Gin espresso martini - a twist on a classic
If you’re a fan of the espresso martini and looking for an innovative twist, a gin espresso martini might just be your next favourite drink. This cocktail blends the bold, rich flavour of coffee with the botanical complexity of gin, creating a perfectly balanced drink that’s ideal for cosy nights in.
Who says gin is just for summer? With colder nights and typically rainy British weather, there’s nothing better than curling up indoors with something warming yet refreshing. By swapping vodka for gin, the espresso martini is elevated to a drink full of character, where the boldness of espresso meets the intricate flavours of gin. Trust us, it’s a match made in cocktail heaven!
The History and Popularity of the Espresso Martini
The espresso martini is a cocktail with a story as bold as its flavour. Created in the 1980s by renowned bartender Dick Bradsell, it’s said to have originated when a customer asked for a drink that would “wake me up and mess me up.” Combining the smooth kick of coffee with the elegance of vodka, the espresso martini quickly became a modern classic, gracing menus worldwide.
Over time, its popularity has only grown, with variations emerging to cater to adventurous cocktail lovers. Enter the gin espresso martini - a fresh take on the original that brings the rich complexity of gin into the mix. While vodka allows the coffee to shine, gin adds a new layer of flavour, with often unique botanicals enhancing the espresso's boldness and sweetness.
Today, the espresso martini remains a firm favourite for those seeking a sophisticated yet indulgent cocktail. Its enduring appeal lies in its versatility—perfect for after-dinner drinks, festive gatherings, or a luxurious treat at home.
Why do we use gin instead of vodka?
Vodka might be the traditional choice for an espresso martini, but swapping it for gin transforms this classic cocktail into something extraordinary. Gin’s unique botanicals complement the bold flavours of espresso and the sweetness of vanilla, adding depth and character that vodka simply can’t deliver.
Every gin brings its own distinctive profile, allowing you to craft a cocktail with endless possibilities. When you use a gin with spice, floral, or citrus notes, it enhances the coffee’s richness and balances the drink beautifully. If you’re looking to elevate your espresso martini game, gin is the perfect choice—it’s intriguing, delicious, and guaranteed to impress.
Why We Use Our Matobo Gin
Our gin espresso martini uses Matobo Gin, our collaboration with Paignton Zoo and the Wild Planet Trust, where with every bottle sold, we make a donation back towards their incredible conservation efforts. Matobo Gin is named after the Matobo Hills, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Zibabwe.
With hints of African black pepper and pink hibiscus, our Matobo Gin creates a perfectly balanced cocktail where the rich coffee flavours and sweetness of vanilla meet a subtle spice and floral warmth. This balance makes a gin espresso martini an exciting twist for coffee lovers and cocktail enthusiasts alike.
How to Make Your Gin Espresso Martini
Ready to try it yourself? Here's how to do it.
Ingredients:
50ml Matobo Gin
25ml coffee liqueur (we like Kahlua)
25ml fresh espresso
12.5ml vanilla syrup
Method:
- Add ice to a martini glass to chill
- Add Matobo Gin, coffee liqueur, fresh espresso and vanilla syrup to a cocktail shaker with plenty of ice
- Shake hard for around 30 seconds until cold and foamy
- Dispose of the ice in your martini glass and double strain your drink into the glass
- Garnish with three coffee beans - they signify wealth, health and happiness!
While we love a warm cup of coffee, this version of an espresso martini is by far our favourite way to get our hit of caffeine. Enjoy!
Fancy more Torbay Gin cocktails? visit our Cocktail Corner here. To see us make our gin espresso martini, watch here
