THE BEST SPOTS TO SIP AN ESPRESSO MARTINI IN LEICESTER
If you’re reading this I’m thinking you either enjoy a sip or two of this dark (I’m talking an Espresso Martini), frothy topped, coffee bean garnished beverage or you appreciate National Martini Day! Well you know, it’s hard to keep up with these days but alas one that I can actually resonate with and embrace! (not that I ever needed any excuse to!). Yes, 19th June, you may as well be called ‘National Bejal Day’!!
As you can imagine, at my ripe old age I’ve sampled many Espresso Martini’s both nationally and internationally! But for years I’ve been compiling a mental record of my Espresso Martini A-List in my home city of Leicester. I thought it would be intentionally rude not to share my favourites with you, so here goes. There’s no particular order but first lets talk a little history…
A Little History if I May!
The Espresso Martini or previously called Vodka Martini was invented by one of London’s most influential bartenders, the late Dick Bradsell. He made the drink for a customer at the Soho Brasserie who wanted a drink to ‘wake her up’! Apparently vodka was the thing at the time and the coffee machine was close by so there was born the Vodka Martini! With a little more history over the decades, it was renamed the Espresso Martini and yours truly discovered it as her grown up beverage about ten years ago!
The Perfect Espresso Martini (For Me!)
The traditional Espresso Martini recipe involves 45 ml of Vodka, 30 ml freshly made hot Espresso, 20 ml Kahlúa or Tia Maria coffee liqueur, 5 ml sugar syrup. These are combined and shaken with ice and fine strained into a chilled Martini glass. Garnished with three roasted coffee beans placed beautifully in a trio with equi-distance.
Personally I sway more towards a bitter Espresso Martini and my personal coffee liqueur of choice is Toussaint, which is prepared with a rum base and originated in Haiti. I also prefer that the little sweetness I have is controlled by the quantity of coffee liqueur rather than sugar syrup!
Leicester’s Top 20 Espresso Martini A-Listers
1. 45 West
Espresso Martini Particulars: For those who like theirs slightly sweeter than a tad bitter
Address: 4 Hotel Street Leicester LE1 5AW Tel. 0116 251 9360 Website
2. Tha’ts Amore: Italian Bar & Restaurant
Espresso Martini Particulars: Made as per instructions, not too sweet. Very light
Address: 2 King Street, Leicester LE1 6RH. Website
3. Bar Dos Hermanos
Espresso Martini Particulars: Definitely for those who prefer sweetness.
Address: 54 Queens Road Leicester LE2 1TU Tel. 0116 270 8408 Website
4. Brick & Bream
Espresso Martini Particulars: More on the sweeter side
Address: 12 Queen Street Leicester LE1 1QW Tel. 0116 326 6808 Website
5. Tønne
Espresso Martini Particulars: Made with Cold Espresso syrup (no coffee machine at teh time)
Address: 1-3 St Martins Leicester LE1 5DG Tel. 0116 262 8248
6. Turkey Café
Espresso Martini Particulars: Good balance of sweet to bitter
Address: 24 Granby Street Leicester II LE1 1DE Tel. 0116 319 5449
7. North Bar & Kitchen
Espresso Martini Particulars: Great sweet to bitter balance
Address: 42 Hinckley Road Leicester LE3 0RB Tel. 0116 0116 225 5961 Website
Related Article: Vegan Tasting Menu at North Bar & Kitchen, Leicester
8. Manhattan 34
Espresso Martini Particulars: If you like yours bitter
Address: 34 Rutland St, Leicester LE1 1RD Tel. 0116 262 8855 Website
9. Toots & Maytails
Espresso Martini Particulars: As per your request
Address: 52 Highcross St, Leicester LE1 4NN 07494 414630
10. Knight & Garter
Espresso Martini Particulars: Can be customised to taste
Address: 14 Hotel Street Leicester LE1 5AW Tel. 0116 303 3310 Website
Related Articles: Brunch at Knight & Garter, Hygge Dining at Knight & Garter,
11. The Case Champagne Bar & Snug
Espresso Martini Particulars: A little on the sweeter side
Address: 4-6 Hotel Street Leicester LE1 5AW Tel. 0116 251 7675 Website
12. 33 Cank Street
Espresso Martini Particulars: A great froth topped with Tonka beans (same owner as 100&Six)
Address: 33 Cank Street Leicester LE1 5RG Tel. 0116 2519994 Website
13. The White Peacock
Espresso Martini Particulars: The dark chocolate and hazelnut Martini is the one to try!
Address: 14-16 King Street Leicester LE1 6RJ Tel. 0116 254 7663 Website
Related Articles: 7 Course Taster Menu at The White Peacock
14. Gaddabout Bar
Espresso Martini Particulars: A little on the sweeter side
Address: 10 Guildhall Lane Leicester LE1 5FQ Tel. 0116 251 0260 website
15. Wyggestons House Bar & Restaurant
Espresso Martini Particulars: A little more on the bitter side than sweet
Address: 12 Applegate Leicester LE1 5LD Tel. 0116 2964310 Website
16. Spirits
Espresso Martini Particulars: Great sweet and bitter balance
Address: 6 Hotel Street Leicester LE1 5AW Tel. 0116 2961292 Website
Related Article: Sipping on Haunting Creations at Spirits Bar
17. Veeno
Espresso Martini Particulars: Excellent balance of liqueur and coffee but no roasted beans to garnish.
Address: Units 19 & 20 9 St Martins Leicester LE1 5DE Tel. 0116 262 8719 Website
Related Articles: Family Vineyard Wine Tasting at Veeno. An Italian Afternoon Tea at Veeno
18. Orton’s Brasserie
Espresso Martini Particulars: Strong flavours of Espresso and Vodka, good for post dinner
Address: 1 Orton Square. Cultural Quarter. Leicester. LE1 1RD Tel. 0116 248 9100 Website
Related Articles: Joe by Orton’s Brasserie Lunch Delivery, Orton’s Brasserie: Modern, Seasonal British Food
19. The Cosy Club
Espresso Martini Particulars: For those who like their Espresso Martinis lighter.
68 Highcross Street Leicester II LE1 4NN Tel. 0116 408 0008 Website
20. The Bottle Garden
Espresso Martini Particulars: Made to taste, so don’t be shy to say how you like it!
Address: 2-14 Silver Walk Leicester LE1 5EW . Bookings via Facebook page @thebottlegardenbar
What’s Next? Find Other Things to do in Leicester
Happy National Martini Day!!
Whether you like yours with an Espresso or not, celebrate in style!
Á Bientôt...
PIN FOR LATER
Neha
A good guide here- hope your gonna spend most of the day sipping these. The coffee beans definitely finish off the drink well.
Bejal
NehaThankyou! I did have a couple in the evening post dinner I must admit but had the perfect excuse!!
Jaini
YUM! I need one now.
Bejal
JainiYou need to fix that pronto! Cheers!
thetravelsofmrsb
Ok now I really want an Espresso Martini! Happy National Martini Day!!!
Bejal
thetravelsofmrsbGo grab one quick! The best cocktail ever!