Numbers don’t lie. According to a study conducted by Meet Glimpse, interest in the Espresso Martini increased by 34% over the past year, with monthly searches hitting 1.4 million. Prices have also jumped 10%, averaging $15 to $18 in bars. As this caffeinated cocktail dominates global bar scenes in its 40th year, the true story behind its creation and Dick Bradsell’s influence often gets lost.
Bradsell was known for crafting several iconic drinks and serving high-profile figures—rockstars, fashion models, even Sir Christopher Nolan (who cast him in his directorial feature film debut, Following). Yet he was famously private, even “celebrity blind.” His real legacy? Making exquisite drinks accessible to everyone, regardless of status or title.
What follows is an exploration of the Espresso Martini’s origins, its evolution, and the elements that transformed it into a modern classic—separating fact from legend.
The Maverick Mixologist: Dick Bradsell’s Vision
To understand the Espresso Martini, you must understand Dick Bradsell. In an era of warm gin and flat beer during Thatcher-era Britain, Bradsell was a visionary who wanted to democratize cocktails. At a time when high-end drinks were reserved for hotel bars and private clubs, he insisted on using the finest ingredients, fresh juices, and precise technique.
His time at The Naval and Military Club helped lay the foundation for his craft. There, he learned the importance of balance, consistency, and hospitality. This formative experience sparked his mission: to create drinks that were accessible, exciting, and always high-quality.
The Soho Brasserie, the Model, and the Myth
The most common origin story begins in 1985 at the Soho Brasserie. While filming Absolute Beginners nearby, the bar became a magnet for London’s “it” crowd. Legend has it a model walked in and asked Bradsell to make her a drink that would “wake her up and then f*** her up.” At the same time, coffee grounds were reportedly leaking into the ice well. The result? A happy accident that sparked the Espresso Martini.
The model’s identity remains unknown. Rumors have suggested names like Kate Moss or Naomi Campbell, but Bradsell’s daughter Beatrice has denied these, noting they would have been too young. The ambiguity only fuels the drink’s mystique.
Evolution of an Icon
Originally called the “Vodka Espresso,” the cocktail went through multiple name changes, including the “Pharmaceutical Stimulant” at Damien Hirst’s Pharmacy Bar, before settling on “Espresso Martini.”
Bradsell spent over a decade refining the recipe. His original version included: 50ml Russian vodka, 12.5ml Kahlúa, a dash of sugar, and a 25ml shot of illycaffè, shaken on ice and served over rocks in an old fashioned glass.
Later, during his time in New York, he adapted the serve to fit the growing martini trend, switching to a chilled martini glass. He also swapped the Russian vodka for Wyborowa, a Polish vodka, and moved from Kahlúa to Tia Maria. The final touch? A garnish of three coffee beans for good luck.
Bradsell continued to play with the drink’s formula, introducing tequila or rum variations. The Espresso Martini quickly became a favorite worldwide, securing its place among the greats.
Conclusion: A Legacy in a Glass
The Espresso Martini is more than a cocktail—it’s a cultural icon. With a unique flavor profile and a story full of mystery and invention, it remains one of the most recognizable drinks in the world.
Alongside the Margarita and Old Fashioned, it’s now considered essential on cocktail menus across continents. More importantly, it stands as a tribute to Dick Bradsell’s philosophy: that a well-crafted drink should be for everyone.
