and an even, compact foam.
5. Garnish
Finish with the traditional three coffee beans—a classic garnish said to symbolise health, wealth and happiness.
The Future of Coffee Cocktails
What do you see as the next step for the Espresso Martini—and for vodka in modern mixology?
Personalisation will undoubtedly shape the future. Bartenders are increasingly exploring regional interpretations and signature twists that add a distinctive identity to this contemporary classic. One example is introducing a small measure of Gancia Rosso Vermouth, adding subtle herbal complexity and a new layer of aromatic depth. At the same time, consumer habits continue to evolve. Today’s guests are drinking more consciously, embracing the philosophy of “drink less, drink better.” They want to understand the provenance of the spirits they enjoy, the story behind the coffee they taste and the craftsmanship that brings every cocktail together. At Flair Academy, we believe professional bartenders should be able to tell those stories with the same confidence and passion they bring to making the drink itself.
I look forward to welcoming you to Flair Academy in Milan, where we continue to train the next generation of bartenders and share the techniques, knowledge and passion behind professional mixology.
About FLAIR ACADEMY
Founded in 2003, Flair Academy has established itself as one of Italy’s leading institutions for professional beverage education.
Driven by a commitment to excellence, the Academy combines practical training with industry expertise, helping bartenders develop the technical skills, confidence and professionalism required in today’s hospitality industry.
Working alongside experienced trainers, respected industry professionals and prestigious partners, Flair Academy offers advanced training programmes designed to meet the demands of an increasingly competitive beverage market.
https://www.flairacademy.it/