Seven spots for Espresso Martinis in Seattle

Do you like to drink Espresso Martinis? This classic cocktail is a blend of vodka, espresso, coffee liqueur, and simple syrup. This drink will wake you up and give you a buzz. But not only that, Espresso Martinis taste just so darn good. They're a nice drink to have for a lunch date, or at brunch. I've never had one after 3 pm, because I'd be up late. Caffeine messes with my sleep if I have it past 3 pm or so. 

Espresso Martinis gained popularity in 2022, but the original was created in 1983 by a bartender in London by the name of Dick Bradsell. He had a young model at his bar who asked for a drink that would "wake here up". In the 1990's the models Naomi Cambell and Kate Moss would drink them. 

You can find an Espresso Martini at most bars. Here are the seven spots in Seattle where I've had them over the last two years. 

The Espresso Martini from Von's 1,000 Spirits is so good! Highly recommend this one. 

The one at the Fonte Bar in downtown Seattle is also notable. They have two kinds to choose from. Plus, they have an outdoor patio with city views. 

Joey, they have multiple locations in the Seattle area, also serve a solid Espresso Martini. The one on their current menu has one with Screwball Peanut Butter Whiskey. 

If you've never visited the Starbucks Reserve in Seattle, you've gotta go. They have a bar with espresso cocktails and other drinks, like the Old Fashioned pictured here. My husband can attest to this one being solid. Not only do they have classic Espresso Martinis, but currently you can order a Pumpkin Spice Espresso Martini. And that's what I ordered recently. It even had Pumpkin whipped cream on top. This one went down easily and tasted delicious. 

A classic Espresso Martini from the Starbucks Reserve store in Seattle's SODO area. 

An Espresso Martini at brunch! Last year for Father's Day we had brunch in West Seattle at Jak's Grill. This one wasn't as classic since it had chocolate syrup on the glass, but it was tasty nonetheless. 

This one from Can Bar in West Seattle was simple, but still good! The bartender only used vodka and espresso, I'm guessing. 

And finally, last but not least, is the Espresso Martini from Olympic Bar in downtown Seattle at the Fairmont Olympic Hotel. This was my first time trying one and it was the best one I've tried. This was for my 40th Birthday, so it was memorable! 

If you like coffee drinks and also cocktails, at the same time, you'd love an Espresso Martini! I've never tried to make one at home, but if you want to try your hand creating one, here is a recipe. Cheers! 

Espresso Martini

Recipe adapted from Taste of Home. I found the recipe here. 

Makes one drink. 

Ingredients:

Ice Cubes

2 ounces Vodka

1 ounce brewed, cooled espresso or cold-brew coffee

1/2 ounce coffee liqueur

1/2 ounce simple syrup, optional

3 coffee beans for garnish

Directions:

Add ingredients to a shaker. Fill a cocktail shaker three quarters full of ice. Pour in vodka, cooled espresso, coffee liqueur, and simple syrup. Shake your cocktail shaker for about ten to fifteen seconds, until condensation begins to form on the shaker. Strain the liquid into a martini glass. Garnish with coffee beans if desired, then serve right away.