What is the difference between a Black Russian and an Espresso Martini? - 1st Principles Distilleries (2024)

What is the difference between a Black Russian and an Espresso Martini?

What is the difference between a Black Russian and an Espresso Martini? - 1st Principles Distilleries (1)

The Black Russian co*cktail – straight up yet versatile

The Black Russian co*cktail has a fascinating history and was invented in 1949 at the Hotel Metropole in Brussels, by Belgian barman Gustave Tops.

The Black Russian co*cktail owes its name to the use of vodka, a Russian spirit, and the blackness of coffee liqueur, a tantalising combination which appeared in 1949 at the start of the Cold War. Making a mysterious dark drink by mixing it with a Russian spirit was fitting for the times.

The variety, depth and combination of each of the different ingredients, makes the Black Russian a versatile co*cktail, but its fascination with coffee as a base flavour, makes it fair to ask what the difference is between a Black Russian and an Espresso Martini?

What is the difference between a Black Russian and an Espresso Martini? - 1st Principles Distilleries (2)

Punch over strength?

A Black Russian co*cktail is traditionally made with two main ingredients namely; vodka and coffee liqueur.

The Espresso Martini, however, takes the coffee infused flavour and strength one notch further by adding a shot of freshly brewed espresso. The extra work involved in also making an espresso on top of the co*cktail, is, in part, why bartenders don’t like making them. Let’s make one anyway!

Black Russian co*cktail recipe

So how does one make the mysterious Black Russian co*cktail? You will need:

Add the vodka and liqueur into a mixing glass with ice and stir until chilled. Strain into a rocks glass over ice.

Now sip your co*cktail while mysteriously peering from under the brim of your hat and dark glasses!

For more detailed steps, follow this easy recipe to make your own Black Russian co*cktail.

What is the difference between a Black Russian and an Espresso Martini? - 1st Principles Distilleries (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between a Black Russian and an Espresso Martini? - 1st Principles Distilleries? ›

A Black Russian co*cktail is traditionally made with two main ingredients namely; vodka and coffee liqueur. The Espresso Martini, however, takes the coffee infused flavour and strength one notch further by adding a shot of freshly brewed espresso.

What's the difference between a martini and an espresso martini? ›

The espresso martini, also known as a vodka espresso, is a cold caffeinated alcoholic drink made with espresso, coffee liqueur, and vodka. It is not a true martini as it contains neither gin nor vermouth, but is one of many drinks that incorporate the term martini into their names.

What's the difference between Black Russian and White Russian? ›

What is the difference between a White Russian and a Black Russian? A Black Russian and a White Russian share the same base ingredients. For a Black Russian, simply combine vodka and coffee liqueur. To elevate to a White Russian, add half and half or heavy cream to the mixture as well.

What is the difference between a shaft co*cktail and an espresso martini? ›

While an espresso martini includes vodka, coffee and coffee liqueur, the Shaft incorporates some kind of cream liqueur (usually Baileys) to take the edge off and mellow it out. In fact, it almost looks like a cappuccino when served.

What's the difference between Black Russian and Espresso Martini? ›

A Black Russian co*cktail is traditionally made with two main ingredients namely; vodka and coffee liqueur. The Espresso Martini, however, takes the coffee infused flavour and strength one notch further by adding a shot of freshly brewed espresso.

How do you describe an Espresso Martini? ›

The Espresso Martini is a sumptuous mix of vodka, coffee liqueur and espresso. Who would have thought vodka and espresso go so well together? It's rich, indulgent and creamy and the shot of espresso will give you that boost of energy if you are flagging after a busy day!

What do the 4 beans in an Espresso Martini mean? ›

Fun Facts About Espresso Martinis:

co*cktails, depending on the drink, can be garnished with anything from a cherry to a slice of lemon. One of the espresso martini's trademarks is three coffee beans on the top, and those beans serve a purpose: they represent health, wealth and happiness.

How do you judge an Espresso Martini? ›

Ideally, there are strong notes of coffee that are complimented by hints of sugar and cream. Bad espresso martinis typically taste too strongly of stale coffee, or are too sweet like crème liquor. As with all good things in life, a 10/10 'tini has balance.

What is a dirty Espresso Martini? ›

Jump to Recipe - Print Recipe. Celebrate the holiday season with the coziest and most delicious Dirty Chai Espresso Martini. Homemade chai tea simple syrup mixed with your favorite vodka, Kahlúa and a strong shot of espresso. This is the perfect co*cktail to end the night!

What is the hardest co*cktail for a bartender? ›

What Is the Most Difficult co*cktail to Make?
  • Source. Ramos Gin Fizz. A frothy and creamy co*cktail that demands vigorous shaking to achieve its characteristic texture. ...
  • Source. Sazerac. ...
  • Source. Mai Tai. ...
  • Source. Aviation. ...
  • Source. Bloody Mary. ...
  • Source. Pisco Sour. ...
  • Source. Zombie. ...
  • Source. Negroni Sbagliato.

What kind of person drinks Espresso Martini? ›

Espresso Martini

If this is your co*cktail of choice you are likely an intense individual who gives 100% to everything you do. Espresso Martini drinkers have a 'work hard, play hard attitude and are happy to take the lead in both professional and social situations.

What's the difference between Espresso Martini Kahlua and Baileys? ›

Kahlua is a coffee liqueur with a strong coffee flavor and a hint of caramel. It is a good choice for espresso martinis that you want to have a strong coffee flavor. Baileys is an Irish cream liqueur with a creamy texture and a flavor of chocolate, vanilla, and cream.

Why is there no martini in an Espresso Martini? ›

FYI: Technically, because it doesn't have gin or vermouth, an Espresso Martini isn't a martini at all, but it's known for being served in classic V-shaped martini glasses so no one seems to mind. We do think a coupette glass works much better though. These days, there are a ton of Espresso Martini variations.

Why is everyone ordering espresso martinis? ›

As avid coffee lovers, the local population embraced the concept of booze in their coffee…or coffee in their booze. Bartenders say it's because the beverage appeals to everyone and can fit in at any bar – a Boujie co*cktail spot or a gritty rave club.

Is an Espresso Martini an upper or downer? ›

Espresso martinis were supposedly created by a London bartender for a model who asked for a drink that would “wake her up, then mess her up” — only she didn't use the word “mess.” Similar to vodka Red Bulls, espresso martinis mix the “upper” of caffeine and the “downer” of alcohol.

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