AN ESPRESSO MARTINI WITH A TWIST

By: Chloe Osborn

The espresso martini, the must-have drink to ensure a good time by simultaneously waking you up and keeping you up, is a combination of people’s two favorite things — coffee and vodka. The drink has single-handedly supported a vibrant nightlife for decades leaving a mark on the hearts and taste buds of coffee lovers, cocktail enthusiasts, and partygoers alike who have had the pleasure of experiencing it.

Many of us have been influenced to try the popular espresso martini, which recently has been featured all over our social media feeds, which has had a bit of a resurgence. Its blend of the bitter and acidic flavors of espresso, coupled with the smoothness of vodka has become a symbol of cosmopolitan culture. As one begins to order, the bartender likely groans and returns the request with a facial expression begging you to order something else (because he probably has already made hundreds throughout the night). Some of the best (in this case: forgettable) nights have started in a bar with a sip of an espresso martini and ended with an extremely large tab we quiver at while closing.

The ambiguity surrounding the origins of the martini has contributed to its popularity. The story goes that legendary bartender Dick Bradshell invented the modern classic when a supermodel, speculated to be Naomi Campbell or Kate Moss, requested a drink that could, “wake me up, then f*** me up.” On the spot, Bradshell grabbed his magic silver shaker and began mixing fresh espresso, vodka, coffee liqueur, and sugar together. Little did anyone know that Bradshell had just created a drink that would do precisely that. From then on, the drink became a staple in bars around the globe.

With the recipe so standardized, it leaves a great desire to find one that stands out from the rest. Good Night Kenny in Poughkeepsie, NY is home to a noteworthy espresso martini that contains a very subtle twist, both literally and figuratively. Not only does this bar serve an array of exceptional drinks, as every sip leaves you wanting more, but it also has a euphoric ambiance. When stepping into Good Night Kenny, one is met with the harmonious sound of glasses clinking, the laughter of friends, and exceptional music.

While espresso martinis are typically made with a shot of fresh espresso, Good Night Kenny opts for cold brew, as it possesses the coffee flavor without the overwhelming bitterness of the espresso. The cold brew is balanced by the sweetness of coffee liqueur and sugar. However, it is the inclusion of a single expressed lemon peel that elevates the martini to a new level. With the first sip, one experiences a delightful hint of citrus, that proves to be a welcomed surprise when paired with the rich coffee flavor. The lemon peel and citrus flavors cut through the richness of the espresso, leaving behind a smooth finish.

The espresso martini with a twist is a true reflection of the art of mixology. This martini proves that despite the fact that the original recipe is rather simple, little additions like an expressed lemon peel can add refreshing dimension to a modern classic. While an espresso martini can easily be made at home, it is crucial to consider that in order to truly experience the delight of the drink, one needs to be in a bar surrounded by friends and strangers predicting the night’s ultimate conclusion, as there is something so intoxicating about experiencing the drink in a bar where excitement fills the air.