CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The espresso martini is having a moment: Both the New York Times and Forbes recently hailed the return of the iconic libation. The drink’s origins are rumored to trace. back to 1983 when British bartender Dick Bradsel dreamt up a solution when a famous model requested a drink that would wake her up and mess her up at Fred’s Club in London. Popular in the ‘90s, the classic java cocktail is back again, showcased on drink menus all over, including at Cleveland’s best cocktail locales.
Initially granted the moniker “vodka espresso,” iterations of the trendy cocktail dominate brunch and happy hour menus. The handcrafted drink was made famous, yet again, in recent years, as reality stars on Bravo’s salacious “Summer House” regularly imbibed in the caffeinated concoction; espresso martinis are now part of the reality stars’ premium canned beverage line, Lover Boy.
Kahlúa also now sells the beverage ready-to-drink in a can. Adding to the trend, coffee giant Starbucks offers up curated espresso martini flights at its six exclusive mega Reserve Roastery locations. There’s even a traveling espresso martini festival circling bars and cities worldwide.
The refreshing quintessential sip is typically constructed with some combination of vodka, coffee liqueur and espresso, with some versions adding cream or simple syrup, often appearing with three coffee beans as a garnish. And summer may be the ultimate occasion to wake up to the trend.
Astoria Café & Market
5417 Detroit Ave., Lakewood
The recipe: vodka, Kahlúa, espresso, simple syrup
Named after famed Astoria in Queens, New York, the Mediterranean food, wine and spirits oasis lets guests choose to dine in the café while partaking in stand-out authentic dishes (or even just astonishing charcuterie and cheese boards) or take home culinary delights like imported and domestic cheeses, cured meats, pasta or deli counter prepared foods from the market. (Our vote is for a classic espresso martini on the highly praised patio.)
(216) 266-0834
Billy’s A Cappelli Martini Bar
7338 Industrial Park Blvd., Great Lakes Industrial Park, Mentor
The recipe: vodka, Baileys, coffee liqueur and espresso
Billy’s brings a lowkey-but-sophisticated vibe, excellent for a happy hour or drinks with friends. Partake in the full dinner menu of American fare alongside a robust drink list featuring a wide selection of specialty martinis. Redone in 2013, Billy’s serves up all the favorites from seared scallops to spinach artichoke dip.
www.billysacappellimartinibar.com
(440) 585-8815
Crumb & Spigot
16783 Chillicothe Road, Chagrin Falls
The recipe: Belvedere vodka, Kahlúa, cold brew espresso, Amaro, Godiva Extra Dark
The acclaimed intimate hot spot offers a kitschy fun vibe with elevated comfort food made from scratch. The menu includes wood-fired pizza, fresh salads, mains and more, with a drink list that’s sure to lure in any thirsty stopper-by.
(440) 384-3035
Dinerbar on Clifton
11801 Clifton Blvd., Lakewood
The recipe: Van Gogh espresso vodka, Baileys Irish cream, coffee liqueur
The retro diner whips up delectable drinks and eats, highlighting all-day breakfast and a spacious patio. Staff says the espresso martini (garnished with locally roasted Rising Star coffee beans) has been a fan favorite since the diner’s 2016 reopening.
(216) 521-5003
Pier W
12700 Lake Ave, Lakewood
The recipe: Wheatley vodka, Frangelico, Espresso, Buffalo Trace Bourbon Cream
With an emphasis on fresh seafood, the long-standing Cleveland staple tops the list of upscale restaurants for celebratory events or just taking in the panoramic view of Lake Erie on any weeknight. Be sure to stop by the bar of the 1965 landmark building, which is designed to resemble the hull of a cruise ship. The quintessential elegant Sunday brunch, focused on high-quality sea fare, decadent dessert, live music and beyond, is also nothing short of unforgettable.
(216) 228-2250
Rood Food and Pie
17001 Madison Ave., Lakewood
The recipe: Van Gogh Espresso, Godiva Chocolate liqueur, High Bank vodka, espresso, cream
Newer to the scene, Rood serves up an inventive, award-winning menu highlighting American creative interpretations of seasonal fare. For each espresso martini, a team member freshly grinds and brews an espresso shot. The pie haven’s friendly Instagrammable ambiance lures in guests for happy hour, dinner and the late-night pie and “boujee coffee” scene. Pro tip: Try the salt and honey pie.
(216) 712-4506
Tribú Bar & Lounge
Sacred Hour, 17919 Detroit Ave., Lakewood
The recipe: (French velvet) Rising Star espresso, Lucid absinthe, Godiva Dark chocolate, Kahlúa
Just steps away from the affiliated luxury wellness spa, Clevelanders find the intimate gem, complete with small plates, handcrafted cocktails, champagne flights and its own play on the espresso martini, the French Velvet. The trendy lounge is fantastic for girls’ night, with bragging rights to a chic aesthetic and a low-key patio.
(216) 228-9750
Vault
The Metropolitan at the 9 Hotel, 2017 E. 9th St., Cleveland
The recipe: Tito’s vodka, Kahlúa, espresso, simple syrup
This luxurious dimly lit cocktail lounge, famously located inside a renovated bank, boasts a rich century-long history beneath the Cleveland Trust Rotunda. Guests enjoy classic upscale libations and classy small plates while admiring the legendary ornate bank vaults.
(216) 239-1200
Author bio: Allison Jack is a Cleveland writer with a background in marketing communications and a master’s in magazine writing and editing from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism. Previously an adjunct journalism and mass communications professor, her work has been featured in other national outlets. Follow her passion for the Cleveland restaurant scene at Cleveland.Westside.Eats on Instagram.
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