What is the Espresso Martini Effect?

Friday, March 15 is National Espresso Martini Day and, while there’s a food holiday for just about every day on the calendar, this one is worth celebrating — especially since this cocktail is worthy of celebration.

Like many cocktails, the origins of the espresso martini come with speculation, but the best story is this one: Back in the 1980s when supermodels ruled the world, bartender Dick Bradsell was working the trendy bars in London’s SoHo neighborhood when one such supermodel (Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss have both been named as possible suspects) asked Bradsell for a cocktail.

Bradsell obliged with a drink of coffee mixed with sugar syrup and vodka, shaken up, according to GQ Magazine.

Today, the espresso martini is the second most popular cocktail, bested only by the Old Fashioned, according to Liquor.com.

The espresso martini is popular because it’s simply a delicious drink: Beautiful to look at (as most martinis are), sweet and smooth, and a sinful mix of caffeine and alcohol. It’s suitable for almost any occasion be it brunch, aperitif, after dinner, or just because.

This brings us to the espresso martini effect that I have witnessed firsthand many times (and have participated in): One person at a table or the bar will order an espresso martini and suddenly everyone wants one.

The phenomenon usually occurs after a meal when it’s time for coffee. One person will opt for an espresso martini instead of a cappuccino and suddenly everyone eschews their caffeine order for the martini. It’s happened to me many times whether I initiate or follow the lead. And, it’s always a good choice.

This leads to the rumor that bartenders hate making espresso martinis. “Only shitty bartenders hate making espresso martinis,” says Ben Potts, co-founder of the hospitality consulting firm, Unfiltered Hospitality, adding, “Making one is no different from a lemon drop — just sub lemon for espresso, essentially.”

So go ahead and toast to the espresso martini either at your favorite bar (I promise your bartender is perfectly happy to make one for you).

Or make one at home with this simple recipe.

Traditional Espresso Martini

1 oz J.F. Haden's Espresso Liqueur (or substitute any espresso liqueur)
1 oz cold brew or coffee
1 oz Vodka

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
Add espresso liqueur, cold brew or coffee, and vodka to the shaker.
Shake vigorously for about 10 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
Garnish with coffee beans or chocolate shavings, if desired.