The White Elephant Espresso Martini: Why They’re Not All Created Equal

At The White Elephant Cocktail Bar, we take our espresso martinis seriously. This isn’t a trend drink we added to the menu because it’s popular. It’s a craft cocktail—built with intention, balance, and ingredients that actually matter.

Because the truth is simple: not all espresso martinis are created equal.

The Problem With Most Espresso Martinis

Let’s call it out. Most espresso martinis fail for the same reasons:

• Pre-brewed or stale coffee
• Overly sweet coffee liqueurs masking bitterness
• Weak foam, no crema, no texture
• Zero soul

You end up with a sugary vodka drink pretending to be sophisticated. That’s not what we serve.

What Makes Ours Superior

Our espresso martini is bold, smooth, and structured—rich without being heavy, energizing without being harsh. Every element has a purpose.

Here’s why it hits different:

• Fresh-pulled espresso (never bottled, never flat)
• Proper shake technique to create a thick, velvety crema
• Balanced sweetness that lets the coffee shine
• A clean, lingering finish instead of a syrupy aftertaste

This is an espresso martini for people who actually love coffee and cocktails.

The Secret Is the Coffee: Tu Cafe

One of the biggest reasons our espresso martinis stand apart is the coffee itself. We proudly source Tu Café—a local, family-owned business established in 1996 and deeply rooted in Cuban coffee culture.

Tu Café isn’t just espresso. It’s a lifestyle coffee.

Crafted in the Cuban tradition, Tu Café delivers:

• An alluring aroma
• A smooth, full-bodied flavor
• A subtle intensity that energizes without overpowering

This coffee was made for espresso martinis. It creates a natural crema, a richer mouthfeel, and a depth of flavor you simply can’t fake. Supporting local partners while elevating our cocktails is part of who we are.

For Tequila Lovers: Don't Sleep on This

Vodka isn’t the only way to do an espresso martini—and if you love tequila, this one’s for you.

Our Tequila Espresso Martini is a refined twist on the classic. We keep everything you love about the original and simply switch the base spirit. The result?

• A warmer, more complex profile

• Subtle agave notes that pair beautifully with espresso

• A smoother, more expressive finish

It’s unexpected, elevated, and quickly becoming a favorite among tequila drinkers who want something different—but still indulgent.

More Than a Cocktail, It's an Experience

At The White Elephant, cocktails are part of the atmosphere. The lighting, the music, the energy—it all plays into how a drink is experienced. Our espresso martini isn’t just something you order; it’s something you feel.

Whether you’re starting the night, resetting the vibe, or closing things out in style, this cocktail delivers every time.

Final Slip

If you’ve ever said, “I don’t usually like espresso martinis,” this is the one that changes your mind.

Crafted with intention. Made with local Cuban espresso. Finished with precision.

This is The White Elephant Espresso Martini—and yes, it really is that good.