Espresso Margarita

By Steve Kilcullen Jump to Recipe

Need a poolside cocktail with a little extra pep this summer? Look no further than the Espresso Margarita.

If you’ve been out to a bar in the last few years, you’ve probably noticed a dark and frothy–looking cocktail being served and enjoyed in great numbers. The Espresso Martini is definitely the drink du jour, and has firmly cemented itself in the popular culture of the 21st century. A potent mixture of vodka and espresso, this drink has kept people up all night.

But the drink’s creation goes further back than that, all the way to the early 1980s. Invented by London bartender Dick Bradsell, the cocktail’s genesis has been surrounded by a fairly popular legend. The story goes that either supermodel Kate Moss or Naomi Campbell came into Bradsell’s bar and demanded he make a drink that will “wake me up, then f— me up.” This, however, has been debunked, as both would have been 9 and 13 respectively at the time the story took place. Whoever that unknown model was (assuming there even WAS a model), a toast should be raised to her raucous request whenever an Espresso Martini is ordered.

And whenever a cocktail becomes a legend, it gives rise to numerous offshoots, which only furthers its reputation. The drink we’re making tonight is just one of those mixtures: the Espresso Margarita.

Over this past weekend we threw a party for a very good friend of mine. Whenever a soiree (or barbecue) is held I’m often recruited to mix up a cocktail or two for everyone. Since this party started early and was going to go well into the night, I suggested an Espresso Martini. But there was a snag… more folks were into tequila than vodka. So I did a little digging and found this amazing and simple recipe that made everybody happy. The good news is that espresso and coffee liqueur play well with the tequila and orange flavors that tend to be found in traditional margaritas.

The tequila and espresso flowed, and the music was as loud as the laughter. Our friend had a fantastic night, one that’ll be remembered for a long, long time. And the next time any of us drink an Espresso Margarita, we’ll be thinking of someone special.

What is the Best Alcohol to Use in an Espresso Margarita?

Choose your favorite orange and coffee liqueur. If you’re new to these ingredients, don’t overthink it; go for a bottle of Kahlua and Grand Marnier… they’re very popular for a reason. In terms of the base spirit, I suggest a crisp and clear blanco tequila. This will mix well with the other ingredients, neither disappearing into or overpowering the other flavors, giving you a deliciously balanced cocktail.

What glass and garnish is used for an Espresso Margarita?

Serve your freshly shaken Espresso Margarita into an ice cube–filled lowball or rocks glass, and pop a few espresso beans on top for garnish. Some use three for good luck.

What’s the difference between this and a Tequila Espresso Martini?

The main difference is the use of simple syrup in the martini version and orange liqueur in this one, which leans it in the direction of a margarita, flavor-wise.

Similar Cocktails to the Espresso Margarita

When I’m on vacation, I’ll be a little naughty and start my day with something strong, and espresso-style cocktails will often hit the spot. They definitely wake you up in more ways than one. If you like drinks that pack a few punches, Twist & Toast has some mouth-watering and easy-to-make recipes for you to try out at home. If the sweeter side of things is what you’re craving, we’ve got you covered, too. Give these a spin and explore the site for even more.

• Espresso Martini – Learn to make the cocktail that seems to be everywhere these days.
• Chocolate Martini – A decadent and rich treat, perfect for after dinner or even before.
• Mudslide Cocktail – Coffee liqueur, vodka and Irish cream come together for this delicious, boozy dessert.
• French Martini – Vodka, pineapple juice, and Chambord create a perfectly sweet and strong elixir.