Announcing the best espresso martini (I could find) in NYC!
Since starting this journey, I’ve discovered that there’s much more to an espresso martini that meets the eye. You sent me a tonne of recs and information, and I set out to taste as many as I could and report back (before the end of this assignment).
Each espresso martini I tasted was rated against a number of factors: overall taste, care taken, garnish, glassware, price, bar vibe and some random extra bonus points. Friends came along for the ride, to help fact-check my ratings and ensure a fair process. Here are my findings.
First up, the battle of the Australians
Banter, Greenwich Village
Overall rating: 7.5/10
Solid espresso martini with a very solid happy hour.
Cute digs, cold glass, 3 bean garnish and a light layer of froth. Banter’s espresso martini is made up of vodka, fresh espresso from cafe integral and Kahlua, with probs a little more vodka than others. They also do a coffee negroni, which will be on my list for the next happy hour. At $8 it’s almost unbeatable.
Dante, Greenwich Village
Overall rating: 9/10
Beautifully crafted espresso martini, very frothy, smooth to taste and in gorgeous surrounds.
Dante’s espresso martini is made with Mr Black liqueur (tick), fresh parlour espresso (tick) and Reyka Icelandic vodka (good enough). Minus one point for the bean garnish placement, everything else about this martini was perfect. The outdoor seating and the Boozy affogato that followed put it over the edge.
Next up, a classic
Dear Irving, Gramercy
Overall rating: 8.5/10
Creamy espresso martini in slick digs.
A classic New York cocktail parlour, Dear Irving takes it drinks seriously. Made with its house cold brew, vodka, Italian coffee liqueur and a touch of vanilla liqueur this was one well-crafted, very-drinkable libation. It tasted even better with Tequila (thank you Patty!), but I missed the three bean garnish, thick frothy layer and real espresso. Bonus point for the drinks call button by the lounge.
And an italian classic
Primi, NOHO
Overall rating: 8/10
Strong and full-bodied on Bowery.
Primi’s espresso martini is off the menu and a solid order. They use vodka, galliano and a double shot of fresh espresso (hello!!). A beautiful dark color and a thick frothy layer in a cold, round glass. You can’t go wrong!
The final say
All of the espresso martinis tasted so far have been great. For this assignment, there can really only be one winner… and for the above mentioned reasons and ratings that has to be Dante.
In the real world, my search will continue and I invite you all to join me in whatever capacity you can. That definitely includes your shake off — Amelia and Jilly, your London tour — Jade and every other recommendation I didn’t get to in time. Thank you to everyone who contributed and helped make this assignment so much fun.
May we find the best drinks to get woken up and fucked up in this crazy city and beyond.
Ciao! x
See my previous stories here
Part 1
Part 2