Lavender & Espresso: An Espresso Martini

Name: Lavender & Espresso: An Espresso Martini
Yield: 10
Cuisine: American

RECIPE: LP O’Brien, Washington DC

Photo: Christina Kirkman

March 23, 2026

An elevated take on a ubiquitous coffee cocktail.

For her sophisticated and moody variation on the Espresso Martini, LP O’Brien—drink consultant and the winner of Netflix’s Drink Masters—introduces a lavender syrup and balances the additional sweetness with Averna. The liqueur’s bold flavors prevent “the drink from being just another sweet Martini,” she says.

Ingredients

2 oz. vodka
1 1/4 oz. espresso
1/2 oz. Averna
1/2 oz. coffee liqueur
1/2 oz. lavender syrup

Tools:shaker, strainer
Glass:rocks
Garnish:3 espresso beans

Preparation

Add all of the ingredients to a shaker with ice and shake. Strain into the glass over a large ice rock. Garnish.
Lavender SyrupHeat up 1 3/4 cups of water in a small saucepan. Add 3 1/2 oz. of dried lavender to the hot water and let it steep for 3 minutes. Strain and add 3 1/2 cups of white sugar to the tea. Mix until sugar has dissolved. Will keep in the refrigerator for 2 weeks.