The best espresso martini in London
Coffee and cocktails… Has there ever been a better combination?! While the Espresso Martini is still relatively new on the cocktail scene (invented right here in Soho in 1983), its ever-growing popularity and general deliciousness has earned it a place on almost every cocktail menu in London. But with so much choice, where on earth do you start to find the best?
I’ve tried my fair share of the classic coffee cocktail over the years, and, for the purposes of “research,” I’ve done the “hard” work for you and tried them all (okay, not all of them, but I’m working on it…). So here’s a list of the best-tasting, lip-smacking espresso martinis I’ve tried (so far) in London and where to get your hands on them. It’s a tough job, but someone has to do it…
The New York Bar at The Rubens At The Palace
Is it a cocktail?! Is it a dessert?! One thing’s for sure… we’ll be making our way to the Rubens At The Palace as soon as we possibly can!
A twist on the classic, this Espresso Martini is blended and served over ice in a pipe glass for a truly unique experience. Topped with cream, it’s the perfect dessert cocktail to elevate your evening (and take some seriously cool pics for the ‘gram).
WHERE: 39 BUCKINGHAM PALACE RD, LONDON SW1W 0PS
WEBSITE: WWW.RUBENSHOTEL.COM
Home House
If you’re looking for a classic coffee cocktail that’s made to utter perfection, then make your way to Home House at your earliest possible opportunity.
Shaking together one of the best espresso martinis in all of London, spend your evening in The House Bar sipping the perfectly foamed crema, and nibble on delicious small plates like wagyu sliders and chocolate bombolini.
WHERE: 20 PORTMAN SQUARE, LONDON W1H 6LW
WEBSITE: WWW.HOMEHOUSE.CO.UK
The American Bar at The Stafford
For the very best of American bars, it has to be The Stafford. You only need to try their unique twist on the classics to see that where cocktails are concerned, they’re always top of our list.
The full cocktail menu boasts a selection of both classic and signature libations, and as for their Espresso Martini? Expect it to be served in a unique, long-stemmed coupe as well as being decaffeinated, which means you can drink five in a row without the caffeine-high just before bedtime. Dreamy!
WHERE: 16-18 ST JAMES’S PL, ST. JAMES’S, LONDON SW1A 1NJ
WEBSITE: WWW.THESTAFFORDLONDON.COM/AMERICAN-BAR
Eataly
Eataly’s reputation of serving incredible Italian fare has seen them burst onto the London foodie scene with a bang. And their twist on the classic espresso martini really lives up to the Eatalian hype.
It’s a mocktail (so all of the flavour with none of the consequences – win!), and it’s made with coffee, almond milk, hazelnut cream & bay leaf syrup.
WHERE: 135 BISHOPSGATE, LONDON EC2M 3YD
WEBSITE: WWW.EATALY.CO.UK
Meraki Restaurant & Bar
Looking for a citrus twist on a classic? Then you should make your way to Meraki Restaurant & Bar at your earliest possible convenience to try the Apollo “Belvedere” Martini from their Greek Gods cocktail menu of delights.
They make their mark on the classic espresso martini recipe with Belvedere vodka, coffee liqueur, Hennessy VS Cognac, fresh orange juice and vanilla syrup. It’s the only thing you’ll want to be sipping alongside their delicious Mediterranean food and contemporary interiors.
WHERE: 80-82 GREAT TITCHFIELD ST., LONDON W1W 7QT
WEBSITE: WWW.MERAKI-RESTAURANT.COM
Ricco Lounge
Wandering around Kensington in search of your next caffeinated cocktail fix? You’ll find a little slice of spiced Espresso Martini heaven over at Ricco Lounge.
Order their decadent ‘Greedy Martini’ and expect to be served an incredible concoction of Bacardi Spiced Rum, Spiced Caramel Syrup, Kahlua and Fresh Espresso.
WHERE: 11 RUSSELL GARDENS, LONDON W14 8EZ
WEBSITE: WWW.RICCOLOUNGE.COM
Rake’s Café Bar
Whatever time of day you want your coffee cocktail fix, Rake’s Café Bar on Liverpool Street has you covered for brunch through to dinner and late-night cocktails. The espresso martini comes on request but is just as tasty and brilliantly made as all the signature cocktails on the menu. Expect a classic espresso martini recipe and a delicious one at that.
WHERE: 40 LIVERPOOL ST, LONDON EC2M 7QN
WEBSITE: WWW.RAKESCAFEBAR.CO.UK
Manetta’s Bar at Fleming’s Mayfair
Venture down to Manetta’s Bar at Fleming’s Mayfair for a delicious evening of gulping down some tasty sips. Their Espresso Martini is expertly mixed and punchy, mirroring the bar’s dark, sophisticated colour palette of black upholstery, polished rose gold detailing and opulent red velvet bar stools.
WHERE: 7-12 HALF MOON ST, LONDON W1J 7BH
WEBSITE: WWW.FLEMINGS-MAYFAIR.CO.UK
The Stables Bar at The Milestone Hotel and Residences
Filled with an eclectic mix of equestrian collectables, sophisticated soft furnishings, and paintings from Belgian sporting artist Elie Lambert, the Stables Bar is one unique cocktail haunt, with a creative cocktail menu to match.
Here you can enjoy a vast selection of cocktails, but what you’ll really want to get your hands on is the Midnight Espresso – a twist on the Classic Espresso Martini with cognac, Kahlua, espresso and a dollop of cardamom ice cream.
WHERE: 1-3 KENSINGTON CT, LONDON W8 5DL
WEBSITE: WWW.MILESTONEHOTEL.COM
Aqua Spirit
Join Aqua Spirit, hidden high above Oxford Circus, for a menu of classic and creative cocktails. From the deep and sumptuous to the wicked and spicy, you’re bound to find your perfect fit.
Their signature Espresso Martini, which mixes Ketel One vodka, espresso, Kahlua and sugar syrup makes the perfect caffeinated drink to toast the night away.
WHERE: 44 FLOOR, 32 ARGYLL ST, LONDON W1F 7EB
WEBSITE: WWW.AQUASPIRIT.CO.UK
London Cabaret Club
The London Cabaret Club are renowned for their cocktails, including the infamous Espresso Martini.
Expertly crafted by their talented and experienced bartenders, this classic and delicious cocktail can be enjoyed alongside their incredible cabaret show for a sophisticated evening of espresso-fuelled entertainment.
WHERE: VICTORIA HOUSE, BLOOMSBURY SQUARE, LONDON WC1B 4DA
WEBSITE: WWW.THELONDONCABARETCLUB.COM
By the Handbook
The New York Bar at The Rubens At The Palace
Home House
The American Bar at The Stafford
Eataly
Meraki Restaurant & Bar
Ricco Lounge
Rake’s Café Bar
Manetta’s Bar at Fleming’s Mayfair
The Stables Bar at The Milestone Hotel and Residences
Aqua Spirit
London Cabaret Club
