“Keep me up and f**k me up”, such was the request from the unnamed supermodel who walked in to celebrity bartender Dick Bradsell at Fred’s Club in Soho London sometime in 1983 (1).  A simple concoction, initially called The Vodka Espresso then the Pharmaceutical Stimulant, it caught on like wildfire with revelers who wanted to keep the party going (what, was there no cocaine?).  I guess caffeine is safer.   Nomenclature evolved to “espresso martini” and many have claimed parentage.  The only relationship to an actual martini is the glass In which its served.  No gin, vermouth, or olives come near this drink, although it packs a similar punch.  Added to that it’s so smooth going down and it keeps you up ready for more, more, more.

I can’t say my drinking life has been very eclectic.  I’m a beer guy lookin’ for the best IPA you’ve got.  But on a recent trip to Chicago our desire to watch the Big 10 Championship game landed us at Moe’s Cantina in River North, a Mexican place.  On their cocktail menu was this “espresso martini” thing.  Frankly, I was a little sleepy coming into that big game.  I ordered one of theirs, which they make with a fine tequila (Patrón Añejo).  It went down smoove and perked me up.  I was all there for the game, which never got very exciting.  A few more for good measure, and I saw the appeal.  I vowed to duplicate the drink once I got home.  The recipe is very easy.

And the product is so very pretty.

Kathy likes to muddy up the surface with her whipped cream, but it’s well worth it.

There are even recipes for the impatient. You’re supposed to let your espresso cool first.  It’s coffee dammit, and who doesn’t want that right away?

I recommend for all the coffee impatient out there the Aeropress, putting at your fingertips the power of a $1000 espresso machine (2).  And, of course, the metal filters are essential (3).

As I write this, Kathy and I have drained the last martini made with this morning’s espresso.  Thus, we must engage STAT technology.  Fortunately, we are well versed in this drill and shall see our glasses filled in no time.  Prosit!

References

References

1. The Story of the Espresso Martini.  Taste Cocktails https://tastecocktails.com/the-story-of-the-espresso-martini/
2. 2. Aeropress Original Coffee Press – 3 in 1 brew method combines French Press, Pourover, Espresso – Full bodied, smooth coffee without grit, bitterness – Small portable coffee maker for camping & travel.  Amazon.com.  https://www.amazon.com/Aeropress-Original-bitterness-American-espresso/dp/B0047BIWSK/ref=sr_1_4?crid=WRX2FYKN2088&keywords=aeropress&qid=1703637124&sprefix=aeropress%2Caps%2C369&sr=8-4&th=
3. 3. The MESH: Reusable Metal Filter for AeroPress Coffee Maker. Also Fits AeroPress Go coffee press. No More Paper Filters.  Amazon.com.  https://www.amazon.com/Altura-Mesh-Aeropress-Stainless-Reusable/dp/B00JVTQHVC/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=VOIMPJU7U2PD&keywords=aeropress%2Bfilters&qid=1703637378&sprefix=aeropress%2Bfilters%2Caps%2C187&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&th=1