The Espresso Martini Is Everywhere (Again)

As the world rebounds, so too does a storied ’90s cocktail.

One need only look at our 21st-century devices — or out our old-fashioned windows — to know that 1990s nostalgia has reached, maybe even surpassed, fever pitch: A TikTok from Alicia Silverstone with a “Clueless” reference has more than 40 million views; Olivia Rodrigo’s chart-topping “good 4 u” video was inspired by, she said, “cult ’90s feminist horror movies”; and the recent “Friends” reunion drove record sign-ups for HBO Max. And that’s not to mention the ’90s resurgence that’s been happening in fashion. Making its grand return to the zeitgeist alongside it all is the sweet, the strong, the satisfying (to some) … espresso martini. In its most classic form, the drink is freshly brewed espresso, coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa or Mr. Black) and vodka, shaken and served in a chilled martini glass with three roasted coffee beans as a garnish.