15 buzzworthy espresso martinis to try in Charlotte

• So, I asked our team to get buzzed (for journalism, of course) to find Charlotte’s top tier espressy ‘tinis. 

Why it matters: The espresso martini delivers its rich and indulgent punch in all shapes and sizes. This guide is proof of that.

[Go deeper: 50 best bars in Charlotte, ranked]

Methodology: This list is based on a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, taste, style, uniqueness in ingredients and potency.

• We tried every espresso martini on this list, often more than once.
• This isn’t a ranking or an exhaustive list of all the espresso martinis in Charlotte, just the ones we think are noteworthy.

The “Everything Nice” from Billy Sunday

A warmed, spiced espresso martini served in a teacup.

How it’s made: Vodka, Giddy Goat cold brew, fall-spiced syrup, cinnamon whipped cream

• Of note: The “Everything Nice” cocktail is seasonal and may rotate on and off the menu depending on the time of year.

Price: $13

Katie’s thought bubble: “I am legit not kidding, this is the most delicious cocktail I’ve ever had in my life,” Axios’ Katie Peralta Soloff writes.

Location: 1115 N Brevard St., Optimist Hall

Go deeper: Cocktail bar Billy Sunday is now open in Optimist Hall

Link and Pin’s espresso martini

Sometimes less is more. But not here. Link and Pin uses nine ingredients to create its sip-worthy tini.

How it’s made: Social House vodka, Cruzan single barrel rum, Amaro Avern, Amaro Nonino, Frangelico, Kahlua, vanilla Bean, chocolate bitters, nitro cold brew coffee.

Price: $15

My thought bubble: If you’re a fan of espresso martinis that are sweet, but not too sweet, give this one a shot.

Location: Link and Pin has three locations: South End, Arboretum, and Huntersville.

Go deeper: 18 Charlotte spots with alcohol-free drinks

Slate’s espresso martini shot

Yes, espresso martini shots exist. Best served before your South End escapades.

How it’s made: Shots are batch-made in a Ketel One espresso martini machine (not yet sold for personal use, I know you’re wondering).

Price: $7.50

My thought bubble: It’s quick. It’s efficient. And it tastes pretty dang good. If you’re only a shot taker when it comes to green tea and lemon drops (no judgement), this is a safe add to the rotation.

Location: 200 E Bland St. South End

Sycamore Brewing’s frozen espresso martini

A go-to in the summer. And spring. And winter. Okay, all the time.

How it’s made: Sycamore keeps its (recipe) cards close to its chest, but we did confirm the coffee is from Sycamore’s roastery.

Price: $14

My thought bubble: Just like iced coffee, I can drink Sycamore’s frozen espresso martini in any temperature. And it seems others agree on this because Sycamore sells it year round.

Location: 2151 Hawkins St., South End

Go deeper: See inside Sycamore Brewing’s new two-story South End location

Workman’s Friend’s espresso martini

Workman’s espresso martini, which gets extra points for using local coffee, is best sipped on the patio where you can people watch. 

How it’s made: Absolut vanilla vodka, cold brew from Giddy Goat (a popular coffee shop in Plaza Midwood) and simple syup.

Price: $14

Alex’s thought bubble: Whether it’s a nightcap or the caffeine jolt you need to start an evening, an espresso martini at Workman’s Friend is a go-to in Plaza Midwood. Grab a stool on the patio, people watch and feel the breeze while you sip,” Axios’ Alex Sands writes. 

Location: 1531 Central Ave., Plaza Midwood

The “Guilty Pleasures” from Lincoln Street Kitchen and Cocktails

But you shouldn’t feel guilty enjoying this cocktail at all.

How it’s made: House-infused toasted pecan vodka, house-infused Licor 43, salted caramel, espresso

Price: $14

My thought bubble: Lincoln Street has shaken things up with this one, using their house-made syrups and Licor 43 (an ingredient you’d typically see in a Carajillo). While it’s not a “traditional” espresso martini, it’s a must-try for a creamier, sweeter option. 

Location: 1320 S Church St., South End

Go deeper: Hidden bar from top Charlotte mixologist to open in South End

Indaco’s espresso martini

I get you’re supposed to sip espresso martinis. But if you’re like me, you’ll throw this one back before even placing your dinner order.

How it’s made: House espresso mix, Kalhua and Smirnoff whipped vodka

Price: $14

My thought bubble: Indaco makes my favorite espresso martini in Charlotte. If you’re reading this, go put my claim to the test, but do yourself (and your stomach) a favor by pairing with an appetizer. I go for the focaccia.

Location: 2046 South Blvd., South End

Vinyl’s espresso martini

Vinyl’s espresso martini doesn’t have a special name, but it’s so good it speaks for itself.

How it’s made: Tito’s vodka, cold brew from Pepper Box down the street, cinnamon syrup, coffee liquor

Price: $15

Laura’s thought bubble: “It’s just a darn good espresso martini. You see that foam? That’s shaken to perfection. Bonus points for the local coffee,” Axios’ Laura Barrero writes. 

• Also, shout out to Vinyl’s bartenders for churning out espresso martinis like champs during the weekend rushes. If shaking ‘spro was a sport, they’d take the win.

Location: 1440 S Tryon St, South End

That Goddamned Espresso Martini from Humbug 

That’s the name of the drink. And in so many words my thoughts when I tried it.

How it’s made: Vodka, espresso liquer, Fernet Branca, cold brew, salted coconut foam

Price: $14

My thought bubble: I don’t know when we decided cold foam belonged on espresso martinis, but I’m so glad we’ve arrived here.

Location: 2501 The Plaza, Villa Heights

Go deeper: Villa Heights cocktail bar Humbug now open

The Crunkleton’s espresso martini

You’ll need a membership ($10/year) at The Crunkleton to get your hands on their espresso martini (but it’s worth every penny).

How it’s made: Vodka, Pure Intentions cold brew, Grind Coffee Liqueur, 5 Farms Irish Cream, simple syrup

Price: $15

Alexis’ thought bubble: “I knew I had to order this drink when I got to the bar and there were four men already on their third,” Axios’ Alexis Clinton writes.

Location: 1957 E 7th St., Elizabeth

Spice’s Matcha-Tini

Not big on coffee but wanting a caffeinated option to sip on? Look no further, the matcha-tini has entered the chat.

How it’s made: Matcha, coconut rum, Liquor 43, orgeat, topped with a toasted marshmallow

Price: $20

Alexis’ thought bubble: This drink holds some serious power — our reporter Alexis Clinton credits it with making her a matcha lover.

Location: 515 Ellis Ln., Uptown

Go deeper: New Uptown restaurant Spice offers international cuisine and late-night bites

Salted Melon’s build-your-own espresso martini

Choose your own spirit, flavor and toppings to create a customized espresso martini for $15.

How it’s made: That’s up to you. Vodkas include Grey Goose, Titio’s and Absolut, with flavors like pumpkin spice, white chocolate, vanilla and caramel. Keep it simple with toppings like cinnamon or add a little flair with chocolate shavings and crushed peppermint.

• Of note: Flavors and toppings may change seasonally.

Price: $15

My thought bubble: This is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. If one friend likes theirs with all the works and another wants theirs plain and simple, no one has to lose. Everyone’s happy and caffeinated.

Location: 100 W Worthing Ave., South End

Go deeper: Salted Melon now open in South End

Dilworth Tasting Room’s espresso martini

It’s the neighborhood wine bar’s most popular cocktail for a reason.

How it’s made: Grey Goose vodka shaken with brewed espresso, sugar cane syrup, and a splash of Fernet Branca, finished with cocoa powder.

Price: $15

My thought bubble: Espresso martini purists will appreciate the use of fresh-brewed espresso, not cold brew or coffee concentrate. It’s as delicious as it is Insta-worthy.

Location: Visit the original DTR in Dilworth or its second location in SouthPark.

Go deeper: Dilworth Tasting Room is expanding to Plaza Midwood

“The Cafe Expres” at Puerta

As we reported in our Best New Restaurants for 2023, Puerta is one of the hottest spots in town right now — the team knows how to execute vibes and cocktails, including their take on an espresso martini, “The Cafe Expres.”

How it’s made: El Jimador Reposado, curacao, coffee liqueur, Piloncillo syrup, cafe Bustello.

Price: $16

Laura’s thought bubble: “Tequila is not typically my spirit of choice but Puerta’s selection of tequila and mezcal is one of its highlights so I had to try their recommendation with my favorite drink,” Laura writes.

Location: 1961 E 7th St., Elizabeth

Go deeper: Mexican restaurant Puerta opens in the former Stanley space in Elizabeth

Dahlia’s “Black Satin”

Another win for cold foam lovers, the Black Satin is sweet and rich with a hint of freshness from the mint.

How it’s made: Vanilla vodka, cold brew, coffee liqueur, vanilla foam, mint

Price: $16

My thought bubble: Dahlia’s is a new wine bar in Uptown (near Novelty House) that also knows how to make a mean espresso martini. It’s a cozy hideaway from the hustle and bustle of the city.

• This cocktail is also available as a mocktail. I tried it and it still passes the vibe check.

Location: 123 E 5th St., Uptown