By: Haley Bosselman By: Haley Bosselman | May 24, 2023 | Food & Drink Feature
Coffee fan or not, imbibers can’t get enough of espresso martinis. Whether a nightcap after a long, decadent dinner or a nice kick for happy hour, here are the best espresso martinis in Scottsdale.
Website/ 7353 E Scottsdale Mall 85251
Let’s start with the obvious. Anyone in the Phoenix-metro area who loves an espresso martini has ordered one from AZ/88. There’s good reason people flock here for the caffeinated cocktail. Made with Smirnoff vodka, Kahlua, Irish Cream, creme de cacao and a fresh shot of espresso, it strikes up the perfect balance between creamy and coffee flavors.
Website/ 1325 Grand Ave 85007
Making the journey from Scottsdale to Phoenix is well worth the trip for El Charro’s Espresso Agave Martini. For starters, the family-owned and operated establishment has a whole section of the menu devoted to certified fair-trade organic Mexican coffee, meaning El Charro is serious about its java. Adding a spin to the typically vodka-based drink, the Espresso Agave Martini is made with mezcal, Mr. Black and a shot of espresso.
Website/ 7111 E 5th Ave 85251
For more than a decade, Citizen Public House has been Old Town’s reliable upscale watering hole. And the luxe touch, of course, continues to its menu. Packing a real punch, its nitrogen draft-fueled espresso martini is made of vodka, cold brew coffee, espresso liqueur and simple syrup.
Website/ 1 E Washington St 85004
Set your sights on downtown Phoenix for an espresso martini and a feast of Cuban cuisine. A strong drink is ideal when loading up on ceviche, empanadas, cubanos and pork masitas. Aptly called the Pick Me Up, Coabana shakes up its espresso martini with Zaya Rum, Borghetti Espresso liqueur, Demerara sugar and angostura bitters.
Website/ 4710 Goldwater Blvd 85251
The Scottsdale Fashion Square bistro whips up a top-notch espresso martini. Made with Ketel One Vodka, the cocktail is enlivened by Press Twitch Espresso, honey and coffee liqueur.
Website/ Various
The beloved brunch spot (and all-around great restaurant at any time of day) has you covered when mimosas and Bloody Marys just aren’t the right call. A sweet treat, Hulu’s concocts its espresso martini with vodka, coffee liqueur, chocolate liqueur and half and half.
Website/ 132 S Central Ave 85004
On the fourth floor of the downtown Residence Inn, Little Rituals serves the ultimate espresso martini for those who prefer their coffee black (or anyone that can’t have dairy). It’s also just plain good. Called the Classic Espresso, the cocktail is made with local cold brew, Mr. Black coffee liqueur, demerara gomme and Ketel One Vodka.
Website/ 4360 N Scottsdale Rd 85251
With Hamptons vibes and premier craft cocktails, The Montauk makes for a memorable restaurant and lounge experience. Kick your visit up a notch by sipping the espresso martini, which is made with Smirnoff vanilla vodka, Irish Cream Liqueur, cold brew coffee and Cafe Borghetti Italian Liqueur.
Website/ 7135 E Camelback Rd 85251
Espresso martinis sure add a pep in your step, but savoring over one makes for a tranquil experience at Olive & Ivy. Indulge in its Mediterranean ethos and you’ll properly enjoy The Infamous Espressotini, a blend of cold brew, espresso-infused vodka, Madagascar vanilla and Giddy-Up Dust.
Website/ 6850 E Main St 85251
For espresso martinis, the Hotel Valley Ho restaurant and lounge. The craft cocktail, called the VH Espresso Martini, features chili chocolate-infused Tito’s Vodka alongside coffee liqueur, cold brew and demerara syrup.
Scottsdale and its neighbors have the best espresso martinis in the Southwest.
Photography by: Kelly Taub/BFA.com