Espresso Martinis, But Make Them Fancy with ABSOLUT
National Espresso Martini Day is right around the corner, and Los Angeles is ready to celebrate in style. There’s something about the Espresso Martini — maybe it’s the bittersweet jolt of caffeine mingling with the silky burn of spirits — a wake-up call with a buzz, wrapped in a sleek coupe glass. Whatever it is, this Saturday March 15, the Sunset Strip is the epicenter of the revival.
Bar Next Door: Espresso Martini Three Ways
Tucked along the Sunset Strip, Bar Next Door is serving up three riffs on the classic Espresso Martini, courtesy of mixologist Brynn Smith. Brynn, every bartenders favorite bartender, has crafted a trio of must try cocktails that push the boundaries of the original.
First up is the Peanut Butter Banana Espresso Martini — featuring Skrewball Whiskey decadent mix of nutty, creamy, and coffee-forward flavors that sounds like dessert but drinks like a dream. Then there's the Classic Espresso Martini — no frills, no gimmicks — just the smooth, slightly sweet hit of espresso and Absolut Vodka, balanced to perfection. And finally, the wildcard: a Codigo Tequila Cream Float with Kahlua — rich, boozy, and just the right amount of dangerous. At $16 a pop, these aren’t your average happy hour specials — but then again, nothing worth drinking ever is.
Bar Next Door opens at 5 p.m. on Saturdays, and you’ll find it at 9159 Sunset Blvd. No reservations necessary — but get there early, the front row seats fill up fast.
The Godfrey Hotel: A Decadent Take on the Classic
Not to be outdone, The Godfrey Hotel is also raising a glass to National Espresso Martini Day with a trio of cocktails dreamed up by cocktail savant Paul Zahn. The hotel’s signature restaurant, ALK (About Last Knife), will be serving up three distinct takes on the classic.
The Cinnamon Infused Absolut Espresso Martini leans into warm, spiced notes, with cinnamon-infused Absolut vodka, Kahlua, and espresso, topped with the sacred garnish of three coffee beans. For something a little more indulgent, the Spiked Skrewball Peanut Butter Whisky Affogato combines Skrewball whiskey and shaken espresso, poured over a scoop of vanilla ice cream and topped with shaved chocolate — basically a dessert in a glass. And for the tequila lovers (because there’s always at least one in the group), the C-Squared Reposado Espresso Martini brings together Codigo Reposado tequila, cinnamon, espresso, and Kahlua, finished with a dusting of cinnamon.
But the drinks are only part of the experience. ALK’s Saturday brunch lineup is equally tempting, with bites like avocado toast with a soft-boiled egg, a rich short rib benedict with truffle hollandaise, and a jumbo shrimp cocktail that’s as indulgent as it sounds. Order one of each — you’ll need something to soak up all that espresso and booze.
The At-Home Option
Not feeling the whole “public drinking” thing? No problem. Absolut and Kahlua have your back with their new Ready-To-Serve Espresso Martini. Just shake, pour into a martini glass, and pretend you’re at a swanky bar instead of sitting on your couch in sweatpants. It’s dangerously easy — the kind of convenience that could quickly become a problem.
So whether you're braving the Sunset Strip or mixing up a cocktail at home, one thing is clear: the Espresso Martini isn’t just back — it’s better than ever. And on National Espresso Martini Day, there’s no excuse not to indulge.