Here’s Where To Find London’s Tastiest Coffee Cocktails
Coffee and cocktails… Has there ever been a better combination?! While the Espresso Martini is still relatively new on the cocktail scene (invented right here in a Soho bar in 1983), its ever-growing popularity and general deliciousness has earned it a place on almost every cocktail menu in London. But with so much choice, where on earth do you start to find the best Espresso Martini in London?
I’ve tried my fair share of the classic coffee cocktail over the years, and, for the purposes of “research”, I’ve done the “hard” work for you and tried them all (okay, not all of them, but I’m working on it…). So here’s a list of the best-tasting, lip-smacking espresso martinis I’ve tried (so far) in London and where to get your hands on them. It’s a tough job, but someone has to do it…
Christina’s Shoreditch
Banana in an espresso martini might seem like a rogue decision, but what can we say – it works!
A hidden gem located on the ground floor of the Mondrian Shoreditch, Christina’s offers a menu of expertly-crafted original cocktails alongside signature twists on the classics, using locally sourced British products and foraged wild ingredients. Expect a variety of delicious cocktails including the Banana Espresso Martini, made up of Discarded Banana Rum, Climpson & Sons Midnight Oil Coffee Liqueur, and cold brew.
Where: 45 Curtain Rd, London EC2A 3PT
Website: www.sbe.com
Tattu
All of Tattu’s signature cocktails are worth trying, with as much attention to flavour given to the drinks as there is the incredible food, but the stand out for us is the Hidden Dragon, a theatrical twist on an espresso martini made with rum, coconut and espresso.
It’s served in a cloche and illuminated by purple lighting, before your cocktail is revealed in a hazy cloud to depict a dragon breathing smoke. The perfect digestif.
Where: The Now Building Rooftop, Outernet, Denmark St, London WC2H 0LA
Website: www.tattu.co.uk
The American Bar at The Stafford
For the very best of American bars, it has to be The Stafford. You only need to try their unique twist on the classics to see that where cocktails are concerned, they’re always top of our list.
The full cocktail menu boasts a selection of both classic and signature libations, and as for their Espresso Martini? Expect it to be served in a unique, long-stemmed coupe as well as being decaffeinated, which means you can drink five in a row without the caffeine-high just before bedtime. Dreamy!
Where: 16-18 St James’s Pl, St. James’s, London SW1A 1NJ
Website: www.thestaffordlondon.com/american-bar
Three Eight Four
The menu at cosy Brixton cocktail bar Three Eight Four has over 100 cocktails to choose from, so it’s only fitting that they have a lengthy Espresso Martini section to match.
Choose from classic, salted caramel, salted coconut, vanilla and chocolate…. or all five. You need to figure out which is your favourite after all (we’re big fans of the salted caramel).
Where: 384 Coldharbour Ln, London SW9 8LF
Website: www.threeeightfour.com
Meraki Restaurant & Bar
Looking for a citrus twist on a classic? Then you should make your way to Meraki Restaurant & Bar at your earliest possible convenience to try the Apollo “Belvedere” Martini from their Greek Gods cocktail menu of delights.
They make their mark on the classic espresso martini recipe with Belvedere vodka, coffee liqueur, Hennessy VS Cognac, fresh orange juice and vanilla syrup. It’s the only thing you’ll want to be sipping alongside their delicious Mediterranean food and contemporary interiors.
Where: 80-82 Great Titchfield St., London W1W 7QT
Website: www.meraki-restaurant.com
Home House
If you’re looking for a classic coffee cocktail that’s made to utter perfection, then make your way to Home House at your earliest possible opportunity.
Shaking together one of the best espresso martinis in all of London, spend your evening in The House Bar sipping the perfectly foamed crema, and nibble on delicious small plates like wagyu sliders and chocolate bombolini.
A classic coffee cocktail made to utter perfection.
Where: 20 Portman Square, London W1H 6LW
Website: www.homehouse.co.uk
Rake’s Café Bar
Whatever time of day you want your coffee cocktail fix, Rake’s Café Bar on Liverpool Street has you covered for brunch through to dinner and late-night cocktails. The espresso martini comes on request but is just as tasty and brilliantly made as all the signature cocktails on the menu. Expect a classic espresso martini recipe and a delicious one at that.
Where: 40 Liverpool St, London EC2M 7QN
Website: www.rakescafebar.co.uk
Cecil Beaton Bar at The Lane
Set in the beautiful surroundings of the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, this Espresso Martini is made up of Grey Goose Vodka, Crème de Cacao Blanc, Extract organic espresso, and salted caramel, and makes the perfect post-show pitstop for a sweet cocktail – whether you’ve been to see Frozen in-house, or have come from elsewhere in theatreland.
I’ve lost count of the times I’ve ordered this delicious drink at The Lane. The best Salted Caramel Espresso Martini in town, in my humble opinion.
Where: Catherine St, London WC2B 5JF
Website: www.thelane.co.uk
Manetta’s Bar at Fleming’s Mayfair
Venture down to Manetta’s Bar at Fleming’s Mayfair for a delicious evening of gulping down some tasty sips. Their Espresso Martini is expertly mixed and punchy, mirroring the bar’s dark, sophisticated colour palette of black upholstery, polished rose gold detailing and opulent red velvet bar stools.
Where: 7-12 Half Moon St, London W1J 7BH
Website: www.flemings-mayfair.co.uk
Aqua Spirit
Join Aqua Spirit, hidden high above Oxford Circus, for a menu of classic and creative cocktails. From the deep and sumptuous to the wicked and spicy, you’re bound to find your perfect fit.
Their signature Espresso Martini, which mixes Ketel One vodka, espresso, Kahlua and sugar syrup makes the perfect caffeinated drink to toast the night away.
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Where: 4 Ebor St, London E1 6AW
Website: www.londonshuffle.com
London Shuffle Club
London Shuffle Club is known for being one of London’s best activity bars, but what about the cocktails? The Club has an extensive cocktail menu which changes seasonally, created by their dedicated bar team to bring customers a menu with something for everyone.
A firm favourite on the menu since opening its doors in 2018, their Espresso Martini is a Club signature cocktail. Shaken to perfection, this smooth rich tipple is the ideal accompaniment to a fast-paced game of lane or table shuffle, and the caffeine kick is sure to up your shufflin’ skills!
Where: 44 floor, 32 Argyll St, London W1F 7EB
Website: www.aquaspirit.co.uk
The New York Bar at The Rubens At The Palace
Is it a cocktail?! Is it a dessert?! One thing’s for sure… we’ll be making our way to the Rubens At The Palace as soon as we possibly can!
A twist on the classic, this Espresso Martini is blended and served over ice in a pipe glass for a truly unique experience. Topped with cream, it’s the perfect dessert cocktail to elevate your evening (and take some seriously cool pics for the ‘gram).
The perfect dessert cocktail to elevate your evening.
Where: 39 Buckingham Palace Rd, London SW1W 0PS
Website: www.rubenshotel.com
The Stables Bar at The Milestone Hotel and Residences
Filled with an eclectic mix of equestrian collectables, sophisticated soft furnishings, and paintings from Belgian sporting artist Elie Lambert, the Stables Bar is one unique cocktail haunt, with a creative cocktail menu to match.
Here you can enjoy a vast selection of cocktails, but what you’ll really want to get your hands on is the Midnight Espresso – a twist on the Classic Espresso Martini with cognac, Kahlua, espresso and a dollop of cardamom ice cream.
Where: 1-3 Kensington Ct, London W8 5DL
Website: www.milestonehotel.com
