We’ve selected three places under the hills where you can try unusual interpretations of one of the most popular cocktails

 

It's always time for a cocktail, and today a favorite reader of ours embarked on a real adventure for the senses, visiting several establishments in Plovdiv with the clear mission of discovering the best espresso martini. The cocktail was created in the 1980s by British bartender Dick Bradsell at Fred's Club in London. The story goes that a young model approached the bar and asked for something that would literally "wake her up and transform her evening." His solution was a combination of vodka, fresh espresso, coffee liqueur and sugar, blended into a frothy mixture with a unique bittersweet taste. And today, the espresso martini is already an iconic drink, loved by many.

But first, let's find out what makes it so perfect?

• The three basic (and vital) ingredients of coffee, alcohol and sugar are all an adult needs... ever!

• Because of the way it looks and its components, the cocktail is a good choice for a stylish drink and is suitable for consumption at any time of the day

• Tradition and innovation - can be appreciated both in its classic form and in numerous and varied interpretations.

We share with you the three places that impressed us with uncompromisingness and originality in the execution of the famous cocktail. Since all the options are our favorites, we decided to arrange them chronologically, starting with the first bar we visited when we went hunting for the Espresso Martini.

Bar The Post:

We won't surprise anyone if we say that the guys and gals behind the bar here are real masters at making cocktails. At the very beginning of our "research" their Espresso Martini raised the bar very high and exceeded our already high expectations.

If you love the sweet taste of bananas, this combination will appeal to you, but we warn you to consume with pleasure and moderation, because we all know the insidious effect of sweet cocktails!

The Hardware Store Bar

Having recently changed its business, but not its name, this place in Kapana has quickly become a favorite destination for locals and visitors to the city. We assumed the Espresso Martini here would be good because we already know of the Hardware Store's fame. What we didn't suspect was what their interpretation of the drink was!

The cocktail here is far from just something to drink while chatting with a friend. Rather, it is an exciting play between the one who prepares it and the one who consumes it.

We won't give away how so you can go and experience it first-hand. Here’s just a hint - citrus notes are involved.

Barber & Cat

Finally, for dessert we offer you tiramisu... Espresso Martini Tiramisu. We came across a limited event dedicated entirely to the cocktail, so you might not find this interpretation of the drink on the menu, but don't let that put you off! Just ask the experts behind the bar and say we sent you!

And have you tried the Espresso Martinis of these establishments? Do you have a favorite? Where should we go next?

Taster and co-author for Lost in Plovdiv: Maria Todorova