Espresso Martinis in Manchester You Have To Try
Ah, Espresso Martinis - the more sophisticated replacement to the vodka red bulls of our youth. It took me a while before I discovered this classic cocktail, but I’ve not looked back since.
Meg enjoying one of many Espresso Martinis in Manchester
Made with Espresso, Vodka, and Coffee Liqueur in its simplest form, an Espresso Martinis is the perfect frothy cocktail for nursing if you need an extra zap of energy.
Although you often can’t improve on a classic, many mixologists have been shaking up the martini game. They’ve switched up the spirit and made Espresso Martinis with gins and rums and they’ve added interesting flavour combos like vanilla or chocolate. I’ve even seen a pumpkin-spiced Espresso Martini before which I don’t think I can get down with.
However, the caffeinated Martinis across Manchester have all fared me well, so here’s some of my recommendations.
Three Little Words’ 100 Problems (£12) contains Oak Infused One-Eyed Rebel, Honey Comb Cordial, Pistachio Orgeat, Espresso, and Salt.
My most recent discovery in the cocktail world is Three Little Words - a cocktail bar I found through the Manchester Girl Facebook group. Found adjoining the Spirit of Manchester Distillery, this inviting space is the perfect boujee cocktail spot if you want to try a fresh take on a classic cocktail.
This Espresso Martini does things a little differently - the spirit of choice is Rum, and they forgo the coffee liqueur for some more adventurous ingredients including edible flowers.
Their take on an Espresso Martini is by far my favourite in Manchester so far, offering a creamy cocktail which goes down smoother than most Espresso Martinis do.
Feel Good Club’s Espresso Martini (£9) contains Vodka, Vanilla, Espresso, and Coffee Liqueur.
Feel Good Club is the perfect all-rounder - you can head there to co-work with a coffee, or you can go down on an evening for a cheeky cocktail or two. Either way, it’s a lovely and wholesome venue that I would recommend you go visit.
They have some funky cocktails on the menu including The Rupaul, The Elton, and The Dolly, inspired by their iconic namesakes. However, I always gravitate to their Espresso Martinis.
These always pack a punch, and the drink here is one of the stronger cocktails I’ve had in Manchester (but who’s complaining about that). It’s a classic no frill Espresso Martini, with a splash of vanilla added to the mix for some added sweetness.
Ducie Street Warehouse’s Espresso Martini (£10) contains 42 Below Vodka, Mr Black cold brew coffee liqueur, and Espresso.
Ducie Street Warehouse is a great venue for any occasion. It boasts a fab menu (I strongly encourage you to try the lobster mac and cheese), and there’s always some interesting event going on, whether it’s a drag or DJ night.
Their Espresso Martini is a bit on the more bitter side, likely due to its lack of sweetener or syrup in the recipe. It’s still a cracking cocktail, and this note is just down to personal preference.
Alchemist’s Nextpresso Martini (£11) contains Ketel One Vodka, Café, Salted Caramel, Coffee, Caramel Caviar, and Chocolate.
I recently had an Espresso Martini at Alchemist, and my feedback was going to be that there was none of the classic Alchemist magic around it. It was a bog standard (yet tasty) Espresso Martini.
However, it looks like they’re just released their Nextpresso Martini which takes the drink a step further. Whilst I haven’t given this a try yet, I have a lot of faith in it given the other cocktails I’ve tried at the Alchemist.
The new drink has plenty of quintessential Alchemist flair - there’s a dark chocolate spoon served on the side, includes delicious salted caramel, and also contains caramel caviar of all things. Sign. Me. Up
Behind Closed Door’s Espresso Martini (unknown) contains only mysteries, and should be experienced as intended - in secret.
I don’t want to go into too much detail around Behind Closed Doors - it’s a speakeasy for a reason and is much better experienced in real life rather than through a screen.
Anyone who enjoys a cocktail should give this venue a go. It’s hidden behind a tucked away door in Northern Quarter, across from Turtle Bay, with the actual bar found underground.
Its cocktail menu is full of tongue-in-cheek sexual inuendos, and the drinks taste as nice as the names are funny. It's also wonderfully decorated, with the tables adorned with vintage (sex) phones and playboy centrefolds on the walls.
Give it a go, I dare you.
Written by Meg Cushnahan