National Espresso Martini Day is celebrated every year on March 15, raising a glass to one of the world’s most beloved after-dinner cocktails: the espresso martini, a shaken blend of vodka, coffee liqueur and fresh espresso. It is a day for coffee lovers and cocktail fans alike to enjoy the drink that promises to both wake you up and lift your spirits.
When is National Espresso Martini Day?
National Espresso Martini Day falls on March 15 each year. It is a fixed-date observance, always landing on the same calendar date rather than a rotating weekday. In 2026 it falls on a Sunday, making it a natural fit for a weekend brunch or evening gathering.
History and origin of National Espresso Martini Day
The cocktail at the heart of the day has a well-documented origin. The espresso martini was invented by legendary British bartender Dick Bradsell in 1980s London. As the widely repeated story goes, a young model approached his bar and asked for something that would wake her up and then pick her up, so Bradsell combined fresh espresso, vodka, coffee liqueur and sugar syrup. Accounts differ on the exact bar and year, with Fred’s Club and the Soho Brasserie both cited, but Bradsell’s authorship of the drink is not in dispute.
The observance itself is a different matter. Why March 15 was chosen is not clearly documented, and there is no verified founder for the day. It appears the date was selected largely because it lacked a competing cocktail celebration, rather than for any link to Bradsell or the drink’s history. Rather than invent an origin story, it is more honest to say the day emerged as a marketing and social-media moment for a cocktail that had surged back into popularity.
Why National Espresso Martini Day matters
Beyond the fun, the day marks the remarkable comeback of a cocktail that fell out of fashion for years before roaring back to become a modern classic on menus worldwide. It celebrates craft bartending and the creativity of mixologists, and it gives bars, brands and coffee producers a shared moment to showcase their take on the drink. For enthusiasts, it is simply an excuse to appreciate the marriage of coffee and cocktail culture.
How to celebrate National Espresso Martini Day
- Order an espresso martini at a favorite bar or restaurant.
- Mix a classic version at home with vodka, coffee liqueur, fresh espresso and sugar syrup.
- Experiment with variations, such as salted caramel, vanilla or a tequila twist.
- Host a small tasting to compare recipes with friends.
- Try a non-alcoholic version so everyone can join in.
- Share your recipe or photo on social media with the day’s hashtag.
- Pair the drink with dessert for an after-dinner treat.
The espresso martini’s comeback is one of the great cocktail stories of the modern era. After enjoying popularity in the 1980s and 1990s, the drink faded from fashion for years before roaring back in the late 2010s and early 2020s, propelled by social media, a renewed interest in classic cocktails and the enduring appeal of a drink that combines two of the world’s favorite pick-me-ups. Bartenders and brands seized on the revival, and the espresso martini once again became a fixture on menus everywhere, from neighborhood bars to high-end lounges. National Espresso Martini Day rides that wave, giving fans a fixed point on the calendar to celebrate a cocktail that has proven remarkably resilient.
Related days and observances
National Espresso Martini Day sits alongside other drink-focused observances, including National Coffee Day, National Vodka Day, National Cocktail Day and National Martini Day. Together they celebrate the ingredients and culture behind the modern cocktail, from the beans and spirits to the bartenders who turn them into something memorable.
Fun facts
Dick Bradsell is credited with reinventing London’s cocktail scene in the 1980s and creating several modern classics beyond the espresso martini, including the Bramble. The espresso martini, despite its name, contains no gin or vermouth and is not a martini in the traditional sense; it earns the name from its cocktail-glass presentation. The drink is traditionally garnished with three coffee beans floated on its foamy top, a nod said to represent health, wealth and happiness. A proper version relies on freshly pulled espresso, which produces the signature layer of crema foam that sets it apart from imitations made with cold coffee. As with any alcoholic beverage, the day is best enjoyed responsibly and only by those of legal drinking age.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is National Espresso Martini Day?
National Espresso Martini Day is celebrated on March 15 each year. It is a fixed date and does not shift by weekday.
Who invented the espresso martini?
The espresso martini was created by British bartender Dick Bradsell in 1980s London, reportedly for a customer who wanted a drink to wake her up and then pick her up.
Who started National Espresso Martini Day?
The founder of the observance itself is not clearly documented, and the reason March 15 was chosen is unclear.
How do you celebrate National Espresso Martini Day?
People order espresso martinis at bars, mix their own at home, try new variations, and share recipes on social media.
Is National Espresso Martini Day a public holiday?
No. It is a food-and-drink observance, not a public holiday, and should be enjoyed responsibly by those of legal drinking age.
What is in an espresso martini?
A classic espresso martini combines vodka, coffee liqueur, fresh espresso and a little sugar syrup, shaken with ice and topped with coffee beans.