Espresso martinis are a classic after-dinner treat, but why do they always have coffee beans on top?
Much like other classic cocktail traditions, the three coffee beans crowning an espresso martini aren’t just for show. They are meant to bring the person enjoying the drink good fortune. The three beans symbolize health, wealth, and happiness.
Espresso martinis and coffee beans seem like a natural pairing, so it’s easy to assume the tradition began with this sweet cocktail. In fact, the practice of using coffee beans as a good fortune garnish was started with a different drink altogether – Sambuca!
Several decades before London bartender Dick Bradsell introduced the world to the espresso martini in the early 1980s, coffee beans were used to garnish the popular Italian digestivo Sambuca. Sambuca is a clear, neutral spirit defined by its strong star anise flavor, which coffee beans complement nicely. Again, the three beans represented health, wealth, and happiness for the drinker.
Raise a Toast to Good Fortune!
Osteria IL Centro is known for not only award-winning wine, but memorable cocktails as well! One of the most popular, of course, is the decadent Espresso Martini! OIC’s Espresso Martini is crafted with sweet vanilla vodka, Kahlua coffee liqueur, Bailey’s Irish Cream, and a fresh shot of espresso. Espresso Martinis - the perfect finish to any meal, and one of OIC’s many delicious desserts worth trying.
