Espresso Martini Near Me: Where to Buy, Recipes & Best Bars

There’s a reason the espresso martini has become the go-to for late-night coffee lovers—it’s a perfect paradox of caffeine and alcohol. Whether you’re scanning a supermarket aisle for a ready-to-drink can or shaking one up at home, the options have never been wider. With brands like Lidl and Tesco now stocking their own versions and bartenders across Ireland adding local twists, finding an espresso martini near you is easier than ever. This guide compares the best supermarket buys, bar recommendations, and DIY recipes so you can pick your perfect pour.

Alcohol content in Lidl’s ready-to-drink can: 14.9% ABV · Price of Absolut Cocktails Espresso Martini at Tesco: £3 (Clubcard £2.50) · Volume of Tails Cocktails Espresso Martini at Tesco: 500ml · Year espresso martini was invented: 1983 · Main ingredients: vodka, espresso, coffee liqueur

The pattern: ready-to-drink options are climbing in alcohol content while the bar version remains a craft staple.

Does Lidl Sell Espresso Martini?

According to product listings, Lidl stocks an Espresso Martini Style Cocktail Ready to Drink Can with an alcohol content of 14.9% ABV. The can is part of Lidl’s own-brand cocktail range, making it an affordable option for a quick fix. Availability may vary by location, so check your local Lidl in-store or online. The broader ready-to-drink cocktail market has grown rapidly, with supermarkets now leading the way, as noted by Eat This, Not That! (food and drink review site).

Does Tesco Sell Espresso Martini?

Tesco offers two main ready-to-drink espresso martini products: Tails Cocktails Espresso Martini 500ml and Absolut Cocktails Espresso Martini 200ml. The Absolut version is priced at £3 (or £2.50 with a Clubcard), per Tesco’s online grocery (major British retailer). Both are available in selected stores and online. The convenience of supermarket RTDs means you can enjoy an espresso martini at home without any shaking.

The implication: supermarket options are convenient and affordable, but the ABV and taste differ significantly from a bar-made cocktail.

Which Alcohol Is in an Espresso Martini?

The classic espresso martini recipe calls for vodka, fresh espresso, and coffee liqueur such as Kahlúa. According to Preppy Kitchen (home cooking and cocktail blog), a standard build uses 2 ounces vodka, 1 ounce cooled espresso, ½ ounce coffee liqueur, and ½ ounce simple syrup, shaken with ice and strained into a martini glass. Mr Black (coffee liqueur brand) echoes this formula, emphasizing a garnish of three coffee beans for the classic finish.

Is Baileys or Kahlúa Better for Espresso Martini?

Kahlúa provides the deep coffee flavor essential to the drink, while Baileys adds creaminess and a touch of sweetness. For a classic dry martini, Kahlúa is the go-to. For a richer, dessert-like version, Baileys works well—especially in Irish variations. Bright-Eyed Baker (food blog) describes the Baileys version as “smoother and milkier.” The trade-off: Kahlúa keeps it clean and coffee-forward; Baileys turns it into a creamy indulgence.

What Is an Irish Espresso Martini?

An Irish espresso martini swaps the vodka for Irish whiskey—typically Jameson—and often adds Baileys Irish Cream for richness. A recipe from Miss in the Kitchen (recipe blog) combines 2 ounces Kahlúa, 2 ounces Baileys, 2 ounces espresso, and 4 ounces Jameson Irish whiskey. Difford’s Guide (cocktail encyclopedia) offers a similar version with Irish whiskey, hot espresso, and brown sugar syrup. The result is a warmer, boozier take on the classic.

Why this matters: if you’re in Ireland or at an Irish pub, this variant is more common than the standard vodka version. It’s also a popular order in Dublin cocktail bars.

Do Espresso Martinis Get You Drunk?

Yes—a typical espresso martini has an ABV between 20% and 25%, depending on the recipe. That’s roughly 2–3 times stronger than beer or wine per ounce. However, the caffeine in the espresso can mask the effects of alcohol, making it easier to drink faster without realizing how intoxicated you are, as noted by public health guidance on mixing caffeine and alcohol. Ready-to-drink cans like Lidl’s (14.9% ABV) are slightly lower but still pack a punch.

The catch: the same buzz that keeps you alert can also lead to overconsumption. Pace yourself, especially with RTD cans where the alcohol content is less obvious.

Where Can I Find the Best Espresso Martini Near Me?

To find an espresso martini near you, use Yelp or Google Maps and search for “espresso martini.” In Dublin, top-rated bars include The Bank on College Green and Vintage Cocktail Club, according to local review sites. In London, DesignMyNight (nightlife guide) curates lists of bars serving craft espresso martinis. For a quick fix at home, supermarket options from Lidl and Tesco are widely available. Eat This, Not That! (food and drink review site) recommends serving RTD cans very cold for the best taste.

The pattern: local bars offer freshness and customisation, while supermarket cans deliver convenience and consistency.

Three routes to your espresso martini, each with different trade-offs in cost, effort, and authenticity.

How to Make an Espresso Martini at Home

Follow this simple recipe from Preppy Kitchen (home cooking and cocktail blog) to create a classic espresso martini in under 5 minutes.

1. Brew a double shot of espresso and let it cool to room temperature (or use cold brew concentrate).
2. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
3. Add 2 ounces vodka (or Irish whiskey for an Irish variation).
4. Add 1 ounce cooled espresso and ½ ounce coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa).
5. Add ½ ounce simple syrup if you prefer a sweeter drink.
6. Shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds until well-chilled.
7. Strain into a chilled martini glass.
8. Garnish with three coffee beans for the classic look, as recommended by Mr Black (coffee liqueur brand).

What’s Confirmed and What’s Unclear

“A classic espresso martini recipe typically combines vodka, cooled espresso, coffee liqueur, and simple syrup.”

— Preppy Kitchen (home cooking and cocktail blog)

“An espresso martini is made with coffee, vodka, and Mr Black, with three coffee beans as garnish for a classic finish.”

— Mr Black (coffee liqueur brand)

The espresso martini market has splintered into three clear camps: budget-friendly supermarket cans, bar-quality fresh cocktails, and DIY craft. For UK and Irish drinkers, the choice often comes down to convenience versus authenticity. If you want a quick caffeine-and-booze fix, Lidl and Tesco have you covered. For the real deal—especially the Irish whiskey twist—head to a cocktail bar or shake one up yourself. The pattern is clear: the best espresso martini near you depends entirely on how much time and money you’re willing to spend on the perfect pour.

Frequently asked questions

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