As if we weren’t already addicted to caffeine, espresso martinis are the it drink of the summer.
Typically made with vodka, espresso coffee, coffee liqueur, and sugar syrup, the espresso martini is a perfect blend of our two guilty pleasures: alcohol and caffeine.
See Also: 10 High-End Rooftop Bars in NYC With Stunning Views and Signature Cocktails
Taking on the legacy of “all good things come in threes,” the most elite espresso martinis are garnished with three coffee beans. If you’re looking for that extra pep in your step, keep reading for the best espresso martinis in the city.
Dante
View this post on Instagram
79-81 MacDougal St, Manhattan/Website
This century-old Greenwich Village bar serves the best espresso martini in town. If you love a dark roast and extra fluffy foam, then Dante’s espresso martini is the one for you. To top it off, this vodka coffee hybrid is served in the prettiest stemware glass. A+ for presentation! It’s nearly impossible to get a reservation at this Italian oasis, so turn on those Resy notifications!
Quality Eats
View this post on Instagram
Multiple Locations/Website
The espresso martini at Quality Eats is no joke. With the darkest roast imaginable and a very heavy vodka pour, you are absolutely guaranteed to have a fun time. This 90’s inspired drink pairs perfectly with juicy filet mignon, crispy shoestring fries, and a night you probably won’t remember.
Mr. Purple
View this post on Instagram
180 Orchard St 15th Floor, Manhattan/Website
Just when you thought espresso foam couldn’t get any fluffier, the espresso martini at Mr. Purple proves you wrong. Made with absolute elyx vodka and kahlua, this drink will make you dance the night away (and hopefully forget that you spent 17 dollars on a martini). The elevation gain from the rooftop makes you get drunk faster, so that’s an obvious plus.
Union Square Cafe
View this post on Instagram
101 E 19th St, Manhattan/Website
This James Beard Award winning restaurant elevates a traditional espresso martini recipe by adding a secret vanilla ingredient. The sweetness of the vanilla cuts the smoky aroma of the coffee roast, which is perfect for all you sweet lovers. The bartender is great, but unfortunately only fills the glass halfway. You don’t get a ton of bang for your buck, but the amazing flavor makes up for it!
Dear Irving Gramercy
View this post on Instagram
55 Irving Pl, Manhattan/Website
This list wouldn’t be complete without the home of the espresso martini, Dear Irving Gramercy. Described as an “old school cocktail parlor,” Dear Irving Gramercy is the place to be for fancy drinks and elevated bites. Unlike other espresso martinis we’ve had, this drink incorporates Irving Farm Coffee Roasters cold brew and vanilla liqueur. The softness of the vanilla counteracts the punchiness of the cold brew which creates a harmonious blend of flavors.
Lil Frankie’s
View this post on Instagram
19 1st Ave, Manhattan/Website
An off the menu secret, the espresso martini at Lil Frankie’s is a must have. This old-school drink matches the old-school, cash-only vibe of Lil Frankie’s. If you’re lucky, your martini will come with four espresso beans like ours did—now that’s next level. Wash your perfectly burnt vodka pizza and parmesan-coated lemon pasta down with the world’s best dessert: the espresso martini.
Raines Law Room Chelsea
View this post on Instagram
48 W 17th St, Manhattan/Website
Owned by the same people as Dear Irving Gramercy, Raines Law Room Chelsea unsurprisingly has one of the best espresso martinis in Manhattan. A little less sceney than its sister establishment, this prohibition-era inspired bar has a semi-secret entrance. Ring the doorbell and you are immediately transported to a 20’s inspired plush cocktail lounge.
Pastis
View this post on Instagram
52 Gansevoort St, Manhattan/Website
What’s better than a decadent Pastis burger cooked medium rare? A decadent Pastis burger cooked medium rare with an equally fabulous espresso martini. This espresso martini checks off all the boxes: extremely dark roast, three espresso beans, very fluffy foam. But, as we’ve seen with other restaurants, our glasses were only filled halfway. We aren’t glass half full people in any sense of the word, but Pastis’ espresso martini still kills it.
Lena Lower East Side
View this post on Instagram
137 Eldridge St, Manhattan/Website
Beans on beans on beans! Did somebody say they use five espresso beans? You’re definitely in for an eye-opening night. The fluffy layer of foam will for sure make you feel like you are floating on cloud nine. This rustic-chic French cafe is the coziest spot on the LES for a Saturday morning brunch, Parisian red wine, and of course, an earthy espresso martini.
Bar Pisellino
View this post on Instagram
52 Grove St, Manhattan/Website
Although this West Village hot spot is famous for their aperol spritz, we highly recommend getting the espresso martini. Bar Pisellino is owned by the mecca of cacio e pepe, Via Carota—it can’t possibly be anything short of amazing. As you wait for your table at Pisellino’s sister restaurant (the wait is 45 minutes minimum), snack on a panini and sip on one of the nuttiest espresso martinis you have ever had. Have a few and you’ll for sure be nutty!
So there you have it, the best espresso martinis to wake you up after a weekend of binge drinking. It’s a marathon and a sprint, ladies and gents. Huge shoutout to espresso martini connoisseurs, @espressomartinisnyc for all of your expert insight!
Photography by: Rachel Klaiman
