Grandmaster Recorders
Whether you’re looking for an extra kick after a heavy meal or to just savor the taste of coffee, an espresso martini is key for a night out. It’s resurgence since the ‘80s and ‘90s finds the cocktail all across town on any hot-spot menu, so we’ve rounded up the very best to guarantee you’ve ordered the smoothest espresso martini in Los Angeles.
Website / 8171 Santa Monica Blvd 90046
If you’ve ever been to Connie & Ted’s, you know it's so much more than a seafood destination. Here, you’re also in for some great cocktails, like the LAmill Espresso Martini, which is made with Amass vodka, coffee liquor, Bailey’s Irish Cream and LAmill espresso. It’s a fitting drink for any point during your meal, but we recommend an order when you need a post-meal kick with your dessert order.
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Website / 101 Wilshire Blvd 90401
Created by mixologist Gianna Jones, the Xpress Train is a non-alcoholic form of an espresso martini made with Seedlip Spice 94, which is infused with various spices and house-made vanilla syrup, chocolate syrup and a dash of Cola to spark up the froth in the drink. This drink is a must try when you want all the fun of the popular cocktail, but none of the booze.
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Website / 1518 N Cahunega Ave 90028
Join the Italian and Australian-inspired restaurant for its special spin on espresso martinis. A delightful treat, the beverage is made with Bacardi, fresh espresso, a mixture of Mr. Black, cardamom and tonka bean served as a delightful treat.
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Website / 12751 Millennium Dr 90094
At an establishment that is equal parts cafe and bar, you’re guaranteed a knockout espresso martini. Case in point: Joliet’s signature J. Espresso Martini made of Ketel One Vodka, house espresso, agave, bitters and cynar. You can pair this drink with any of Joliet’s housemade dishes, such as its smoke salmon toast or breakfast burrito.
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Website / 11282 Ventura Blvd 91604
Come to Rouge for an luxurious escape from reality and experience one its tasty espresso martinis. Made with Kumiho vodka, locally roasted espresso and Valrhona chocolate dust, Rouge’s espresso martini is loved by many. Add this one to the tab after indulging in one of the restaurant's signature dishes.
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Website / 3927 Van Buren Pl 90232
Simonette is an all-day cafe that serves up impressive food and drinks, especially its bar selection. Next time you stop by, be sure to check out its slick espresso martini made with Pearl vodka, cold brew liquor and orgeat. This martini can be a nice pick-me-up during the day while still being flavorful and enjoyable.
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Website / 218 Main St 90291
Coucou is keeping things classic with its espresso martini made with Tito’s, espresso and St. George Nola coffee liqueur. It makes for the perfect sip to wake you up or just to enjoy if you’re craving the bold flavors of this classic drink. Try it alongside an order of signature zucchini beignets or steak tartare.
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Website / 8490 W Sunset Blvd 90069
The 1 Hotel West Hollywood cocktail lounge is a great stop for drinks with friends after work or on weekends and we can think of no better order than its espresso martini. Inspired by starlet Sophia Lauren, the Simply Sopia is made with Absolut Elyx, Mr. Black Coffee Liqueur, salted colada syrup and biscotti foam. The sweet and strong flavors meet each other halfway to create a well-balanced and delectable drink.
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Website / 1760 N Vermont Ave 90027
Hollywood’s landmark, The Dresden is a longtime L.A. establishment and has been featured in numerous films like What Women Want, Swingers and That Thing You Do!. It also has an unforgettable espresso martini that you have to check out on your next visit. It features Copalli rum, St. George coffee liqueur, cold brew concentrate and a hint of vanilla and cacao.
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Website / 1542 Sunset Blvd 90026
Join Bar Flores for an intriguing take on the espresso martini. Made with tequila, Lolita Mexican coffee liqueur, Zucca Amaro, honey, café and lemon oils. This martini will not only have you awake, but you will be delightfully pleased with the nice and even blend of flavors in this cocktail.
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Website | 7174 Melrose Ave 90046
Bathtub Gin brings a little bit of NYC to Melrose and a top-notch espresso martini to match. With a Ketel One vodka base, the cocktail is made of Mr. Black coffee liqueur, Salted Maple, cacao and Stone Street espresso.
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Website | 351 S Broadway 90013
Chatterbox Bar has one of the city’s most highly-regarded espresso martinis. When you grab a menu, look for The Clacson. It features Hera the Dog Vodka, Mr. Black coffee liqueur and cold brew.
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Website | 300 Santa Fe Ave 90013
Here and Now has a legendary frozen Irish coffee, but sometimes the night just calls for an espresso martini! Settle into one of their cozy booths while you sip on a next-level cocktail of Argonaut brandy, Mr. Black coffee liqueur and Verve espresso.
See Also: 8 Must-Try Margaritas in Los Angeles
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Website | 801 S La Brea Ave 90036
After indulging on one of Met Him at a Bar’s excellent pasta dishes, keep that food coma at bay with their espresso martini. The cocktail is composed of La Colombe espresso, Pyrat XO, vanilla and Kahlua.
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Website | 9010 Melrose Ave 90069
Olivetta keeps things classic. Made up of Absolut Elyx vodka, Crème de Cacao, espresso, Licor 43 and coconut cream, this espresso martini goes down smooth and refreshing.
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Website | 9500 Wilshire Blvd 90212
The Beverly Wilshire’s signature restaurant is all in on chocolatey goodness. With their Mocha Martini, TheBlvd coalesce a standard espresso martini with the extra decadence of chocolate. It includes Belvedere vodka, Kahlua liqueur, espresso and Godiva liqueur.
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Website | 1263 W Temple St 90026
For when you want a properly strong espresso martini, head to this Echo Park establishment. Thunderbolt’s espresso martini is served on nitro, meaning it has quite the extra kick, in addition to vodka, sherry, Counter Culture Coffee and Demerara sugar.
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Website | 8932 Santa Monica Blvd 90069
Kick off a fun night out in West Hollywood with a cocktail that will have you dancing until dawn. Deemed Stroke of Midnight, TomTom’s take on the espresso martini includes cold press espresso and Kahlua and, for a dash of sweetness, vanilla vodka, toasted coconut and chocolate dust.
Photography by: Courtesy of Connie & Ted's; Courtesy of Grandmaster Recorders
