As if we weren’t already addicted to caffeine, espresso martinis have become one of NYC’s most popular cocktails.
Typically made with vodka, espresso coffee, coffee liqueur and sugar syrup, the espresso martini is a perfect blend of our two guilty pleasures: alcohol and caffeine.
Taking on the legacy of “all good things come in threes,” the most elite espresso martinis are garnished with three coffee beans to signify health, wellness and happiness. If you’re looking for that extra pep in your step, keep reading for the best espresso martinis in the city.
See also: The Best Happy Hours In NYC
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79-81 MacDougal St. / 212.982.5275 / Website
This century-old Greenwich Village bar serves the best espresso martini in town. If you love a dark roast and extra fluffy foam, then Dante’s espresso martini is the one for you. To top it off, this vodka coffee hybrid is served in the prettiest stemware glass. A+ for presentation! It’s nearly impossible to get a reservation at this Italian oasis, so turn on those Resy notifications!
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Multiple locations / Website
With tons of locations throughout the Empire City, Hole in the Wall might be the most convenient way to supply yourself with a top-notch espresso martini. The classically crafted tini with vodka, Mr. Black liqueur and espresso is a steal at only $12, so why stop at just one? Off to the races, if you ask us.
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180 Orchard St. 15th Fl. / 212.237.1790 / Website
Just when you thought espresso foam couldn’t get any fluffier, the espresso martini at Mr. Purple proves you wrong. Made with Absolute Elyx vodka and Kahlua, this drink will make you dance the night away (and hopefully forget that you spent $18 on a martini). The elevation gain from the rooftop makes you get drunk faster, so that’s an obvious plus.
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101 E.19th St. / 212.243.4020 / Website
This James Beard Award-winning restaurant elevates a traditional espresso martini recipe by adding a secret vanilla ingredient. The sweetness of the vanilla cuts the smoky aroma of the coffee roast, which is perfect for all you sweet lovers. The food is also great at Union Square Cafe, making this NYC staple the easiest “yes” you’ve said all day.
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510 Hudson St. / 212.242.3021 / Website
This Prohibiton-style bar in the West Village serves up inventive drinks, including a mean espresso martini, all night long. Grey Goose vodka is shaken with freshly brewed espresso and a hint of cinnamon for a perfectly spiced finish. Add in Employees Only’s delicious food and you’ve got yourself a night.
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Multiple locations / Website
This list wouldn’t be complete without the home of the espresso martini, Dear Irving. Described as an “old school cocktail parlor,” Dear Irving is the place to be for fancy drinks and elevated bites. Unlike other espresso martinis we’ve had, this drink incorporates Irving Farm Coffee Roasters' cold brew and vanilla liqueur. The softness of the vanilla counteracts the punchiness of the cold brew which creates a harmonious blend of flavors.
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85 Orchard St. / 212.925.7355 / Website
If you ask us, Australian cafés just do it better, and Dudley’s espresso martini is no exception. Look no further for the brunch of your dreams, complete with an espresso tini crafted with vodka Mr. Black, espresso and vanilla. Be sure to try the summer truffle tagliatelle, it’s incredible.
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19 1st Ave. / 212.420.4900 / Website
An off-the-menu secret, the espresso martini at Lil’ Frankie’s is a must-have. This old-school drink matches the old-school, cash-only vibe of Lil Frankie’s. If you’re lucky, your martini will come with four espresso beans like ours did—now that’s next level. Wash your perfectly burnt vodka pizza and parmesan-coated lemon pasta down with the world’s best dessert: the espresso martini.
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109 E. 22nd St. / 212.777.1840 / Website
Steak and espresso martinis go together like peas and carrots, making Hawksmoor the espresso martini-serving steakhouse of our dreams. This NYC staple’s take on the classic is called an amaro coretto and is crafted with Amaro Ramazotti, Cognac Dudognon, Mr. Black coffee liqueur, Café Grumpy espresso and a dash of raspberry powder for the picture-perfect finish.
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As the name would suggest, this bar inside the Gansevoort Hotel has mastered the art of both coffee and cocktails. With an entire espresso martini menu, you have plenty of different ways to pick your poison. We personally love The Same As Yesterday, which features Tito's, Caffè Borghetti, espresso, citrus bitters and basil.
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Multiple locations / Website
Owned by the same people as Dear Irving, Raines Law Room unsurprisingly has one of the best espresso martinis in Manhattan. A little less sceney than its sister establishment, this Prohibition-era-inspired bar has a semi-secret entrance. Ring the doorbell and you are immediately transported to a ‘20’s-inspired plush cocktail lounge.
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52 Gansevoort St. / 212.929.4844 / Website
What’s better than a decadent Pastis burger cooked medium rare? A decadent Pastis burger cooked medium rare with an equally fabulous espresso martini. This espresso martini checks off all the boxes: extremely dark roast, three espresso beans and excellent crema.
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322 Columbus Ave. / 646.882.0197 / Website
An espresso bar by day and a cocktail bar by night, Da Capo’s signature cocktails are excellent, though our favorite has to be off the classic cocktails menu. To nobody’s surprise, Da Capo makes a killer espresso martini, so the Espresso Self, made with bourbon, Mr. Black espresso liqueur, bourbon cream and espresso, is, simply put, delightful.
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20 E 60th St. / 212.751.3036 / Website
The French do it right, from their fashion to their food, and Le Bilboquet’s espresso martini is no exception. We recommend trying the cajun chicken, and be sure to come prepared to dance the day away at their party brunch.
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137 Eldridge St. / 347.935.1897 / Website
You’re definitely in for an eye-opening night at Lena thanks to an espresso martini packed with caffeine courtesy of La Colombe espresso. The fluffy layer of crema will for sure make you feel like you are floating on cloud nine. This rustic-chic French cafe is the coziest spot on the LES for a Saturday morning brunch, Parisian red wine and, of course, an earthy espresso martini.
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52 Grove St. / Website
Although this West Village hot spot is famous for their Aperol spritz, we highly recommend getting the espresso martini. Bar Pisellino is owned by the mecca of cacio e pepe, Via Carota—it can’t possibly be anything short of amazing. As you wait for your table at Pisellino’s sister restaurant (the wait is 45 minutes minimum), snack on a panini and sip on one of the nuttiest espresso martinis you have ever had. Have a few and you’ll for sure be nutty!
So there you have it, the best espresso martinis to wake you up after a weekend of binge drinking. It’s a marathon and a sprint, ladies and gents. Huge shoutout to espresso martini connoisseurs, @espressomartinisnyc for all of your expert insight!
Photography by: SolStock / Getty Images
