5 Spots for Espresso Martinis in Rhode Island
That's that me espresso — these locally made specialty drinks are worth singing about.
Espresso martinis at Wally’s Wieners come in many different flavor variations.
Whether you’re looking to cap off a fancy dinner with dessert in liquid form or an extra energy boost before your night really begins, we’re not here to judge. Here are our top five espresso martinis for your next after-hours caffeine fix.
Cafe Italia
Sitting pretty-in-pink on Federal Hill, Cafe Italia not only lives up to its European name in aesthetic but also in its espresso martinis. A creamy blend of Baileys, Kahlua and espresso combines for the standard drink with specialty versions like the Banana Bread relying on Ole Smokey Banana Pudding Moonshine Whiskey, and a dessert-forward option like the Red Velvet Cake with Stoli vanilla vodka, chocolate Baileys and Aperol grenadine. Can’t decide on just one? Order a martini flight of four flavors or split a martini tower. 228 Atwells Ave., Providence, 871-6566, cafeitaliapvd.com
Perks & Corks
This longtime downtown Westerly hotspot has perfected its house favorite, the Espresso, by incorporating Platinum 7x vodka, espresso liquor, fresh espresso and your choice of a lemon twist or espresso bean garnish (plus a dash of coconut). But don’t count out the White Chocolate Cappuccino, a dessert martini mixed with Sobieski vanilla vodka, fresh espresso, espresso liquor, white chocolate Irish cream and topped with fancy foam art for your social media sharing pleasure. 62 High St., Westerly, 596-1260, perksandcorks.com
The XO Bar
Between its blue velvet seating and sensual lighting, XO Bar is already an ideal setting. Top-notch Cold Brew martinis are made with layers of rich cold brew (yes, instead of espresso), housemade vanilla vodka, coffee liqueur, hazelnut (and Irish cream if you choose). And, for the sober among us, the Espresso MartinNO swaps the liquor for chocolate bitters, cinnamon simple and a splash of cream. 125 N. Main St., Providence, 250-3606, thexobar.com
MainStreet Coffee
This cafe by day, martini bar by night shakes things up with fifteen different flavors using three different spirits. Vodka yields salted caramel and blueberry variations, tequila offers a Mexican-inspired spinoff with notes of hazelnut or coconut, and the whiskey-made offerings highlight Irish cream or cinnamon. Best of all, you don’t have to worry about precarious martini glass situations — you can get your fill in a Mason jar. 137 Main St., East Greenwich, 885-8787, mainstreetcoffee.com
The Copper Club at Wally’s Wieners
All fourteen of the Copper Club’s espresso martinis are hand-poured with Wally’s Espresso Blend by Custom House Coffee. Unique flavors include the Conquistador with Island Coquito, the Ocean Ember (starring Sea Flame cinnamon spiced whiskey) or the Funfetti (taking us back with the Grainger’s vanilla vodka). Might we propose a parlay with the Giant — a forty-eight-ounce glass containing your preferred concoction — to share with a friend or three? 464 Thames St., Newport, 236-1760; 120 Atwells Ave., Providence, 648-3330, wallyswieners.com
