"Espresso Martinis are out" and I Reject that Statement

If you think peer pressure is gonna pry this espresso martini out of my hand—you clearly don’t know how strong my grip is. First, drugs stopped being cool so I matured. Now, Gen Z wants to cancel my espresso tinis too? Over my highly-caffeinated body. What else am I supposed to to do if I wanna stay out all night? Let the espresso girlies tweak in peace. That said… I’ll admit, after slamming these on repeat, some of them are starting to feel a little tired. So for those of us who refuse to let this caffeine-fueled cocktail era die without a fight, I’ve rounded up a few tips to keep our espresso palettes inspired.

1. Try a Carajillo Technically not an espresso martini, but think of her as the cool, European cousin. The Carajillo mixes cold brew and Licor 43, a sultry vanilla liqueur that’s smoother, sweeter, and sneakier. I swear they hit harder in the caffeine department, so sip with caution. Las Palmas isn’t just serving Carajillos—they’re setting the bar. They torch the top to perfection, giving it a s’mores-like finish. Desserty drinks aren’t my thing, but this one maxes out guilty pleasure status. One sip and every other Carajillo will feel like a downgrade.

2. Try a Craft Cocktail Bar

   Sometimes, when your palate needs a reset, you’ve gotta call in the experts. Craft cocktail places like Bowen House take “just a drink” and turn it into a fully customized experience.
   

   They make a killer espresso martini—so if you're ready to level up your usual order, start there. But what sets them apart is their mix of timeless classics and unexpected twists. Take their latest drop: a Pineapple Espresso made with rum, pineapple amaro, cream liqueur, and cocoa bitters. I haven’t tried it yet... but I already know it’s going to hit.

   
   

3. Try These Places with Premium Espresso Martinis If your just looking for a better espresso martini then what you've been drinking here are some of the best ones: Bar Colette

   Bar Colette serves the best cocktails in Dallas—no question. When I asked the bartender if their espresso martini was any good, he gave a calm smirk and, with subtle confidence, said, “Honey, ours are the best in Dallas.” I believed him on the spot—and he was right.

   They shake it hard, and it shows. It pours with a gorgeous gradient and lands light on the tongue. Smooth perfection. Tastes as good as it looks.
   

   

   
   

   The Mayor's House By Selda This was my top espresso martini—not just in Dallas, but in any city—until Bar Colette came along. Now? I’d say they’re tied for first. They’re just different. This one’s made with Turkish coffee and crafted slowly, with intention. Trust me... It’s that good.

   This is a traditional Turkish restaurant with impeccable food and serious charm. I don’t usually shout out places this far outside the neighborhood, but this one’s special—full of history, flavor, and totally worth the trip. Oh, and did I mention it’s in the actual house of a former Dallas mayor from the 1930s? Yeah. Go.
   

Beverley's (Here we go again) Guys this is one of the best ones. I know it seems like I have a hard on for Beverley's but they just keep doing everything right. Their espresso martini includes Mr. Black coffee liqueur, Licor 43, vodka, LDU espresso, nutmeg, and a hint of orange zest. It's damn good.

Fachini Great solid choice. The food at Fachini is out of this world, but they also have a great espresso tini. The espresso tastes so fresh- well-balanced and topped with that thick, velvety foam I live for.

Catbird I hate to even put this one on the list because the crowd gives rich but ratchet—but here we are. Catbird is undeniably overpriced, but if we’re strictly talking espresso martinis- their Nitro brewed one with vanilla is unmatched. I wish this tini existed at literally any other spot I actually enjoy, but I'll give credit where it’s due. Other honorable mentions: Sister, Clifton Club, Terilli's