When you have big plans for a big night out but all you can think about is turning in early, there is only one solution: an espresso martini!
This vodka cocktail with a caffeine kick is the perfect way to start any girls’ night or evening on the town. It’s smooth and creamy with rich coffee flavor and provides the perfect buzz for lasting fun.
But you don’t want to kick off your night with just any espresso martini. You want the best Frederick County has to offer.
The ladies of Frederick had a lot to say on this subject. After tallying the votes, I’ve highlighted the five best espresso martinis in Frederick County, below. My list includes a few classics, a Cuban twist, and a “martini tree” that’s as fun as it is delicious.
The 5 Best Espresso Martinis in Frederick, Maryland
#5 – McClintock’s Back Bar
- Location: McClintock’s Back Bar, Downtown Frederick – get directions
- Hours: M, W, Th, & F 4pm–10pm; Sat 12pm–10pm; Sun 12pm–8pm
- Offerings: Cocktails (no food)
- Espresso Martini: Oro vodka, coffee liqueur, cold brew
Located next door to McClintock Distilling, you can bet this bar knows its way around tasty cocktails. Their espresso martini is simple yet delightful. It’s also a bit lighter in calories compared to others thanks to the lack of added cream.
If you’re up for a little more adventure, I highly suggest giving their signature cocktail, the Coffee Cure, a try. This spin on the classic espresso martini is made with organic Epipheny Vodka, coffee liqueur, cinnamon, cold brew, and cream. It’s like a dessert in a glass!
McClintock’s Back Bar offers a selection of classic and specialty cocktails, all made using McClintock’s locally distilled spirits. These craft liquors utilize organic and locally sourced ingredients and bring a taste of Maryland to every glass.
#4 – Hootch & Banter
- Location: Hootch & Banter, Downtown Frederick – get directions
- Hours: M–Th 4pm–9pm; F 4pm–10pm; *Sat 11am -10pm; *Sun 11am–8pm *bar is open later
- Offerings: Brunch, dinner, and drinks
- Espresso Martini: Van Gogh Espresso Vodka, drip coffee, simple syrup
If late nights aren’t really your thing, might I suggest stopping by Hootch & Banter on the weekend for an amazing brunch paired with a classic espresso martini. You’ll have to order the drink off-menu here, but that makes it no less delicious.
The other great thing about Hootch & Banter’s take on this cocktail is that it’s quite a bit less caffeinated than other options. Their go-to mix uses fresh drip coffee instead of espresso. It’s finished off with some simple syrup that adds a bit of sweetness and creaminess without weighing it down.
Whether you’re looking for a date night destination or a nice dinner with the whole family, this is a great option. For girls’ night, this is the perfect place to start and end the evening!
#3 – Sabor de Cuba
- Location: Sabor de Cuba, Downtown Frederick – get directions
- Hours: M–Th 11:30am–8pm; F–Sat 11:30am–9:30pm; Sun 12pm–8pm
- Offerings: Authentic Cuban food
- Espresso Martini: “Cuban Espresso Martini” – vodka, Cuban roast cold brew, house coffee syrup, topped with cinnamon
You probably wouldn’t expect one of the best espresso martinis in Frederick County to be found inside a Cuban restaurant, but that’s just one of the things that makes this drink so unique.
The Cuban Espresso Martini features cold brew made from Cuban roast coffee and a special house coffee syrup. It’s topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon in the traditional style and oh so good. Rich, slightly spicy, and bursting with bold coffee flavors, this one is definitely worth hunting down.
#2 – The Wine Kitchen on the Creek
- Location: The Wine Kitchen on the Creek, Downtown Frederick – get directions
- Hours: Tu–Th 12pm–9pm; F–Sat 12pm–10pm; Sun 11am–9pm
- Offerings: Sunday brunch, lunch, dinner, wine, and cocktails
- Espresso Martini: Vodka, coffee liqueur, cane sugar, cold brew concentrate
For a delicious cocktail in a gorgeous location (with beautiful food to match), The Wine Kitchen is the place to be.
You won’t find their espresso martini on the cocktails list. Instead, you have to hunt it down in the “After Dinner Drinks” section of the dessert menu. And for good reason—this martini is a decadent treat thanks to the added cane sugar, which gives it a sweet and satisfying vibe.
What’s better than one amazing espresso martini treat? How about four delivered in a festive “martini tree” that’s perfect for sharing with your besties.
#1 – The Tasting Room
- Location: The Tasting Room, Downtown Frederick – get directions
- Hours: M-Th 4pm-9pm (bar 11pm); F 4pm-9pm (bar 12am); Sat 4pm-10pm (bar 12am)
- Offerings: Dinner and drinks
- Espresso Martini: “Black Martini” – vodka, Kahlua, espresso, cream
For date night or a fancy evening out with friends, The Tasting Room delivers one of the best espresso martinis in town and some really great food to boot.
Their take on the espresso martini is a masterclass in how classic ingredients can produce an elevated drinking experience. Creamy, rich, and slightly sweet, the Black Martini perfectly captures the essence of this iconic cocktail.
Sit down for some of the finest appetizers in Frederick, stay for the steak or seafood, and top it all off with dessert and a Black Martini—voted best in town by the Housewives of Frederick County!
More Fantastic Frederick County Espresso Martinis to Try
- Location: Downtown Frederick
- Espresso Martini: “Espressotini” – espresso vodka, Kahlua, cream
- Location: Downtown Frederick
- Espresso Martini: Off-menu (or try the “Ice Chocolatte’” – Jameson Cold Brew, chocolate milk, creme de cacao, mini marshmallows)
- Location: Downtown Frederick
- Espresso Martini: “V.P. Kiggins” – Van Gogh Espresso Vodka, Baileys, simple, espresso beans
- Location: Frederick
- Espresso Martini: Make it your own with a range of locally distilled flavored vodkas
- Location: Frederick
- Espresso Martini: Vodka, Kaluha, espresso, cream
- Location: Downtown Frederick
- Espresso Martini: Off-menu
- Location: Downtown Frederick
- Espresso Martini: Off-menu
- Location: Frederick
- Espresso Martini: Off-menu
- Location: Frederick
- Espresso Martini: “Espressotini” – Three Olives Espresso Vodka, Baileys Irish Cream, Kahlua, and a shot of espresso
- Location: Frederick
- Espresso Martini: Van Gogh Espresso Vodka, Mr. Black Coffee Liqueur, Tia Maria, Starbucks Vanilla Espresso
- Location: Downtown Frederick
- Espresso Martini: Off-menu
- Location: Frederick
- Espresso Martini: Fresh Espresso, Kahlua, Van Gogh Vodka, Bailey’s, espresso liquor
- Location: Middletown
- Espresso Martini: Off-menu
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