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Your guide to espresso martinis around Boston, MA

Walk a minute in any direction in the North End and you'll find one of these boozy drinks. | Photo via @mrmartinis_ + @luccasouthshore

Walk a minute in any direction in the North End and you’ll find one of these boozy drinks. | Photo via @mrmartinis_ + @luccasouthshore

Raise a glass, Boston. Today we’re celebrating one of the most popular drinks in New England — a classic boozy beverage with a caffeinated kick. If you haven’t guessed already, we’re rounding up 40 places to order an espresso martini in the Boston area.

But first: what’s in an espresso martini?

While the ingredients can vary from place to place and recipe to recipe, the basics are espresso, coffee liqueur + vodka. Fun fact: the three beans typically placed on top of the drink comes from an Italian tradition — the beans represent health, wealth, and happiness.

Without further ado, here’s our guide to local spots that are shaking up the espresso martini game, broken down by neighborhood).

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North End

Farmacia, 5 North Sq.

  • Get your reservations in early, the espresso martini from this nine-seat North End cocktail bar is worth the hype. City Editor Sara ranks it as the best one she’s tried in Boston.

Trattoria il Panino, 280 Hanover St.

  • Made with vanilla vodka, fresh espresso, Kahlúa, Disaronno, Baileys + Frangelico, it’s no wonder this drink is a hit. PsstBricco, also in the North End, serves up the same recipe.

Caffe Vittoria, 290-296 Hanover St.

  • If you’re going to enjoy a traditional espresso martini, make sure you visit Boston’s first Italian cafe to do it right.

Bricco, 241 Hanover St.

  • This North End favorite sold ~35,000 espresso martinis last year. But who’s counting?

Caffé Paradiso, 255 Hanover St.

  • To make this location even better, it sits right next to Modern Pastry to fulfill your cannoli cravings.

Bacco Ristorante & Bar, 107 Salem St.

  • This espresso martini is topped with a chocolate drizzle.

Lucca, 226 Hanover St.

  • This one comes highly recommended from multiple BOStoday readers — grab a martini from the North End spot, or visit the South Shore location in Rockland (933 Hingham St.).

Downtown

The Last Hurrah at Omni Parker House, 60 School St.

  • We love this reader recommendation — the home of the Boston Creme Pie naturally serves a quality espresso martini with freshly brewed espresso, vodka + a splash of Coole Swan.

Bostonia Public House, 131 State St.

  • Sip the espresso martini with Bailey’s and Kahlua and grab some New England fare from the modern downtown restaurant.

Bar Moxy, 240 Tremont St.

  • Not only is the Moxy martini deliciously made with Mozart chocolate cream + topped with chocolate sprinkles, but you can enjoy it with a skyline view.

Jaho Coffee Roaster and Wine Bar, multiple locations

  • Looking for a quick and delicious martini fix? Head over to your nearest Jaho and thank us later.

The Pine Bar, 100 Hanover St.

  • Enjoy the Boston Public Market bar’s cocktail made with all New England products Triple Eight vodka, Boston Harbor Coffee Liqueur, and George Howell espresso.

Scholars American Bistro, 25 School St.

  • At this cocktail lounge, you get to build your own drink + spike it with vanilla vodka or espresso rum.

Yvonne’s, 2 Winter Pl.

  • This speakeasy-inspired restaurant is full of creative cocktails, but their classic espresso martini is a must.

Back Bay / South End

Grill 23 & Bar, 161 Berkeley St.

  • To pair with their fantastic martini made with Kahlua + Baileys, make sure to order the chocolate chip cookies or the crème brûlée.

Sonsie, 327 Newbury St.

  • Try Sonsie’s delicious version of the espresso martini with vanilla vodka.

Piattini, 226 Newbury St.

  • What better way to end a day of shopping than with this sweet and creamy martini, made with Baileys + Borghetti Caffe espresso?

Frenchie Wine Bistro, 560 Tremont St.

  • Trust us, this French wine bar knows a thing or two about Italian cocktails — espresso martinis are no exception.

Beacon Hill

1928 Beacon Hill, 97 Mt. Vernon St.

  • Leave it to Beacon Hill to add their own special twist to this classic — here, you can order a key lime espresso martini.

Mooo, 15 Beacon St.

  • Adorned with chocolate shavings, this martini is made with Borghetti Caffè Espresso, Cold Cut Bourbon, and Francesca Hazelnut for a nutty twist.

Roxanne’s, 6 Beacon St.

  • Order the “Wake Up Call” to enjoy the eclectic cocktail bar’s espresso martini with Jameson cold brew, aztec chocolate + dark roast coffee.

Allston / Brighton

Brighton Bodega, 328 Washington St.

  • Brighton Bodega’s “Dessert Before Dinner” martini is made with Flor de Cana espresso + limeit’s City Editor Jessica’s favorite sip.

Rail Stop, 96 Guest St., Brighton

  • You can order this Nitro version straight up or with Bailey’s cream.

Brookline / Fenway

Club Dante, 415 Harvard St.

  • This cocktail bar offers an espresso martini you have to order, made with Reyka Vodka + Galliano Ristretto.

Time Out Market, 401 Park Dr.

  • Fenway’s food hall has lots to offer, but the espresso martini at the bar might just be one of your favorites.

South Boston / Seaport

Serafina, Multiple locations

  • Want to try it with your eyes first? Peep the espresso martini we tried at the end of this reel.

Gather, 75 Northern Ave.

  • Gather doesn’t just offer the classic version with espresso vodka and Kahlua — try the option made with mocha and a crushed oreo rim.

Lookout Rooftop and Bar, 70 Sleeper St.

  • A rooftop bar with a view of the Seaport + an espresso martini topped with a chocolate chip cookie. What’s better than that?

Bar Volpe, 170 W Broadway

  • Bar Volpe is bringing the South of Italy to South Boston — this sip is made with vanilla vodka + Mr. Black coffee liquor.

Capo, 443 W Broadway

  • The popular South Boston spot serves the drink with vodka, signature cold brew + cream, topped with a chocolate treat.

Charlestown

Monument Restaurant & Tavern, 251 Main St.

  • Known for fun brunch drinks, this neighborhood spot’s espresso martini is made with vanilla vodka, Irish cream, kahlua + cold brew.

Tradesman, 50 Hood Park Dr.

  • The combined coffee shop and pizza bar uses “gold” espresso in their espresso martini.

East Boston

Next Door Eastie, 107 Porter St.

  • The buzz-worthy speakeasy in East Boston has an “After Hours Espresso Martini” that’s “sweet, creamy, and keeps you up late.”

Somerville

Vera’s, 70 Union Sq.

  • Go to this hidden gem for the atmospheric lounge vibe and stay for the quintessential espresso martini — served with vodka, Lucano caffe, cold brew, and just a touch of Irish cream.

Premiere on Broadway, 517 Broadway

  • You can’t go wrong with Premiere’s signature recipe featuring fresh espresso + Sobieski Vodka — especially when you get the chance to add Amarula Cream Liqueur.

Avenue kitchen + bar, 158 Boston Ave.

  • Simple yet classic — Avenue’s drink has vanilla vodka, Irish cream, Kahlua + a double shot of espresso.

Cambridge

Toscano, 52 Brattle St.

  • Here in Harvard Square, you can order the Italian caffeinated beverage three different ways, each with their own unique flavors + liquors.

730 Tavern, 730 Massachusetts Ave.

  • Enjoy an espresso martini made with nitro draft cold brew, Stoli vanilla + Molly’s Irish cream, aka the perfect trio.

Cloud & Spirits, 795 Main St.

  • This “Banana Espress” is making us go bananas — it’s vanilla vodka, amaretto, banana milk espresso, topped with a Ferrero Rocher treat.

Watertown

Branch Line, 321 Arsenal St.

Though this is a bit further out from the city, we had to share this reader recommendation — the drink with vodka, Allen’s Coffee Brandy + cold brew is speaking to us.

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