Glasgow’s most excellent espresso martinis

Styled on a New York-style piano bar, this live music lounge serves up some creative cocktails of their own imagining. But you’ll also find a selection of the stalwart classics, including the espresso martini, a drink which suits the ambience of this venue. A glass will set you back a neat tenner. The Blue Dog is found on George Street.

Never underestimate the neighbourhood haunts, especially Broomhill’s Wee Paree. It’s a slice of affordable vintage-inspired Parisienne decadence, with some of the dreamiest drinks in the city. It’s not only for Francophiles though (although if you do love all things French, this will undoubtedly be right up your rue). And its espresso martini follows the classic combo of Kahlua, vodka and espresso, for just £8.90. Enjoy yours with some small plates, shared with someone special. There’s outdoor seating (with glowing heaters) for alfresco imbibement year round.

Listed under the “Crowd Pleaser” section of Hide and Seek’s menu, the espresso martini makes an appearance at this fashionable venue. Here, it’s poured with Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur, as opposed to the more standard Kahlua, making it a popular choice for those coffee aficionados who like to diversify their beans. Look out for seasonal deals on the venue’s social media to save on your drinking; on weekdays in December, patrons were able to nab cocktails like this for just a fiver a piece.

Some refuse to have the classic recipe tinkered with, others love to experiment with the original line-up, especially for some added sweetness. Those in the latter camp will gladly reach for The Spiritualist’s Tiramisu Espresso Martini. This flamboyant and frothy beverage contains Absolut Vanilia Vodka, Kahlua, Disaronno Velvet Liqueur and espresso, is topped with flamed chocolate sprinkles and served with a chocolate sponge finger — be sure to have your camera at the ready. You may also like to try a matcha and white chocolate frappuccino containing two liqueurs, or a red velvet martini, which comes with a delectable cake pop.

This may not be the first drink you’d expect to find on a gourmet kebab house’s menu. But Babs’ Caffe Martini is a hit, much like the venue itself and the team’s sister restaurant Bread Meets Bread. Their take on the drink stays fairly true to the original, with Absolut Vodka, Kahlua and sugar syrup, but with the inclusion of Turkish coffee espresso. Order it as your after-dinner drink, hot on the heels of some mouthwatering gyros and authentic Levantine dishes.

Espresso martinis are ordinarily prepared using Kahlua Coffee Liqueur, which isn’t suitable for vegan drinkers. So, if you’re following a plant-free diet and want to be 100% sure that your cocktail doesn’t contain any animal products whatsoever, head to Mono. Everything here is totally vegan, so you don’t even have to worry about the risk of cross-contamination with anything dairy. Their classic cocktails are yummy, affordable and best enjoyed while catching some rays in the sizeable al fresco seating area. Mono also hosts a stellar live music line-up.

Ketel One Vodka, Cazcabel Coffee Liqueur, espresso and sugar gomme all blended together in a martini glass with a few coffee beans popped on top of the thick crema? Yes please. This is the recipe to be found at Dim Sum, a casual eatery just around the corner from Queen Street Station (a location that makes it super handy for a late-night stop-in on your way home from the train). Grab some dim sum and noodles while you’re there too.