The Queen City is buzzing with Espresso Martinis! Whether you’re into frothy perfection, bold flavors, or decadent add-ons like salted caramel or Nutella, there’s an espresso martini in Charlotte with your name on it. Read on for the best spots to hit the next time you’re craving an espresso martini.
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Salted Melon Market
100 W Worthington Ave Suite 107
815 Providence Rd – Eastover
The Scoop: At Salted Melon, the BYO (Build Your Own) Espresso Martini experience lets you craft the perfect drink to suit your taste. Customize your espresso martini by choosing your own spirits, flavor profiles like sea salt caramel or white mocha, and toppings to make it uniquely yours.
Sea Level
129 E 5th St
The Scoop: Enjoy Sea Level’s Damn Fine Espresso Martini with a personal touch— add your photo or message on top for just $2 extra (must be appropriate).
OG CLASSICS TO TRY
Napa Restaurants
110 Perrin Place – Myers Park
7708 Rea Rd – Stonecrest
1310 Broadcloth Street Suite 101, Fort Mill, SC
The Scoop: If you’re craving a classic Espresso Martini, look no further than Napa Restaurants. A bold, perfectly balanced, and frothy cocktail to start (or end) your night.
VINYL
1440 S Tryon St #105
The Scoop: A Charlotte favorite, this simple yet delicious Espresso Martini will have you coming back for more. Vinyl blends together Tito’s vodka, cold brew, cinnamon syrup, and coffee liquor to make this flavorful cocktail.
O-ku
2000 South Blvd
The Scoop: Just look at that foam! O-ku may be one of Charlotte’s go-to spots for sushi, but their Espresso Martini is a hidden gem you won’t want to miss.
Yunta
2201 South Blvd Ste 130
The Scoop: Yunta serves up two delicious boozy coffee drinks that perfectly complement your meal. The Ketel One Espresso Martini is a smooth mix of coffee and Dutch vodka, garnished with three coffee beans representing health, wealth, and happiness. For something with a bit of history, try the Carajillo, a classic Spanish after-dinner drink made with espresso and Licor 43.
Dilworth Tasting Room
300 E Tremont Ave – Dilworth
4905 Ashley Park Ln Suite J – SouthPark
1413 Central Ave – Plaza Midwood
The Scoop: Dilworth Tasting Room knows how to make an impressive Espresso Martini. Grey Goose Vodka shaken with brewed Espresso, sugar cane syrup and a splash of Fernet Branca and finished with cocoa powder.
Aura Rooftop
600 S College St
The Scoop: Aura’s stunning views pair perfectly with one of their signature Espresso Martinis—frothy, smooth, and delicious.
Reid’s Fine Foods
2823 Selwyn Avenue – Myers Park
The Scoop: Head to the Myers Park location for a creamy Espresso Martini made with Fevertree espresso, Kahlua, Bailey’s, Tito’s, and espresso beans to top it off.
Ever Andalo
3116 N Davidson St
The Scoop: Ever Andalo offers a classic Espresso Martini along with a unique twist on coffee cocktails: the Caffè with Count Negroni. This drink combines Diplomatico Mantuano rum, Campari, Carpano Antica vermouth, and coffee vanilla foam for a bold, flavorful experience that’s as sophisticated as it is delicious.
The Workman’s Friend
1531 Central Ave
The Scoop: A must-try is the Giddy Goat Martini, made with local cold brew from Giddy Goat Coffee Roasters and Absolut Vanilla vodka. If you’re looking to stay warm, try the Irish Coffee with Jameson Irish Whiskey, Giddy Goat’s The Workman’s Friend Blend, and sugar in the raw.
Little Mama’s
4521 Sharon Rd – SouthPark
9825 Sandy Rock Pl – Ballantyne
The Scoop: Little Mama’s is renowned for its classic Italian-American menu, and their Espresso Martini is no exception. It’s a timeless blend—classic, smooth, foamy, and absolutely delicious.
Link & Pin
8128 Providence Rd #1200
9723 Sam Furr Rd, Huntersville
The Scoop: Link & Pin takes their Espresso Martini to the next level, using a unique blend of nine ingredients: Social House Vodka, Cruzan Single Barrel, Amaro Averna, Amaro Nonino, Frangelico, Kahlua, Vanilla Bean, Chocolate Bitters, and Nitro Cold Brew Coffee. A sweeter take on the classic, with rich, layered flavors that satisfy without being overly sweet. It’s the perfect balance for anyone craving something indulgent but not too heavy.
A FUN TWIST
Sycamore Brewing
2151 Hawkins St
The Scoop: There’s nothing better than a frozen drink to beat the heat on a hot summer day. Made with espresso from Sycamore’s roastery, the Frozen Espresso Martini delivers the perfect mix of boozy, coffee-infused, icy goodness—and the best part? It’s available all year long.
Humbug
2501 The Plaza #1
The Scoop: We love cold foam on our iced coffees, and turns out we also love it on top of an Espresso Martini. Humbug’s That Goddamned Espresso Martini is topped with salted coconut foam, striking the perfect balance of sweet and salty. Bonus: it’s completely dairy-free.
Idlewild
424 E 36th St Unit 2
The Scoop: At Idlewild, every drink has its own twist, and the Espresso Martini is no exception. For something a little different, try the Dominicana—a popular cocktail made with rum and coffee liqueur. Pro tip: don’t forget to ask for extra foam for that perfect frothy finish.
Lincoln Street Kitchen and Cocktails
1320 South Church Street Unit 400
The Scoop: One of our not-so-guilty pleasures is Lincoln Street’s twist on an Espresso Martini, Guilty Pleasures. Made with house-infused toasted pecan vodka, Licor 43, salted caramel, and freshly brewed espresso.
ESPRESSO MARTINI FLIGHTS
Runaway Whiskey & Wine
2135 Thrift Rd #104
The Scoop: If you’re an Espresso Martini lover, Runaway’s Espresso Martini Flight is a must-try. Featuring four unique variations with different spirits, flavors, and garnishes, this flight offers a fresh take on the classic cocktail. Plus, the lineup changes seasonally, so there’s always something new to explore.
Trolley Barn Fermentory & Food Hall
2104 South Blvd
The Scoop: The Espresso Martini Flight at Trolley Barn is impossible to resist, featuring indulgent flavors like Salted Caramel, Peanut Butter, and Nutella. Flavors change seasonally which is all the reason to go back for more!
