By Hannah George By Hannah George | March 20, 2024 | Food & Drink, Feature, Best of The Best, Eat, Date Night, Date Place, Nightclub/Lounge, Cocktails, Drink, Features, Food & Drink, Featured, Food & Drink Feature, Trends, Community, Guide, City Life, Guides, The Latest, Food and Drink Feature,
When you're looking for a cocktail that will lift your spirits, head to these spots for a delicious espresso martini.
Fifth & Rose's espresso martini; PHOTO COURTESY OF BRAND
Fifth & Rose at Pendry San Diego
San Diegans frequent Fifth & Rose for a sophisticated cocktail in a classy setting, and its chic drinks always raise the bar. Order the Fifth & Rose espresso martini featuring Grey Goose, Chambord, Averna, espresso, demerara and chocolate bitters. It’s sweet, striking and addicting!
This whimsical, Art Deco-esque bar in La Jolla is a gorgeous atmosphere for drinks, serving an extensive list of one-of-a-kind cocktails. Try its decadent Tiramisu ‘Tini that tastes nearly identical to the dessert, featuring rich column still-aged rum, gin, cold brew liqueur, cinnamon, cacao powder and a hand-whipped cream float.
Downtown’s Top of the Hyatt allows guests to savor drinks with a view from 40 stories up. Catch the sunset while enjoying a Hillcrest, a sinfully delicious blend of Tito’s, Kahlua and espresso topped with vanilla amaro-infused whipped cream and a dash of cinnamon.
VAGA Restaurant & Bar at Alila Marea Beach Resort
This farm-to-table restaurant is perched above the Encinitas coastline and serves globally inspired cuisine and cocktails. Those coming to dinner should stop by the lounge for a pre-or post-drink, like the Express O Martini with vodka, Borghetti, Amaretto and cold brew.
Rare Society in University Heights is not your average steakhouse, mixing Vegas glamour with an industrial attitude. Pair your steak with a rich and inventive espresso martini infused with herbal liqueur and condensed milk, a truly unforgettable cocktail!
The Pony Room at Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa
With over 100 variations of tequila, it’s not surprising that The Pony Room serves an espresso martini with blanco tequila and espresso liqueur, known as the Espresso Jalisco, that is guaranteed to put a pep in your step.
Within splashing distance of the ocean, The Marine Room is a great location to enjoy dinner—or drinks. Coffee lovers have to try the Carajillo 17, a strong mix of Mr. Black coffee, Liquor 43 and espresso that will surely give you a buzz.
Marisi's espresso martini; PHOTO COURTESY OF BRAND
Marisi’s handmade pasta and Italian hearth cooking are major drawing points for the La Jolla eatery, but the cocktails are not to be overlooked. While some may opt for bellinis and G&Ts, the Italian hot spot’s espresso martini is a delectable drink—served in a coupe glass—that elevates the classic recipe with Grey Goose, a custom La Marzocco espresso and a touch of Amaro Averna.
The Naomi Knows Best espresso martini at AVANT; PHOTO COURTESY OF RANCHO BERNARDO INN
Enjoy a seasonally inspired menu by chef de cuisine Sergio Jimenez while sipping on a glass of wine, but don’t forget to order a nightcap, a section of sweet and indulgent cocktails. While four of the five offerings include coffee or espresso, we recommend the Naomi Knows Best for the espresso martini purists, with Mr. Black cold brew coffee liqueur, Mostra espresso and vanilla bean.
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