The late, great Gary "Gaz" Regan was a titan of the cocktail world, known for his profound impact on modern bartending and creations like Regans' Orange Bitters No. 6. His take on the Espresso Martini elevates the modern classic by introducing a crucial culinary element: salt.

The Origin of the Espresso Martini

As the legendary story goes, the original Espresso Martini was invented in 1983 by British bartender Dick Bradsell at the SoHo Brasserie in London. A famous fashion model approached the bar and asked for a drink that would "wake me up, and then mess me up." Bradsell combined vodka with fresh espresso and coffee liqueur, and a modern classic was born.

Why Salt Works in Coffee Cocktails

Gaz Regan understood that salt is a flavor enhancer. In coffee cocktails, the addition of salt suppresses the inherent bitterness of the roasted espresso beans. By muting the bitter notes, the rich chocolate, vanilla, and caramel flavors of the coffee are allowed to shine through, creating a much more balanced and complex drink.

Salted Espresso Martini

Prep time: 5 minutes Yield: 1 Cocktail Profile: Bitter, Complex, Rich

Ingredients

  • Premium Vodka (or aged rum/tequila)1.5 oz
  • Salted Espresso Martini Mix (or 1.5 oz fresh espresso + pinch of sea salt + 0.25 oz simple syrup)1.5 oz
  • Lemon twistGarnish

Instructions

  1. For a silky, spirit-forward drink: Combine ingredients in a mixing glass with ice. Stir lovingly for 20 seconds, then strain into a chilled coupe glass.
  2. For a frothy foam layer: Combine ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously for 15 seconds to aerate the espresso, then double-strain into a chilled martini glass.
  3. Garnish with a twist of lemon to add a bright, zesty contrast to the rich coffee flavors.