The origins of the espresso martini are said to have started in Soho in 1983 at the bar of Dick Bradsell. After a request from a customer who wanted a drink that would "wake her up, and f*ck her up", Bradsell smashed together coffee and vodka and the rest was history. Nowadays it's commonplace on any cocktail bar menu, with everywhere from uptown restaurants to your local 'spoons offering to shake one up for you. But, if you really want to see where this classic cocktail can go, we've selected some spots to scope out the best espresso martinis in London.
Dovetail Bar is the understated gem of Clapton. With its sleek design, intimate atmosphere, and expertly curated drinks menu, it's a local favourite for those in the know. The bartenders are skilled and passionate, always eager to craft the perfect cocktail to match your mood.
You'll find one of the best espresso martinis in the city here for £11 - made with Eristoff, Kahlua and salted espresso, it truly is a stunner.
Situated underneath the Everyman Cinema, Happy Face King's Cross is an all-day destination for drinking and dining. It's a bright and airy space that cooks up authentic Italian fare, from Neapolitan pizzas to lasagne or aubergine parmigiana.
Head downstairs to their secret cocktail bar, Supermax, to discover an Italian, 1970s-inspired haunt that serves beautifully crafted concoctions. You'll find some of the best espresso martinis around here, as well as a range of signature concoctions.
If you're looking for a fun twist on the classic cocktail then head over to Farringdon party bar Piano Works. The non-stop music hub serves its own take on the espresso martini, switching in Black Fire tequila coffee liqueur and vanilla-infused vodka.
One of Islington's most innovative cocktail bars, you'd better believe this Wonderland-inspired space has more than a few twists in its espresso martini tale. Taking its name from a Neil Gaiman story, the Anansi Espresso is a unique concoction of Bulleit rye, Punt e Mes, coffee and maraschino liqueurs, espresso and cherry.
Cloudy skies aside, summer has already come to Archer Street SW11. Venture down to their basement tiki bar for a Myki Beach cocktail that adds a scoop of delicious ice cream into an English Harbour Rum espresso martini for a sweet and creamy finish to your favourite drink.
Known for its sublime drinks selection, its no surprise that The Cocktail Club is one of the best places for espresso martinis in London. Head over to their haunts during happy hour, where you can catch these coffee-rich sips for a bargain price.
For a fun girl's night out, head to the swish Chesterfield Mayfair for an unforgettable cocktail experience. Sip on a caramel espresso martini which is a mix of Absolut vodka, Kahlua, coffee and syrup - the perfect sweet treat.
Keeping things simple with Eristoff, Kahlua, fresh espresso and a dash of vanilla syrup, The Old Compton Brasserie's espresso martini is the only thing you'll want to be sipping alongside their delicious food and eye-popping interiors.
If you're looking to embrace the New York vibes, head to this bar inside The Rubens at the Palace. Its espresso martini is a must-have, which is an excellent mix of Absolut Blue Vodka and Kahlua. Pair with an array of classic, Champagne and signature cocktails or vintage mocktail martinis.
Featuring a swish bar and over 60 cocktails, it's no surprise that Bbar are whipping up some of the best espresso martinis in London. Using a Japanese shaking technique and fresh coffee, it's a real winner when it comes to the classic tipple.
Perched above the vibrant streets of Shoreditch, KASO Rooftop Bar & Kitchen is where East London energy meets sky-high indulgence. This urban oasis blends panoramic city views with a laid-back yet stylish atmosphere, making it the perfect spot for after-work drinks, weekend lounging, or a night out with a little extra edge.
For those who love a classic with a twist, the East-Presso Martini is a game-changer. This isn't just an espresso martini - it's a rich, velvety blend of Kavka vodka and bold espresso, with a smoky hint of black cardamom for an unexpected kick. Smooth, aromatic, and dangerously drinkable, it's the perfect fuel for a sky-high night out in Shoreditch.
A stylish hotel haunt in East London, The Dixon Hotel fronts The Courtroom Bar. Along with truffle chips, crispy squid and other bar snacks, the watering hole also has a killer espresso martini, made up of in-house roasted coffee beans.
High above the buzz of Leicester Square, 8 at The Londoner is where Japanese elegance meets sky-high sophistication. This exclusive rooftop izakaya blends sleek, contemporary style with the warmth of traditional Japanese hospitality, offering a spectacular setting across three stunning spaces. Whether you're soaking up the city views from the terrace, sipping under the stars in the Shima Garden, or unwinding in the chic Japanese bar, this is one of London's most breathtaking drinking and dining experiences.
And if you're after a cocktail that's as refined as the setting, the Espresso Goma is an absolute must-try. This isn't your standard espresso martini - it's a next-level fusion of Hojicha vodka, espresso, and kokuto sugar, enriched with the umami depth of amari seaweed, black Cynar, and Montenegro. It's rich, complex, and totally unique - just like 8 at The Londoner itself.
In the mood for a class espresso martini? Head over to Common Late, a vintage apothecary tipple house on The Pavement. Exuding romance, warmth and the best cosy vibes in town, this intimate bar serves bespoke cocktails such as their signature-style espresso martini made with Peruvian caturra bean and Rye whisky, as well as light bites like delish charcuterie selections.
Looking to get fancy with your cocktails? The Milestone Hotel and Residences is a brilliant shout. Their Midnight Espresso is a twist on a classic; filled with cognac, Kahlua, coffee and topped with a scoop of cardamom ice cream. *Drool*
On Mare Street, you'll discover one of the most curious bars in the city serving up a sensational espresso martini. The Absinthe Parlour At The Last Tuesday Society is an intimate den full of eclectic ornaments, from taxidermy to scorpions in glass cabinets. Venture further into the colourful wonderland, past a luminous fish tank, to take a seat in a plush, red velvet booth and order a chocolate absinthe espresso martini. Perfect.
For cracking classic cocktails, you've gotta get your butt over to Homeboy in Islington. Ever the popular watering hole, this stylish bar is a fantastic place to enjoy a powerful espresso martini or two in a seriously cosy setting.
Sure, everyone raves about the food, but its Dishoom's Monsoon Martini that makes us weak at the knees. Catuai espresso comes 'vivified' with Luksusowa, chilli liqueur, walnut bitters and the perfect crema. And so what if you're having a night off the sauce, they've also concocted the Dry Monsoon Martini that loses the booze but none of the flavour.
Tucked away in the heart of London, Chiave is where underground beats meet top-tier hospitality. Founded by Istanbul-born duo Selin and Cem, this stylish hideaway is more than just a bar - it's a love letter to music, culture, and the city's electric nightlife. Inspired by their passion for deep house, techno, and the underground scene (they also run the independent label Fake Society), they've crafted a sleek, intimate space where expertly made cocktails flow as effortlessly as the music.
And if you're after a cocktail with a story, the Alla Turca Jazz is the one to order. A Turkish-inspired take on the espresso martini, it blends Drop Works Rum with bold, aromatic Turkish coffee, delivering a rich, bittersweet punch. The finishing touch? A delicate lokum (Turkish delight) garnish, adding just the right hint of indulgence.
Based at the Bloomberg Arcade, this slick sports bar and restaurant from the team behind Gymkhana has taken their espresso martini love one step further and got them on tap. Pouring out the good stuff by the gallon, it's the perfect pairing for some of their sublime Indian BBQ.
A cafe-bar hybrid, The Black Cab Coffee Co is a no-brainer for places to drink espresso martinis in London. Head over to the Nine Elms beauty on a Friday and sip on three flavoured caffeinated cocktails for a wallet-friendly price with your number ones.
If you're looking for the classic concoction done good then you should be making your way to Grind at your earliest possible convenience. A double shot of their house blend comes laced with Finlandia vodka and a touch of sugar syrup for a cold, refreshing cocktail designed for leisurely sipping. But if you are going for something a little bit more experimental, their Flat White Russian is a must-try.
Located in the vibrant heart of St James, PIRAÑA isn't just a dining destination - it's a journey into the seductive mystique of the deep sea, crafted by the visionary Strongarm Hospitality Group. With its textured, oceanic walls, lofty ceilings awash in mesmerizing shades of blue, and fluid, wave-like design elements, every inch of the space evokes the opulence and enigma of the underwater realm.
You'll find not one but seven espresso martinis on the drinks list here, ranging from classic concoctions to chocolate orange flavour sips. There's even a coffee margarita made with Volcan Blanco tequila and Cointreau, garnished with a dry lime.
Floating above Broadgate Circle, Los Mochis London City is where Mexican vibrancy meets Japanese precision in a dining experience like no other.
And when it comes to cocktails, the Mezcal Espresso Martini is an absolute showstopper. A smoky, sultry twist on the classic, this beauty blends The Lost Explorer Mezcal, Ojo de Dios Cafe Mezcal, espresso, and Mr. Black Coffee Liqueur into a velvety, rich, and slightly fiery masterpiece. It's smooth, it's bold, and it's got just the right kick - much like Los Mochis itself.
Sitting pretty above The Strand if its booze and views you're looking for then Radio Rooftop offers the best of both. But for a real taste of the high life, get their Grey Goose and vanilla mousse espresso martini into your life for the lightest and most decadent take on the classic that we've found so far.
