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An espresso martini made on a metal bar — Service Bar’s complex espresso martini stars coconut, chocolate, and Don Ciccio’s coffee liqueur.

16 Espresso Martinis to Try in D.C. Right Now

Demand for the caffeine-packed cocktail continues to surge

by Tierney Plumb Updated Mar 24, 2022, 1:47pm EDT

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Service Bar’s complex espresso martini stars coconut, chocolate, and Don Ciccio’s coffee liqueur.

| Service Bar

by Tierney Plumb Updated Mar 24, 2022, 1:47pm EDT

With restaurants and bars back in full swing, espresso martinis are having a major moment. Eater sister site Punch Drink just did a deep dive on the timeless cocktail’s nationwide revival, noting its popular versatility at brunch, before dinner, or for dessert to stay alert through last call.

Around D.C., bartenders tinker with recipes that go beyond the traditional combo of vodka, espresso, coffee liqueur, and simple syrup. Modernized versions loop in fresh chocolate shavings, frothy Italian liqueurs, and more on-trend ingredients. Mr. Black, an intensely flavored Australian cold brew coffee liqueur, is the caffeine component of choice at several local bars.

“It’s a cocktail that naturally has that ‘sizzling fajita effect’ in appearance,” NYC bar director Brian Evans tells Punch. “Once one goes out, many more will inevitably follow.”

Here are 16 spots to slurp a superior espresso martini in D.C.

Don’t see a personal favorite on the list? Sound off in the comments or shoot us an email (dc@eater.com).

Health experts consider dining out to be a high-risk activity for the unvaccinated; it may pose a risk for the vaccinated, especially in areas with substantial COVID transmission.

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Seven Reasons

The trendy Latin American restaurant on 14th Street NW makes two after-dinner espresso cocktails behind the leafy 12-seat bar. The “A Sip Above It All” ($15) blends rums with coffee-infused martini bitters, creme de cacao, and madeira.

2208 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009

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An espresso martini on a wood table — The after-dinner cocktail at Seven Reasons

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The Imperial

Adams Morgan’s polished bar makes its espresso martini with a hint of fresh mint. There’s also Tito’s vodka, Mr. Black coffee liqueur, homemade nutmeg chicory tincture, gomme, and fresh espresso. The $16 drink is $5 less during its twice-a-day weekday happy hour, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. to midnight.

Open in Google Maps

2001 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009

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A glass coupe filled with espresso and vodka — The Imperial’s elegant espresso martini

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Service Bar DC

The mixologists at Shaw’s revered cocktail bar go with vodka, 95-percent bittersweet chocolate, double brew nitro coffee, coconut, and Don Ciccio Concerto coffee liqueur ($14).

926-928 U St NW, Washington, DC 20001

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An espresso martini made on a metal bar — Service Bar’s espresso martini

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Lulu’s Wine Garden

Saddle up to one of Lulu’s lush garden patios to sip an espresso martini with a Southwest twist ($13). Tequila and Xocolatl mole bitters unite with Mr. Black coffee liqueur, Amaro Montenegro, and simple syrup.

Open in Google Maps

1940 11th St NW, Washington, DC 20001

Visit Website

An espresso martini surrounded by cacti — Lulu’s Wine Garden’s new espresso martini loops in mole bitters and tequila

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Quattro Osteria

Shaw’s stylish osteria whips up a delicate, caffeinated coupe of coffee liqueur, homemade black pepper cinnamon infusion, Italian espresso, coffee, and vodka ($14).

Open in Google Maps

600 Florida Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001

Visit Website

A delicate coupe in front of a tree trunk — Quattro Osteria’s glamorous espresso martini is topped with an edible flower

Also featured in:

Where to Find Top-Notch Pasta Around D.C.

The Royal

The breezy cafe’s espresso martini showcases the team’s coffee-making skills. Freshly-pulled Counter Culture espresso joins forces with vodka, Borghetti Cafe liqueur, and sugar ($14).

501 Florida Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001

Visit Website

An espresso martini in front of leafy plants — The Royal’s all-day espresso martini

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The Red Hen

Bloomingdale’s treasured Italian restaurant makes a mean espresso martini with D.C.’s Civic vodka, cold brew, Mr. Black coffee liqueur, caffe amaro, and simple syrup ($14).

1822 1st St NW, Washington, DC 20001

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A frothy espresso martini — Red Hen’s frothy espresso martini

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Conservatory at Gravitas

Walk up to the glass-enclosed bar atop Ivy City’s Michelin-starred restaurant to splurge on a caffeinated concoction made with Maggie’s Farm spiced rum, Hamilton’s pimento dram, falernum, oat milk, and cinnamon vanilla ($20). Pro tip: sip the same cocktail — sans rooftop views — for $16 at chef Matt Baker’s lobby-level sister spot Michele’s in downtown’s Eaton hotel.

1401 Okie St NE, Washington, DC 20002

Visit Website

A glass-enclosed rooftop bar — The dreamy rooftop bar at Gravitas

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Nina May

The list of “comfort drinks” at Shaw’s seasonal American eatery includes an espresso martini made with zesty orange essence, fresh espresso, vodka, and cane syrup ($14).

Open in Google Maps

1337 11th St NW, Washington, DC 20001

Visit Website

A frothy espresso martini — Nina May’s espresso martini

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Residents Cafe & Bar

The Bib Gourmand-designated cafe in Dupont Circle credits the espresso martini with putting it on the map when it opened in 2019. The stylish spot’s consistent best seller ($16) starts with local beans from Bump ‘n Grind brewed in its snazzy Slayer espresso machine. Vodka, vanilla, and chocolate join Borsci, Galliano, and organic ghee for a silky-smooth texture, finished with a generous amount of chocolate shavings. A Mexican Coffee variety loops in cold brew, tequila, mezcal, and cream.

Open in Google Maps

1306 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20036

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Never Looked Better

The “Vodka Has Never Looked Better” menu at Blagden Alley’s fluorescent, irreverent speakeasy features a must-have espresso martini. Beverage director Jeff Coles picked Australia’s cold brew coffee liqueur Mr. Black over a dozen options to create “a silky pick-me-up.” The $16 drink is $2 off during its daily happy hour (5 p.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays and noon to 4 p.m. on weekends).

Open in Google Maps

130 Blagden Alley NW, Washington, DC 20001

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Shōtō

It should come as no surprise that downtown’s new show-stopping Japanese izakaya makes its espresso martini with top-shelf tequila. The “Express” martini (Don Julio 1942, shiso umeshu, Kahlua, Frangelico, honey, espresso) sets back diners $22.

Open in Google Maps

1100 15th St NW, Washington, DC 20005

Visit Website

An espresso martini on a wooden table — Shōtō’s “Express” martini employs Don Julio 1942.

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Bar Chinois

Mt. Vernon Triangle’s industrial-chic hotspot for drinks and dumplings has an off-menu espresso martini made with Lavazza espresso, angostura bitters, simple, and vodka of choice ($13-$15).

Open in Google Maps

455 I St NW, Washington, DC 20001

Visit Website

An artistic espresso martini — Bar Chinois sends out an off-menu espresso martini

Also featured in:

L'Ardente

Capital Crossing’s dreamy Italian restaurant by chef David Deshaies constructs an eye-popping espresso martini with Grey Goose vodka, Galliano Ristretto, and espresso, joined by an airy foam topper made from Godiva white chocolate liqueur and coconut milk. A delicate tuile cookie garnish and dark cocoa powder rounds out the decadent dessert drink ($20). L’Ardente opens at 5 p.m. daily, and its bar is first come, first served.

Open in Google Maps

200 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001

Visit Website

A lush espresso martini on a table — L’Ardente’s indulgent espresso martini is part of its “dessert drinks” menu.

Also featured in:

Caruso's Grocery

Capitol Hill’s throwback red sauce joint celebrates the old-school cocktail with a $10 coupe of homemade espresso-rum liqueur, vanilla bean-infused vodka, and fresh espresso.

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1401 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, Washington, DC 20003

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A post shared by Caruso’s Grocery (@carusosgrocery)

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Anchovy Social

Restaurant magnate Danny Meyer’s hip rooftop hangout in Navy Yard perks up alfresco diners with a martini ($14) full of vodka, espresso, Mr. Black coffee liqueur, and Madagascar vanilla.

221 Tingey St SE, Washington, DC 20003

Visit Website

The main bar at Anchovy Social

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Seven Reasons

2208 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009

The trendy Latin American restaurant on 14th Street NW makes two after-dinner espresso cocktails behind the leafy 12-seat bar. The “A Sip Above It All” ($15) blends rums with coffee-infused martini bitters, creme de cacao, and madeira.

2208 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009

Visit Website

An espresso martini on a wood table — The after-dinner cocktail at Seven Reasons

The Imperial

2001 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009

Adams Morgan’s polished bar makes its espresso martini with a hint of fresh mint. There’s also Tito’s vodka, Mr. Black coffee liqueur, homemade nutmeg chicory tincture, gomme, and fresh espresso. The $16 drink is $5 less during its twice-a-day weekday happy hour, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. to midnight.

Open in Google Maps

2001 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009

Visit Website

A glass coupe filled with espresso and vodka — The Imperial’s elegant espresso martini

Service Bar DC

926-928 U St NW, Washington, DC 20001

The mixologists at Shaw’s revered cocktail bar go with vodka, 95-percent bittersweet chocolate, double brew nitro coffee, coconut, and Don Ciccio Concerto coffee liqueur ($14).

926-928 U St NW, Washington, DC 20001

Visit Website

An espresso martini made on a metal bar — Service Bar’s espresso martini

Lulu’s Wine Garden

1940 11th St NW, Washington, DC 20001

Saddle up to one of Lulu’s lush garden patios to sip an espresso martini with a Southwest twist ($13). Tequila and Xocolatl mole bitters unite with Mr. Black coffee liqueur, Amaro Montenegro, and simple syrup.

Open in Google Maps

1940 11th St NW, Washington, DC 20001

Visit Website

An espresso martini surrounded by cacti — Lulu’s Wine Garden’s new espresso martini loops in mole bitters and tequila

Quattro Osteria

600 Florida Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001

Shaw’s stylish osteria whips up a delicate, caffeinated coupe of coffee liqueur, homemade black pepper cinnamon infusion, Italian espresso, coffee, and vodka ($14).

Open in Google Maps

600 Florida Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001

Visit Website

A delicate coupe in front of a tree trunk — Quattro Osteria’s glamorous espresso martini is topped with an edible flower

The Royal

501 Florida Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001

The breezy cafe’s espresso martini showcases the team’s coffee-making skills. Freshly-pulled Counter Culture espresso joins forces with vodka, Borghetti Cafe liqueur, and sugar ($14).

501 Florida Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001

Visit Website

An espresso martini in front of leafy plants — The Royal’s all-day espresso martini

The Red Hen

1822 1st St NW, Washington, DC 20001

Bloomingdale’s treasured Italian restaurant makes a mean espresso martini with D.C.’s Civic vodka, cold brew, Mr. Black coffee liqueur, caffe amaro, and simple syrup ($14).

1822 1st St NW, Washington, DC 20001

Visit Website

A frothy espresso martini — Red Hen’s frothy espresso martini

Conservatory at Gravitas

1401 Okie St NE, Washington, DC 20002

Walk up to the glass-enclosed bar atop Ivy City’s Michelin-starred restaurant to splurge on a caffeinated concoction made with Maggie’s Farm spiced rum, Hamilton’s pimento dram, falernum, oat milk, and cinnamon vanilla ($20). Pro tip: sip the same cocktail — sans rooftop views — for $16 at chef Matt Baker’s lobby-level sister spot Michele’s in downtown’s Eaton hotel.

1401 Okie St NE, Washington, DC 20002

Visit Website

A glass-enclosed rooftop bar — The dreamy rooftop bar at Gravitas

Nina May

1337 11th St NW, Washington, DC 20001

The list of “comfort drinks” at Shaw’s seasonal American eatery includes an espresso martini made with zesty orange essence, fresh espresso, vodka, and cane syrup ($14).

Open in Google Maps

1337 11th St NW, Washington, DC 20001

Visit Website

A frothy espresso martini — Nina May’s espresso martini

Residents Cafe & Bar

1306 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20036

The Bib Gourmand-designated cafe in Dupont Circle credits the espresso martini with putting it on the map when it opened in 2019. The stylish spot’s consistent best seller ($16) starts with local beans from Bump ‘n Grind brewed in its snazzy Slayer espresso machine. Vodka, vanilla, and chocolate join Borsci, Galliano, and organic ghee for a silky-smooth texture, finished with a generous amount of chocolate shavings. A Mexican Coffee variety loops in cold brew, tequila, mezcal, and cream.

Open in Google Maps

1306 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20036

Visit Website

Never Looked Better

130 Blagden Alley NW, Washington, DC 20001

The “Vodka Has Never Looked Better” menu at Blagden Alley’s fluorescent, irreverent speakeasy features a must-have espresso martini. Beverage director Jeff Coles picked Australia’s cold brew coffee liqueur Mr. Black over a dozen options to create “a silky pick-me-up.” The $16 drink is $2 off during its daily happy hour (5 p.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays and noon to 4 p.m. on weekends).

Open in Google Maps

130 Blagden Alley NW, Washington, DC 20001

Visit Website

Shōtō

1100 15th St NW, Washington, DC 20005

It should come as no surprise that downtown’s new show-stopping Japanese izakaya makes its espresso martini with top-shelf tequila. The “Express” martini (Don Julio 1942, shiso umeshu, Kahlua, Frangelico, honey, espresso) sets back diners $22.

Open in Google Maps

1100 15th St NW, Washington, DC 20005

Visit Website

An espresso martini on a wooden table — Shōtō’s “Express” martini employs Don Julio 1942.

Bar Chinois

455 I St NW, Washington, DC 20001

Mt. Vernon Triangle’s industrial-chic hotspot for drinks and dumplings has an off-menu espresso martini made with Lavazza espresso, angostura bitters, simple, and vodka of choice ($13-$15).

Open in Google Maps

455 I St NW, Washington, DC 20001

Visit Website

An artistic espresso martini — Bar Chinois sends out an off-menu espresso martini

L'Ardente

200 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001

Capital Crossing’s dreamy Italian restaurant by chef David Deshaies constructs an eye-popping espresso martini with Grey Goose vodka, Galliano Ristretto, and espresso, joined by an airy foam topper made from Godiva white chocolate liqueur and coconut milk. A delicate tuile cookie garnish and dark cocoa powder rounds out the decadent dessert drink ($20). L’Ardente opens at 5 p.m. daily, and its bar is first come, first served.

Open in Google Maps

200 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001

Visit Website

A lush espresso martini on a table — L’Ardente’s indulgent espresso martini is part of its “dessert drinks” menu.

Caruso's Grocery

1401 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, Washington, DC 20003

Capitol Hill’s throwback red sauce joint celebrates the old-school cocktail with a $10 coupe of homemade espresso-rum liqueur, vanilla bean-infused vodka, and fresh espresso.

Open in Google Maps

1401 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, Washington, DC 20003

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Caruso’s Grocery (@carusosgrocery)

Related Maps

Anchovy Social

221 Tingey St SE, Washington, DC 20003

Restaurant magnate Danny Meyer’s hip rooftop hangout in Navy Yard perks up alfresco diners with a martini ($14) full of vodka, espresso, Mr. Black coffee liqueur, and Madagascar vanilla.

221 Tingey St SE, Washington, DC 20003

Visit Website

The main bar at Anchovy Social

Related Maps