Espresso Martinis
Let’s explore the wide-awake world of the espresso martini, a drink with a potency rivaled only by its popularity. Although we’d like to think the crafty caffeinated cocktail is having a moment, the drink traces its roots back to the 1980s, when a young woman at Fred’s Club in London asked for something to wake her up—a concoction of vodka, sugar, coffee liqueur, and espresso did the trick.
Past lore aside, the espresso martini is here to stay, and a number of iterations have kept the cocktail in the collective consciousness of martini drinkers and espresso lovers alike.
To wit, I took on the harrowing task of sampling some of the most lauded espresso martinis in Sarasota—not with the goal of creating a list of superlatives, but with the intent to tell you where to go when the mood strikes. Not all are made from the classic prototype of vodka, espresso, and Kahlua (some employ a potent cold brew), but all are made with care, intent, and appreciation. When looking for an espresso martini, these are all decidedly worth the trip.
The Waterfront Restaurant, Anna Maria
You’re sitting on a patio, the ocean breeze gently oscillates the palm fronds as you look out over the bay and hear the ocean gently lapping at the shore. In your hand, an expertly crafted espresso martini. Life is indeed good. This scenario is not a dream, but a reality at The Waterfront. Made with vodka, espresso, and Kahlua, this espresso martini stays true to its roots. And it works. 111 S Bay Blvd, Anna Maria; 941-778-1515
The Doctor’s Office, Anna Maria
Crafted with a cold brew made in house—along with Kahlua, premium vodka, and Licor 43—the espresso martini at Doctor’s Office is a delicious and potent cocktail that isn’t afraid to showcase its bold flavor. If it’s a sweetness you’re after, you’ll have to ask for it, and the bartenders will happily oblige. But trust me when I tell you these bartenders are experts at their craft, and you’ll reap the benefits. 5312 Holmes Blvd. #B, Holmes Beach; 941-213-9926
State Street, Downtown Sarasota
You can’t talk about espresso martinis without talking about State Street. And there’s a reason for that. Co-owner Chris Voelker had this anecdote to offer up: “Years ago a very nice gentleman named Bob Hopkins became a frequent guest of State Street. He began ordering an espresso martini every Sunday with his brunch. At 92 years old, he would be the trendsetter who called State Street’s martini ‘the best martini in town.’” It’s made with espresso concentrate, Borghetti liqueur, and vodka. 1533 State St, Sarasota; 941-951-1533
1592, Downtown Sarasota
Offering up a bold and unique twist on the espresso martini is 1592. In lieu of vodka, you’ll get Milagro Reposado tequila, tempered by a full-bodied biscotti liqueur and a shot of espresso. And though this combination might seem daunting, it’s anything but. The tequila gives the drink a refreshing zest that pairs deliciously with the biscotti liqueur. If you’re feeling adventurous, this is the drink to order.
1592 Main St, Sarasota; 941-365-2234
Cask & Ale, Downtown Sarasota
This may have been the strongest espresso martini I sampled during my caffeine cruise. And it makes total sense. In an energetic bar with an energetic crowd, would you expect anything less? Cask & Ale creates their espresso martini with Borghetti liqueur, premium vodka, and an in house cold brew espresso so strong it’d make a Red Bull look like green tea. Need a quick pick-me-up? It’s this.
1548 Main St, Sarasota; 941-702-8740
Sage, Downtown Sarasota
Sage has created an espresso martini which is both subtle and complicated, a feat achieved by a combination of house-infused vanilla bean vodka with Borghetti, Hoodoo Chicory Liqueur, Kamora Coffee Liqueur, and a shot of fresh espresso. And let me tell you—it works. The taste of espresso shines through while the chicory is just delicate enough to entice but not unnerve. You’ll be hard-pressed to order only one.
1216 1st St, Sarasota; 941-445-5660
Epicure, Downtown Sarasota
In what feels like an airy café on the coast of Positano, you’ll find an exquisitely made espresso martini, shaken up with fresh espresso, 360 Vanilla Vodka, Kamora Coffee Liqueur, and Crème de Cacao. If you prefer a slight sweetness to your martini, you’ll get it here. That said, they are more than happy to oblige if you prefer a creamier version made with Baileys.
1298 N Palm Ave A, Sarasota; 941-366-5648
Clásico, Downtown Sarasota
Clásico boasts a bustling happy hour scene, made even more energetic by their simple yet delicious espresso martini. The recipe? Fresh espresso, Smirnoff Vanilla Vodka, Kahlua, and Baileys Chocolate Liqueur. I’d recommend this one as a post-dinner treat, as it’s almost like an affogato … but with vodka. And it won’t disappoint.
1341 Main St, Sarasota, 941-203-5115
Meliora, Southside Sarasota
Inspired by the ubiquity of frosé in Napa Valley, owner Bruce sought to create something similar at Meliora… only with vodka, coffee liqueur, house-made espresso cold brew, demerara simple syrup, cream liqueur, and an oat milk cream foamer. The result is an absolutely delicious frozen espresso martini that I’d highly recommend ordering as a post-meal pick me up.
1920 Hillview St, Sarasota, 941-444-7692
