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Isla & Co.’s Espresso Martini: From London's Lanes to an Australian Staple
Author: Tom Rowse | October 24, 2023
Category: Espresso Martinis
Picture this: London, late '80s. A model, who might or might not have been Naomi Campbell, struts into Soho Brasserie. Her demand? “Make me a drink to wake me up and f*ck me up”. Enter bartender Dick Bradsell, the cocktail wizard of the hour to whip up a mix of vodka, fresh espresso, and coffee liqueur. Voila! The "Vodka Espresso" was born. Not surprisingly that name was quickly upgraded to the "Pharmaceutical Stimulant" (even less surprisingly the world decided to not adopt that name) before becoming the world-famous Espresso Martini.
Zoom to a few decades later, and this sassy drink finds its soulmate in Australia. Why Australia, you ask? Well, Aussies and coffee go together like kangaroos and hopping. Melbourne, with its café-crazed streets, was all too ready to welcome this caffeinated superstar. But what made the Espresso Martini the talk of the town back home in Australia?
Coffee and Chitchat: Aussies live for their coffee dates. The Espresso Martini, with its robust espresso heart, became the ultimate ice-breaker, making the leap from brunch banter to midnight musings.
Mood Magic: This drink is like a chameleon, fitting into any setting. Morning brunch? Check. Afternoon pick-me-up? Check. Midnight mischief? Double check.
Foodie's BFF: With Australia's smorgasbord of flavors, the Espresso Martini found its culinary soulmate. Its rich profile dances beautifully with a plethora of dishes, turning meals into feasts.
Creative Canvas: When the Espresso Martini hit Aussie shores in the '90s, local mixologists saw it as a blank slate. They started adding their own zesty zings, showcasing Australia's flair for flair.
Top-Notch Tipples: Aussies don't settle for mediocre, especially when it comes to their brews. Their love for primo coffee naturally spilled over to their cocktails. The Espresso Martini wasn't just a drink; it was an experience.
Enter Isla & Co., where the Espresso Martini is not just another cocktail but a homage to Australia's deep-rooted coffee obsession. Merging premium vodka with the exquisite Mr. Black coffee liqueur (handcrafted just north of Sydney), and the foundational espresso blend from Hole in the Wall Coffee Co., Isla & Co. offers an Espresso Martini that's audacious, harmonious, and unashamedly coffee-centric. It's not just a sip; it's a story of Australia's coffee romance, poured into a glass.
In short, the Espresso Martini's globe-trotting adventure from London's swanky spots to becoming a darling in Australia's lively lounges is a nod to its charm and chameleon-like nature. And at Isla & Co., it reaches its pinnacle, embodying the very soul of this timeless tipple.
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