How To Elevate Your Aesthetic With The Espresso Martini
Ft: The Pumpkin Spice Espresso Martini
October 23, 2023
By Haley Holt
Image by Haley Holt
The question you didn't know you needed the answer to, how To elevate your aesthetic with the adored Espresso Martini?
We thought you would never ask.
Picture London in the 1980s, an era known for eccentric fashion and equally flamboyant cocktails. It was in a thriving nightlife scene that the Espresso Martini was born, thanks to the creative genius of a certain, Dick Bradsell.
The story goes that a supermodel walked into his bar and asked for a drink that would "wake her up and f*** her up." That's quite the brief, isn't it? And thus, the Espresso Martini was conceived – a harmonious blend of vodka, coffee liqueur, and a freshly brewed espresso shot, shaken with ice, and strained into a chilled martini glass.
Absolute perfection. Moving on!
Image by Laura Chouette
It's the drink of choice for those who are unapologetically themselves.
Those who embrace life's caffeinated chaos, and those who know that in the world of beverages, there's always room for a bit of fun and a lot of flavor.
Did you know the espresso martini typically attracts a certain type of character? Which one are you ...
The Night Owl with a 9-to-5. The Espresso Martini is a savior for the working class heroes who pull double shifts. The night owl takes their first sip of our delicate but strong cocktail thinking to themselves, “Not all heroes wear capes”, obviously. One moment they're taking the wrath from the big boss, the next they're shaking it all on the dance floor.
The Coffee Connoisseur. For those who can appreciate a finely brewed cup, as well as a well-crafted cocktail, the Espresso Martini is a match made in heaven. They know that life is too short to choose between caffeine and cocktails.
The Unapologetic Socialite. This person thrives on the electrifying atmosphere of the night. They want to make every moment count and the Espresso Martini is their secret weapon to stay awake and entertain until dawn.
The "Adulting is Hard" Crew. This group knows that adulthood can be a relentless marathon. For those who need a little adulting detox and desire to channel their inner child, their wild side, the Espresso Martini is the perfect playground.
The Tasteful Trendsetter. This crowd doesn't just follow trends; they set them. Sipping on an Espresso Martini is a statement of their stylish and sophisticated taste. To them, it’s a right of passage.
Then Along came the spice … pumpkin spice.
Image by Heather Baxter
Introducing the pumpkin spice, that irresistible autumnal elixir, has a gravitational pull that defies the laws of flavor. When it makes its grand entrance into an Espresso Martini, the result is nothing short of legendary. It's like your taste buds have been granted a backstage pass to the greatest show on Earth.
Pumpkin spice's charming blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and a dash of pumpkin coziness, dances a tantalizing tango with the robust kick of espresso and the mischievous allure of a martini. It's the ultimate flavor love triangle, and we're all here for the delicious drama.
Sipping a Pumpkin Spice Espresso Martini is like attending the atmosphere of The Great Gatsby's parties- elegant, extravagant, wild, and opulent.
Image By Marvin Meyer
So, when your palate craves a flavorful spectacle, this cocktail takes center stage, and it's a showstopper every single time.
Making the drink can be simple or complex, just like the people who drink it.
The Perfect Espresso Martini Recipe:
The perfect recipe exists and so do the beans. We generally rock with the Illy Espresso Bean (medium roast described flavors of caramel, orange blossom, and jasmine blend) and LavAzza Espresso Italian (medium roast described flavors of hazelnut and chocolate blend), you won’t regret it.
In a cocktail shaker, add pumpkin spice syrup, coffee liqueur, espresso, and vodka - shake vigorously (to create that frothy head)
Strain into your favorite coupe glass
Garnish with espresso spice and three espresso beans
*MacKenzie-Childs Courtly Check Cocktail Shaker and Cocktail Set
One of the espresso martini's trademarks is three coffee beans on the top, and yes, those beans serve a purpose. They are described as representing health, wealth, and happiness. Therefore when friends, lovers, or relatives are having a toast while drinking espresso martinis, a celebration is always materializing.
Image by Nahima Aparicio
* Note that you can always purchase a pre-made pumpkin spice syrup but Evie Negri-Albert depicts a perfect performance for whipping up your own.
Overall, there is an undeniable aesthetic about the notorious Espresso Martini persona so we ran with it, enjoy.
When it’s time to serve an Espresso Martini:
Coasters - Include the Radicaln Marble in green, the Antique Russian Bessarabian, and MacKenzie-Childs Courtly Check Round Cork-Back coasters
Napkins - Keep it simple with the deluxe chocolate brown or the hilarious and much appreciated Anne Taintor choice, apotheosizing the ‘spicy’ in pumpkin spice
Serving trays - Include the Kermina Suzani boho style, Anthropologies known and beloved bistro tile, the eminent black & white hexagon floral, or again the Radicaln Marble serving tray; staple piece
Glassware - The staple in presentation, includes the Vintage Art Deco Coupe Ribbed for the dash of prominent color, showy elegance for the coupe glass with Gold Rim, or the perfect moody cocktail glass with the Eve Smoke Coupe
*Speaking of the tasteful trendsetter we are starting to adore a sophisticated dark brow ribbon for a bow around the glass.
Image by Haley Holt
Machine lovers make it easy with the Nespresso maker and the capsules for the avid coffee consumers.
The Aesthetic Mood of Espresso Martini Chic:
Convivial artwork - Includes our simple look of an elegant Espresso Martini Cocktail painting, the beloved Moka with the appealable caption “Of Course Size Matters”, the abstract side of the espresso, and the Apré Ski inspired artwork
For a centerpiece or bar cart - The Vogue Cocktail book or The Art of Crafting Tasty & Timeless Cocktails
Rich decor - The endless options for checkered deep brown blankets and throws we adore
The candle light - The Full Mood Orange + Cedar and the Nest Pumpkin Chia both inspire to set the mood
*Coming together, we announce the ultimate cigar pairing being La Aroma de Cuba Mi Amor; the tasting notes of cracked black pepper, almonds, and fresh espresso culminate in a sweet and earthy finish
Image by Sebastian Coman
The Aesthetic Attire of Espresso Martini Chic:
Attire - When we think about the typical Espresso Martini night, it’s surfaced around the LY VAREY LIN Leather Jacket and Calvin Klein’s Jotty Riding Boot - both a statement, similar to the elite cocktail
Fragrance - KORRES Mountain Pepper Eau de Toilette brings a refreshing and spicy scent that combines sweet mountain pepper, and bergamot, with moss and wood while
Maison Margiela Replica Coffee Break evokes the memory of a break from a high energy hustle and bustle of the city at a warm slow coffee
Nail color - from Essie 26- Take the Espresso color to Hermes 95- Brun Bistre
Image by Haley Holt
*If you make it to a gym after a night of martinis or even find the motivation for a quick home pilates workout, the Varley Coffee bean top and bottom are considered a first-class work set
In essence, the unmistakable aesthetic of the infamous Espresso Martini persona is undeniable, and we fully embraced it. With the emerge of this significant trendsetter, we are able to elevate our aesthetic and captivate a personality sophistication. So, indulge and revel in its allure.
Thoughts? Comment below!
