More than 40 years after its inception, the espresso martini has become a cultural phenomenon, with an explosive surge in popularity in recent years. The cocktail was created by London bartender Dick Bradsell, and is a perfect marriage of energy-boosting caffeine, vodka, and coffee liqueur.
In Dallas, mixologists are taking the drink to new heights. From frost-kissed, cold-foam-topped twists to mouthfuls that taste like the creamy center of a Ferrero Rocher. These are the city’s best espresso martinis.
Abuelita Espresso Martini at Mar Y Sol
Walking through Mar Y Sol’s branched hallway feels like walking through a portal to the turquoise coasts of Tulum. One sip of the Abuelita Espresso Martini is a delicious blast from the past, conjuring childhood memories warmed by cinnamon-spiced Abuelita Mexican hot chocolate. The breezy restaurant reimagines the nostalgic favorite with a grown up twist: Tito’s, Borghetti and espresso turn it into boozy indulgence you’ll want to savor. 4511 McKinney Ave., marysolcocinalatina.com
Espresso Martini at Leela’s Wine Bar
Leela’s Wine Bar pours Dallas’ most beloved espresso martini. The Lower Greenville flagship was at the forefront of the drink’s early-2020s resurgence, even leading national sales for Mr. Black coffee liqueur. Leela’s classic espresso martini is a shaken mix of coffee, Townes Vodka, Mr. Black, and Frangelico, topped with cream and a dash of cinnamon. The traditional sip gets dolled up during the wine bar’s iconic pop-ups. Think brûléed banana or a white chocolate-and-Chambord spin. Multiple locations, leelas.com
Espresso Martinez at Xamán Café
Xamán Café is an Oak Cliff brunch spot that is richly steeped in pre-Hispanic Mexican culture. The café serves a nourishing spread of fueling Mexican breakfast plates and beverages served in artisan pottery, and doubles as an agave bar. Its deliciously sweet Espresso Martinez nods to Mexico, combining creamy, cinnamon-forward horchata, espresso, and Oaxacan Rosaluna Mezcal. 334 West Jefferson Blvd., xamancafe.com
Tequila Espresso at The Charlotte
Knox-Henderson’s the Charlotte has a traditional espresso martini on its menu, but also a frozen tequila espresso, which makes its presence known with a boozy punch. It’s bold and serves as an instant wake-up call. The frosty beverage is finished with a cloud of lightly sweet cold foam. 2822 N. Henderson Ave., thecharlotterestaurant.com
Frozen Espresso Martini at Frenchie
From the team behind Michelin-recommended Georgie is Frenchie, Park Cities’ newest debut for comforting French fare and an icy espresso martini. The Frozen Espresso Martini is an all-day treat of Ketel One vodka, Bailey’s oak milk liqueur, Mr. Black, sweet Licor 43, and cold brew. The dessert-like sip is garnished with a swirl spiked whipped cream. 8420 Preston Center Plaza, frenchiedallas.com
D’Espresso Martini at Dee Lincoln Prime
Helmed by the “Queen of Steaks” Dee Lincoln, Dee Lincoln Prime shakes up a polished D’Espresso Martini that pays homage to its namesake’s Louisiana roots. The Frisco steakhouse swaps vodka for Gray Whale Gin, swirling it with a sweet layer Licor 43, coffee liqueur, almondy orgeat, and aromatic Southern pecan cold brew. Each sip is velvety with a whisper of caramel sweetness, pecan pie martini style, best enjoyed as a nightcap after a Honshu Island Kogashima A5 strip. 6670 Winning Dr., Ste. 400, Frisco, deelincolnprime.com
Espresso Martini Flight at Flamant
One standout espresso martini isn’t enough at Plano’s Flamant. The live fire European-inspired waterfront restaurant shows off with a trio of inventive espresso martini variations. The I Love You, Madeira blends French Caribbean rhum agricole, salted honey, and malted molasses cream; the Breakfast in Marseille whisks drinkers away to southern France with Engine Organic Gin, croissant essence, and orange marmalade (and a nonalcoholic version is available for the sober espresso martini-curious); while the Turin For The Night is a sippable Ferrero Rocher-inspired pour crafted with Grey Goose, chocolate, and Frangelico. 5880 State Highway 121, Ste. 103b, Plano, flamant.restaurant
Everything Espresso Martini at Sylvestro
Sylvestro, a new Old East Dallas cocktail bar tucked next to sister concept Urbano Cafe, leans into the unexpected. Part of the restaurant family behind Las Palmas, Bowen House, and crowd-favorite dive Mike’s Gemini Twin, the intimate bar with ’80s flair pours one of the city’s most eccentric espresso martinis. The Everything Espresso Martini is a one-of-a-kind spin crafted by cocktail mastermind Joe Shirghio, formerly of Bowen House. It’s made with Iichiko Japanese barley shochu, Italian Borghetti espresso liqueur, espresso, everything seasoning, orgeat, and soy. It’s sprinkled with crumbled fortune cookie dust and crowned with an actual fortune. 1412 Fitzhugh Ave., urbanodallas.com/sylvestro
Viral Espresso Martini at Babel
Babel, a fine-dining newcomer serving eastern Mediterranean fare, shakes up an ultra-trendy espresso martini. The Lebanese restaurant’s standout is the Viral Espresso Martini, a caffeinating sip that indulges Dubai chocolate fandom with cocoa bitters and pistachio, and garnished with a square of the social media-loved treat. A globally inspired cocktail that’s not too sweet, it works equally well as a pre-dinner aperitif or a sippable dessert. 3180 Welborn St., babeluptown.com
Pandan Espresso Martini at Maison Chinoise
Maison Chinoise’s Pandan Espresso Martini embodies the sophisticated ethos of the restaurant. This luxe, modern take on the classic is infused with Southeast Asian flavor, made with Grey Goose, Borghetti espresso liqueur, espresso, and fragrant pandan. The sultry cocktail is picture-perfect, topped with a thick layer of foam. Each sip unfolds nutty, vanilla-tinged notes. 4152 Cole Ave, Ste. 106, maisonchinoiserestaurants.com
