Long-time followers of ours will know we’re always asking the locals where to find the “best of” experiences and hidden secrets. Our Instagram and Facebook updates are flooded with suggestions, but what’s annoying about those platforms is that it’s difficult to track the tips and find them again once it drops out of the feed!
To make it easy for you, we’re gathering the tips into blog content you can find, we can link to, and easily share when you ask us the question, “Where can I find the best _________ in Raleigh?”
In this post, we’re sharing the tips given from our community on where to find the best espresso martini in Raleigh. Firstly, let’s look at…
What is an Espresso Martini and its origins?
An Espresso Martini is a cocktail made with vodka, coffee liqueur (such as Kahlúa), espresso coffee, and simple syrup. It’s typically served in a martini glass and garnished with coffee beans.
The Espresso Martini is believed to have been created in the late 1980s in England, by London bartender Dick Bradsell.
According to popular legend, a beautiful model asked Bradsell for a cocktail that would “wake her up and then f*** her up.” Bradsell responded by combining vodka, coffee liqueur, freshly brewed espresso, and a touch of sugar to create what is now known as the Espresso Martini.
It’s now a popular staple in cocktail bars around the world, beloved for its combination of caffeine and alcohol and its smooth, rich flavor profile.
Our Pick for Best Espresso Martini: Coquette Brasserie
Ok, we’ve barely scratched the surface when tasting espresso martinis around Raleigh and Wake County. But we can’t stop thinking about our favorite: the French inspired one from Coquette Brasserie in North Hills. It was deliciously creamy with a nice hit of coffee.
You’ll be happy to know this espresso martini has real espresso in it, along with vodka, Frangelico, Kahlua, and baileys. The creaminess of the baileys paired with the coffee flavors was an invitation to heaven.
I was never a major huge fan of an espresso martini until I had one at Coquette. It goes down perfectly with brunch. Tell the bartender, Ash, that Caz & Craig sent you!
Where Raleigh locals suggest for the best Espresso Martinis
As you’re reading the list below, and noting the suggestions, remember that everything is subjective! So don’t be enraged or offended if your favorite Raleigh bar or restaurant is not on the list. You can easily rectify that by giving your suggestions in the comments at the bottom of this post!
If you want a handy checklist of these winning Espresso Martinis in Raleigh, join our email community via the form below. We regularly give them free printable checklists and guides. PLUS, every week we send emails sharing the top events for the week, insider fun finds, and updates:
I hope you join us in checking off this list of the best espresso martinis in Raleigh. I’ve got to see if Coquette’s really is the best one in the city. I’ve tried to find information on each establishment’s espresso martini (including price) but it’s not always easy! You can trust the followers’ recommendations:
- Willard Rooftop Bar: Enjoy some of the best rooftop views in Raleigh with an espresso martini made with grey goose vodka, grind Caribbean espresso liqueur, and espresso. For a twist, try their Chai-tini. Made with vodka, chai tea, cinnamon, clove and domaine de canton. These drinks will come at a heavy $16 price!
- Brewery Bhavana has a Golden Espresso Martini with vodka, espresso, corn milk, amaro averna, coffee & cocoa bitter for $14.
- Mulino Raleigh has an After Midnight espresso martini with Titos vodka, espresso, tonka* and spiced Mexican liqueur.
- The Capital Grille in North Hills. Ask for bartender Sam to serve you a Kona Espresso Martini with Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Caffè Borghetti Espresso Liqueur, fresh espresso, and Kona dust. That dust must be elevating the cocktail to a high $17!
- Gussie’s Raleigh is a new neighborhood Bar at the Bend, (Morgan St in the Hillsborough St District), with a casual yet cool vibe and well-priced cocktails. Recommended is their $13 Espresso Martini with rum, vodka, café liqueur, fresh espresso, vanilla.
- Bittersweet Raleigh: we have enjoyed an espresso martini at Bittersweet before (pairing with a delicious pumpkin brule). Theirs is simple with vodka and a freshly pulled shot of sweetened espresso. You can also have one made with chai tea. They have a variety of other coffee cocktails as well, including our favorite, an Irish coffee.
- Graffiti Cary: while throwing axes, enjoy an $11 Nitro Espresso Martini at this new bar in downtown Cary. Made with vodka, Tia Maria, House-Made Vanilla Bean Cold Foam.
- Sir Walter Coffee in downtown Raleigh has great coffee by day, classy cocktails by night. They have an entire menu dedicated to espresso martinis, and at only $11. My choices would be The Cat’s Meow Bacardi Rum made with Pierre Ferrand Dry Curaçao, Cardinal Sin Espresso, and Dark Chocolate Liqueur and the Ring -A- Ding – Ding Oak City Amaretto made with Frangelico, Cardinal Sin Espresso, Mocha, and Caramel.
- Northside Bistro is bringing a classy downtown vibe to uptown with a $15 Northside’s Espresso Martini made with Espresso and Stoli Vanilla, chocolate liquor.
- Glasshouse Kitchen: head out to RTP for beautiful countryside like views with a $13 OH BOY, 3AM! vodka, Licor 43, Kahlua, coffee syrup, aromatic bitters.
- William & Company on North Person St. This cozy neighborhood cocktail bar in Historic Oakwood is famous for well-crafted cocktails. Ask what they can do with an Espresso Martini!
- Cucciolo Raleigh: Enjoy simple and delicious Italian food with your espresso martini at this North Hills Restaurant.
- Death and Taxes: this downtown Raleigh restaurant by Ashley Christensen is sure to please with their crafty cocktails that average $13. No espresso martini on the menu, but I’m sure they create a fine one when you ask.
- Clockwork in the Glenwood Sth District receives rave reviews for their crafty cocktails, with thumbs up for the Espresso Martini.
- Neat & Sweet in Apex is a dessert and cocktail bar with more affordable cocktail prices. I can’t find any information on their espresso martinis, but they received a thumbs up from our community. Check out these other things to do in Downtown Apex while there.
- Lugano’s Ristorante in Cary received a shout out for their Espresso Martini made with oat milk.
- Turkey Lounge at Angus Barn was recommended for its authentic Espresso Martini made with espresso, not coffee liqueur.
- The Waiting Room in Durham’s take is Wake Up Holland made with Ketel One Oranj, Kahlua, espresso, Baileys salted caramel whip. Sounds delicious!
- Press (Durham) – Try the Black Forest Espresso Martini They also have a $12.50 Orange Vanilla Espresso Martini made with vodka, espresso, oat milk, orange vanilla syrup and coffee liqueur. Good news they are opening a location on 400 Hillsborough St soon. We love their coffee and breakfast, so we are excited.
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- 11 Popular Cocktail Bars In Raleigh (And One Hidden Gem)
- Sip And Savor: 14 Top Wine Bars In Raleigh (And Nearby)
- 4 hotels in Raleigh with cool rooftop bars
Comment: Where is your favorite expresso martini in Raleigh and why?
