What is an espresso martini? And where did it come from?

The Baileys Flat White Martini gives the espresso martini a fresh, creamy new makeover. The classic coffee martini has a colourful history, Steve explains. Credit goes to British bartending pro Dick Bradsell, who ran pioneering bars in 1980s London.

The cocktail came about when a now-famous model (believed to be Naomi Campbell or Kate Moss) came up to the bar requesting a sippable something to “wake me up and f**k me up”. And so, the Espresso Martini was born. Initially called The Vodka Espresso, this caffeinated cocktail is an opulent mix of vodka, coffee liqueur and espresso. It’s perfect for festive parties – and every party in-between.

Espresso Martini Recipe

What about the flat white?

We’ve clued up on the booze. Now for the beans! The flat white is a popular espresso-based drink made by pouring steamed milk over a double espresso. It’s stronger than a latte (but smoother than a cappuccino) and served in a small cup rather than a glass.

It has a much-contended history, does the flat white. Both Australia and New Zealand lay claim to the drink in a debate sparked in 2015 when Starbucks described it as Australian. Coffee Lovers in NZ weren’t pleased. They say that Kiwi barista Frank McInnes invented the flat white coffee while making a cappuccino for a customer. He didn’t have enough fat to achieve frothy milk and described his flawed cappuccino as a ‘flat white’.

The Australians, meanwhile, defend the flat white as theirs. Or Alan Preston’s, to be precise. Preston opened Moors Espresso Bar in Sydney in 1985 and introduced a new type of coffee drink to his customers. This coffee was a take on the coffee drunk in Preston’s home state of Queensland in the 60s and 70s. ‘White Coffee – flat’ is what you would have seen on the menu at Moors Bar. Was this the first flat white? We’ll leave it up to you…

How to make a Flat White

You’ve got the knowledge – now grab your shaker! Let’s get martini-ing!

Ingredients

• 50ml Baileys Original Irish Cream
• 25ml vodka
• 25ml espresso
• A few ice cubes

Method

1. Place the Baileys, vodka, coffee and ice cubes into a cocktail shaker (or homemade alternative!).

2. Shake until the outside of the cocktail shaker feels cold and the liquid is a smooth, tan colour.

3. Pour into a glass and enjoy!