Wanna get straight down to business? The Espresso Martini is the multitasker’s dream. Promising to wake you up and f*ck you up it’s the sexiest way to get your booze and caffeine fix in one fell swoop. Be the last man grinding, these are the bars that’re doing it right.
Looking for someone to thank for this marvellous concoction? Head to the Baja Rooms beneath El Camion where the legend Dick Bradsell, creator of the drink, owned and worked for years. He invented the Espresso Martini at Brasserie Soho in 1983 so it goes without saying that you'll be getting the real deal here.
25 – 27 Brewer Street, London W1F 0RR
Drinks industry aficionado Tim Oakley’s East Dulwich ‘neighbourhood bar’ is becoming well known for its pimped up classics list. Espresso Martinis are served artfully and however the hell you want them, but Tim recommends wobbling out on a limb and going for rum instead of the usual vodka.
123 Lordship Lane, East Dulwich, London, SE22 8HU
Fresher than wet paint Ask For Janice is the graffitied, bare brick bar that sprung up out of Kench and Bibsey’s grave. Here Espresso Martinis are made using Coleman Coffee created by Jack Coleman. He grew up in a flat above the first Monmouth coffee shop, worked there and finally helped set up Fernadez & Wells before going it alone. Apparently a decent local brew makes a damn good Martini, who knew?
50-52 Long Lane, London EC1A 9EJ
Want to ball hard on Broadway Market? Drink your Espresso Martini with Patron, like a boss. The boys from Ruby’s took over the Cat & Mutton this year and hipsters have been drinking cleverer ever since. Call in sick, you’re not going home until sunrise.
76 Broadway Market, London, E8 4QJ
“Sex, coffee and rock and roll” screams the sign above the door; OK then. A coffee shop by day and cocktail joint by night, when it comes to killing two birds with one stone these guys are murderous. Setting you back no more than a fiver, Espresso Martinis here are the best way to win on a budget.
19 Beak St, London, W1F 9RP