Van Gogh Espresso Martini

Join us at Shake, Sip, Serve! Explore the Van Gogh Espresso Martini and enjoy a delightful blend of flavors.

Welcome to Shake, Sip, Serve

I’m your host, KAD, and I’ve been slinging drinks and navigating the world of hospitality for over two decades. The past 15 years, I’ve perfected my bartending skills, experimented with countless flavour combinations, and learning a thing or two about how to keep the party going behind the bar.

Whether you’re a seasoned bartender like me just looking for some fresh inspiration or a complete beginner who is eager to whip up impressive cocktails at home, Shake, Sip, Serve is here to be your guide.

In the below blog, I’ll be sharing my knowledge and experience on everything from classic cocktails and innovative new creations to essential bartending techniques and industry secrets. I’ll also be offering tips on stocking your home bar, mastering the art of presentation, and creating a memorable experience for your guests.

So, grab your shaker, dust off your favourite glassware, and get ready to embark on a delicious journey into the world of bartending! Let’s Shake, Sip, and Serve up something amazing together.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

The Origins of the Espresso Martini

The Espresso Martini is a cocktail with a short but legendary history. Born in the 1980s in London, it was the creation of bartender Dick Bradsell at Fred’s Club. The story goes that a young model asked for a drink that would “wake me up, then mess me up.” Bradsell combined vodka, coffee liqueur, and a fresh shot of espresso — and the modern classic was born.

What started as a niche cocktail has since become a global favourite, especially in Australia, where coffee culture is deeply woven into daily life. Today, it’s a staple on almost every cocktail menu, celebrated for its balance of bold coffee bitterness, smooth vodka backbone, and creamy crema finish.

Why Call It the Van Gogh Espresso Martini?

So where does Van Gogh fit into this picture? Just as Van Gogh painted emotion into every swirling stroke, this cocktail is about more than ingredients in a glass — it’s about creating an experience.

Van Gogh’s Starry Night is a swirl of chaos and beauty. An Espresso Martini has that same duality: high-energy espresso meets the smooth elegance of vodka. Like art, cocktails tell stories, and when we riff on a classic — like infusing it with Australian bush flavours — we’re painting on that same canvas of creativity.

Think of it as liquid art: the crema on top is your masterpiece, the aroma is your brushstroke, and the sip is your gallery experience.

The Australian Native Twist

While the original recipe holds strong, adding native Australian ingredients takes this Espresso Martini to another level. These not only enhance flavour but also celebrate local produce and sustainable practices.

Wattleseed syrup (10 ml): Nutty, earthy, and coffee-like. It deepens the roasted notes of the espresso.
Finger lime juice (5 ml): Known as “citrus caviar,” its tart pearls cut through richness with a zesty pop.
Lemon myrtle garnish: A fragrant finishing touch with bright, citrusy aroma.

These bush foods bring complexity and uniqueness while reducing reliance on imported produce. Plus, they connect your cocktail to the land it’s served on.

Recipe: Van Gogh Espresso Martini (AU Measurements)

Ingredients (Serves 1):

30 ml vodka
30 ml freshly brewed espresso (hot, strong)
15 ml coffee liqueur (Kahlúa or Mr Black)
10 ml wattleseed syrup
5 ml finger lime juice
Ice cubes
Garnish: 3 coffee beans, lemon myrtle sprig, or finger lime pearls

Method:

Brew espresso — hot and strong. Let it rest for 30 seconds before shaking.
Add vodka, espresso, coffee liqueur, wattleseed syrup, and finger lime juice into a shaker.
Fill with ice and shake hard for 20 seconds to build that silky crema.
Double strain into a chilled martini glass.
Garnish with coffee beans or native flair (finger lime pearls, lemon myrtle sprig).

Bartender’s Tip: Use good, freshly brewed espresso. Stale or instant coffee will flatten the drink.

Bartender’s Secrets to a Perfect Espresso Martini

Shake hard: You’re building texture, not just chilling. A weak shake = no crema.
Fresh coffee matters: Always brew to order. Pre-made espresso loses aroma fast.
Don’t oversweeten: Balance is key. Coffee should shine, not drown in sugar.
Chill your glassware: A warm glass kills crema.
Mind dilution: Too much ice melt weakens the kick. Shake briskly but briefly.

Variations on the Van Gogh Espresso Martini

Classic Espresso Martini: Stick to vodka, espresso, and coffee liqueur.
Vanilla Espresso Martini: Swap plain vodka for vanilla vodka.
Mocha Martini: Add 10 ml chocolate liqueur for richness.
Coconut Espresso Martini: Shake with a splash of coconut cream.
Spiced Espresso Martini: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg.
Native Twist (the Van Gogh version): Wattleseed + finger lime + lemon myrtle.

Food Pairings

The bold coffee notes and creamy body of an Espresso Martini make it versatile:

Dessert Pairings:

Tiramisu (classic match)
Flourless dark chocolate cake
Coffee gelato
Lemon myrtle pavlova for an Aussie twist

Savoury Pairings:

Cheese boards with triple cream brie
Oysters with finger lime pearls
Chargrilled lamb skewers (coffee bitterness balances fatty meats)

A Bartender’s Anecdote

I once worked a corporate function in Sydney where Espresso Martinis were requested non-stop. Midway through, I swapped in wattleseed syrup for a round. Guests were blown away, describing it as “a richer, more grown-up version.” It reminded me that people don’t just want drinks — they want stories in a glass. That’s what makes riffs like the Van Gogh Espresso Martini unforgettable.

RSA Note: Alcohol + Caffeine

The Espresso Martini is deceptive. With 30 ml vodka + 15 ml liqueur, you’re sitting at roughly 1.3 standard drinks in Australia. But factor in caffeine, and it’s a double-edged sword: stimulating yet intoxicating.

RSA Tip: Serve one or two max. Always offer water alongside. Remind guests that caffeine doesn’t “cancel out” alcohol — it just masks it.

For more info, visit: Liquor & Gaming NSW — https://www.liquorandgaming.nsw.gov.au/

Mastering the Art: Cocktail Making Tips

Invest in quality tools (shaker, strainer, jigger).
Understand ratios — balance sweet, bitter, and sour.
Don’t overcomplicate — let each ingredient shine.
Garnish with intent — presentation is part of the ritual.

Cocktail making is about skill and storytelling. Every shake is practice; every serve, a chance to connect.

Conclusion

The Van Gogh Espresso Martini is more than a caffeinated pick-me-up. It’s art in a glass — a cocktail that tells a story with every sip. With bold coffee, smooth vodka, and native Australian twists, it celebrates creativity, culture, and flavour in equal measure.

Closing Statement

The bartending community is a vibrant and supportive one, and I’m excited to build that community here on Shake, Sip, Serve.

I’d love to hear your thoughts, questions, and experiences in the comments below.
What are you shaking up these days?
What topics would you like to see covered in future posts?
Let’s connect and continue the conversation!

Liquor & Gaming NSW: This website provides information on liquor licensing, responsible service of alcohol (RSA) training, and regulations for serving alcohol in NSW. It’s essential for anyone working in the hospitality industry in NSW. You can find it here: https://www.liquorandgaming.nsw.gov.au/

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