Elevate Your Evening with Delco’s Espresso Martinis

Looking for a little lift at happy hour, or an after-dinner drink that’ll keep you energized into the night? Try an espresso martini! These caffeinated cocktails have taken the restaurant industry by storm—what started out as a social media trend is now a standard “must-have” on plenty of bar menus! 

 

There are a lot of methods to craft a delicious espresso martini. Vodka is the base spirit for most (but not all) of them, and while some versions contain real shots of espresso, others opt for extra-strong cold brew or coffee liqueur. Sweetness may come in the form of simple syrup or a nut-, chocolate- or vanilla-flavored cordial. Garnishes range from chocolate shavings to whipped cream to the classic trio of whole coffee beans. Many of Delco’s cocktail bars and buzzy restaurants now offer their own takes on the espresso martini, so you have ample opportunities to try them out and see which style is your favorite!   

 

At Teca in Newtown Square, cocktails come with a side of sleek Italian style. Their take on the espresso martini, the Rival Bros. Espresso Martini, blends Stoli Vanil (with notes of vanilla, cocoa and white pepper) and St. George NOLA Coffee Liqueur with fresh Rival Bros. espresso for a rich, velvety sipper. It’s smooth and nicely balanced — the kind of cocktail that pairs well with a lingering dinner. 

191 S. Newtown Street Rd., Newtown Square; (484) 420-4010.

 

Cozy up at Teikoku for incredible sushi and Japanese fare and an inventive beverage program. For a sophisticated twist on the classic espresso martini, try the Kyoto Nightcap, which swaps vodka for bourbon, blending it with espresso, housemade brown sugar syrup and chocolate bitters for a cocktail that makes a decadent bridge between dinner and dessert. If you’re in a “one-and-done” kind of mood, Teikoku also has an excellent selection of zero-proof mocktails to choose from!

5492 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square; (610) 644-8270.

 

 

The drink menu at Towne House in Media features an entire section dedicated to espresso martinis, with four unique variations to explore. All of the versions include TH Coffee Liqueur, demerara sugar and Lavazza espresso; the classic version adds vodka; the Irish Espresso Martini goes bold with whiskey and Guinness; the Salted Caramel version smooths things out with vanilla vodka and salted caramel demerara; and the Peanut Butter Espresso Martini gets nutty with Screwball Peanut Butter Whiskey!  

Located in a beautiful historic building on Veterans Square, Towne House has a convivial atmosphere and a stunning interior that draws everyone from after-work regulars to weekend brunch crowds. It’s a great place to gather with friends and find your new personal favorite espresso martini.

117 Veterans Sq., Media; (484) 445-2041.

 

 

At Testa Rossa, espresso martinis are a weekly cause for celebration. On the regular bar menu, find the Lavender Espresso Martini, crafted with lavender-infused vodka, coffee liqueur and espresso. This unusual pairing offers a floral twist that’s fresh, fragrant and just a little bit fancy. 

Even better? Espresso Martini Tuesday, when each week, guests can choose from six unique flavors for $14 or sample a flight of mini martinis for $15. We’ve got an eye on the Chocolate Affogato, a dessert-ified espresso martini with crème de cacao, amaretto and espresso poured over a scoop of chocolate gelato. 

919 Baltimore Pike, Glen Mills; (610) 335-9900. 

 

 

At the newly opened NAPA Kitchen and Wine, the espresso martini goes by the fitting name Night Owl. Made with Tito’s Handmade Vodka, cold brew double espresso (for an extra pop of caffeinated goodness), Kahlúa and house-made simple syrup, it’s what to order up when you aren’t quite ready to call it a night.

NAPA offers a refined-but-relaxed setting that’s equally suited for a romantic dinner or a girls’ night. Seasonal dishes, an epic wine list and creative cocktails make for a fabulous night out in Delco.

3747 Equus Boulevard, Newtown Square; (484) 428-3720.

 

Carmine’s Eatery keeps it classic with its Espresso Martini, a no-fuss blend of Ketel One Vodka, Mr. Black Coffee Liqueur, espresso and simple syrup. With a double shot of coffee flavor and a pleasantly boozy kick, it’s proof that sometimes, simple is best.

To get the most bang for your buck, stop into Carmine’s for happy hour, every weekday from 4-6 p.m. There’s a lovely menu of affordable bites and snacks, like $6 feta fries and spanikopita and $14 pizzas and smash burgers. Bonus: The happy hour espresso martini is just $10. 

3570 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square; (610) 356-9009.

 

 

For a local spin on this cocktail trend, head to Four Birds Distilling in Havertown, where owners Abby and Joey Feerrar and their team know just how to blend classic and signature cocktails on their seasonally driven menu. Their Espresso Martini features house-made vodka infused with vanilla beans and hazelnuts, vanilla syrup, crème de cacao and espresso. The result is nutty, aromatic and unmistakably crafted with care.

1901 Darby Rd., Havertown; (484) 454-3074.

 

Backstage Tap + Grille, a full service bar and restaurant, has brought a serious boost to Lansdowne’s burgeoning main street, Lansdowne Ave. (read more about their story!). While you won’t find an espresso martini on its regular drink menu, scope out its dessert cocktail lineup and you’ll see it there! Made with vanilla vodka, coffee liqueur and espresso, it’s the perfect nightcap to savor after dinner or before live entertainment at the Lansdowne Theater across the street. Or, order one up at Backstage’s Sunday Brunch to pair with cornmeal waffles or eggs benedict. 

22 N. Lansdowne Ave., Lansdowne; (484) 466-3036.

 

Jade Rabbit Speakeasy’s take on the espresso martini is anything but basic. The Unabridged Night features Café de Honduras (a premium French coffee liqueur), crème de cacao and B&B (Bénédictine and Brandy), shaken with both egg and cream for a luxe, frothy texture, and finished with a dusting of shaved nutmeg.

Tucked below Maison Lotus, a gorgeous French-Vietnamese restaurant in Wayne, Jade Rabbit captures a true underground speakeasy feel, with moody lighting, plush seating and an inventive drink program. It’s an intimate, “hidden gem”-style atmosphere to explore something a little different.

175 Lancaster Ave., Wayne; (610) 527-5700.

 

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Want to know more about everything Delco? We’re more than just your source for good eats — we’re your source for where to stay, what to do and more in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. We’re Visit Delco, PA. They say we’re A LOT…and they’re right! Contact us at (610) 565-3679, by email or online.

– Emily Kovach

 

Featured photo: Pexels