The rise (and rise, and rise) of the espresso martini

Simple to make and the perfect pick-me-up after a long night's revelry, it's no wonder the espresso martini has such a lasting appeal.

So, what is it about this crafty little cocktail that's managed to stand the test of time?

Firstly, it's that magic combination of revitalising ingredients. As Pierre-Marie Busson, GM of London's Milk & Honey puts it, "You wouldn't drink a double espresso past a certain hour, but you'd combine it with sugar and alcohol to wake yourself up during a night out."

It's also incredibly simple to make. With only three, relatively cheap components - all of which are staples of a back bar - it's hardly surprising that most cocktail lists include an espresso martini, whether in a Michelin-starred venue or a local pub.

Switch it up

Adaptability is key to a cocktail's success. With experimentation becoming a trend among UK drinkers, tweaking the classic espresso martini recipe to make something more unique and memorable is a great way to ensure sales.

With that in mind, we've put together some of our favourite serves, covering a range of complexity, effort and ingredients. So, whatever your time constraints, customer expectations and bartending capacity, there'll be a variation for you.

1) Straight Up: Classic Espresso Martini

Simple, straightforward and quick to do - every venue should have at least this classic serve on their list.

40ml Wyborowa vodka  20ml Kahlua  25ml espresso Chill a martini glass and set to one side. Shake all ingredients well with ice. Strain the martini mixture into the chilled glass, and garnish with coffee beans.

2) With a Twist: Gingerbread Espresso Martini

A step up from the classic, with one or two extra ingredients. It may take a little more time, but the flavour payoff will certainly set you apart from the crowd and offer your customers a variation they'll remember.

50ml Absolut vodka  20ml Kahlua 25ml espresso  10ml gingerbread syrup Shake all ingredients well with ice. Strain into a chilled martini glass, before sprinkling nutmeg on top. For an extra memorable twist, serve with a small gingerbread man.

3) Showstopper Espresso Martini

Perfect for venues that specialise in cocktails and have more access to a range of ingredients.

50ml Absolut Elyx 15ml Kahlua  5ml sugar syrup  30ml espresso Shake all ingredients with ice. Strain into a chilled martini glass and serve.