In The Press
Boston Globe -Can ‘Boston’s best espresso martini’ really come from a bottle?
Creating a branded Bricco espresso martini required some modifications. DePasquale and bartender Le Maitre deconstructed the various liquors involved, taste testing dozens of variations over the course of three years to get to the “closest” thing Bricco serves in the North End. The ingredients include real espresso, and the drink features notes of vanilla, cocoa, and hazelnuts. Produced in Massachusetts by M.S. Walker with a suggested retail price of $29.99, each bottle yields approximately six classic martinis.
I’ve yet to try either the in-house or bottled versions of Bricco’s espresso martinis. If you do, report back and tell me what you think.
Boston Magazine - Where to Find the Greatest Espresso Martinis in Boston
“Bricco’s espresso martini is a boozy Boston staple: This North End restaurant and bar says it has sold over a million servings of the drink over the years. The cocktail combines Absolut Vanilla vodka with Baileys, Kahlúa, Frangelico, and Disaronno, and the foamy top is smooth, thick, and flavorful. Add house-made espresso and a sugar-and-cocoa rim, and Bricco’s espresso martini keeps customers coming back for more.”
Yelp - Ten espresso martinis you’ll agree are worth the buzz
Yelpers Say: “When you enter, go to the side room and sit at the bar and order an espresso martini. Vanilla vodka, Baileys, Frangelico, Kahlúa, espresso, and a touch of cream, shaken and served chilled with roasted espresso beans on top – it’s the best espresso martini I have ever had.“ –Carl B
Eater Boston - Where to Drink Espresso Martinis in Boston This Winter
“Bricco’s espresso martini should be at the top of your bucket list. The team at this North End Italian restaurant has elevated the classic cocktail with amaretto and hazelnut liqueur, along with the requisite Absolut Vanilla, Kahlúa, and espresso blend. Bricco has served the drink more than a million times, and it was even voted the best espresso martini in town — for good reason. It’s perfectly creamy without being saccharine, save a hint of chocolatey sweetness from a rim dusted with cocoa and raw sugar. There’s no better dessert after a big plate of pasta in the North End.”
Boston.com - 9 places to get a perfect martini in Boston
To say the espresso martini at this North End hotspot has a cult following would be an understatement. Bricco Bar Manager Glenn Le Maitre shares that this year alone, 50,000 espresso martinis have been ordered. And yes, they’re absolutely worth it. Though there’s a lot of debate among espresso ‘tini fans on cream versus black recipes, like we said at the beginning, we’re not here to prove anything. We’re just sharing what tastes good, and this is undoubtedly delicious. “We make ours with Absolut vanilla, Kahlua, fresh espresso, Disaronno, Bailey’s, Frangelico and topped with a raw sugar and cocoa rim and three espresso beans,” shares Le Maitre. “We love the balance that the creamy texture and flavor provides to the more acidic, bitter espresso flavor.”
Boston.com - These are the top 5 espresso martinis in Boston, according to readers
“There’s nothing like an after dinner espresso martini from Bricco to finish your evening,” said Caroline from the North End, while Patti from Medford called the drink “perfectly balanced and smooth — one sip and I was hooked.” A slew of readers also gave a shout out to bartender Glenn Le Maitre, who they said makes the drink so special.
Forbes - Gear Up For Boston Summer With These Bars, Restaurants, And Events (forbes.com)
Bricco is a local favorite thanks to their top-quality espresso martinis, providing diners with some much-needed energy alongside savory dishes like frittura mista, zucchini flowers, and veal ossobuco.
Thrillist - Best Bars in Boston: Cool New Places to Drink & All-Time Favorite Spots - Thrillist
Two words: Espresso Martini. There’s no shortage of spots across the city to get your caffeine and booze fix, but when it comes to creating the perfect blend of vodka, Kahlúa, and coffee, nobody does it quite like Bricco. This beloved North End venue is best known for its signature coffee cocktail…
Hot 96.9 - Boston’s BEST Espresso Martini Is Coming To Your Local Liquor Store!
“Boston Magazine raves, the Bricco recipe “combines Absolut Vanilla vodka with Baileys, Kahlúa, Frangelico, and Disaronno, and the foamy top is smooth, thick, and flavorful. Add house-made espresso and a sugar-and-cocoa rim, and Bricco’s espresso martini keeps customers coming back for more.” Ummm, yes please.”
