When you are at a restaurant or bar with friends, everyone has their go-to order. One might order a beer while another gets a Manhattan or even something fruity like a mai tai.
However, when you go to Old Tavernier Restaurant & Lounge located oceanside at MM 90, 99% of the time everyone at the table orders the same thing: the espresso martini. If you peek behind the bar, you see the bartenders making them by the dozen. Don’t let that fool you, though. The quality doesn’t suffer because of the quantity. I’ve had espresso martinis everywhere you can imagine and there is definitely something different about Old Tav’s.
I’m sure there’s some secret proprietary blend of coffee, liqueurs and spirits that honestly, even if it weren’t under wraps, we wouldn’t be able to fully recreate the Old Tav magic at home. I could blind taste-test 50 different espresso martinis and I will know without a doubt which is our locally famous one. When I get a text for a friendly gathering, it hardly ever says “Are you in the mood for Old Tavernier?” It usually says “Are you in the mood for espresso martinis?” and I know exactly where they’re talking about.
Something about the lounge brings a familiarity. It might be the furniture, the nautical decor and wood walls. It could simply be that all of us “Keys kids” have been going to Old Tavernier with our parents since we were in diapers. Either way, the homey feeling pairs flawlessly with the consistency of their No. 1-selling cocktail. For the few of you out there who haven’t tried this impeccable libation, it’s served in a chilled martini glass rimmed with cocoa powder. The cocoa powder gives you a bitter kick that is immediately followed by a sweet, ice cold, coffee-esque nectar of the gods. Other espresso martinis have this cheap flavored vodka taste that reminds me of chemicals or artificial sweeteners.
At this timeless establishment they’ve managed to balance a creamy taste without the cop out of Baileys being added. The best part is while you’re sipping, you get a symphony of clinking glasses while hearing others say cheers, and the sound of ice in the shakers as new martinis are being made. It’s a feeling of camaraderie. The Old Tavernier espresso martini has been on my list for quite some time to write about. I have been purposely putting it off to wait until December. There is something special about this martini, a sip just feeling like the holidays. Nothing feels more December than sipping this coffee goodness and gazing at the oversized Christmas tree the lounge dons every year. If it were July, I would still get that holiday fuzzy warmth with this drink.
They’ve really accomplished something remarkable with this recipe. The funny thing is, it’s so good that even if you didn’t have dinner at Old Tavernier, you end up there from other restaurants to have the ideal nightcap. I hope the lounge and the martini never change; I love everything about it. When I’m traveling and the mood strikes for an espresso martini, it could taste great, and I still find myself measuring it against Old Tavernier. Comparisons are easily done once you’ve had a taste of perfection.
Lately, I’ve been ordering mine with bourbon instead of vodka. It really grounds the flavors and gives it a deep earthy, dark chocolate vibe. Someone once said an espresso martini is a sophisticated jolt of happiness, the perfect blend of classy and caffeinated, and I couldn’t agree more. One last thing, don’t let the caffeinated comment scare you off, they offer an equally delicious decaf version upon request.
When you are at a restaurant or bar with friends, everyone has their go-to order. One might order a beer while another gets a Manhattan or even something fruity like a mai tai.
However, when you go to Old Tavernier Restaurant & Lounge located oceanside at MM 90, 99% of the time everyone at the table orders the same thing: the espresso martini. If you peek behind the bar, you see the bartenders making them by the dozen. Don’t let that fool you, though. The quality doesn’t suffer because of the quantity. I’ve had espresso martinis everywhere you can imagine and there is definitely something different about Old Tav’s.
I’m sure there’s some secret proprietary blend of coffee, liqueurs and spirits that honestly, even if it weren’t under wraps, we wouldn’t be able to fully recreate the Old Tav magic at home. I could blind taste-test 50 different espresso martinis and I will know without a doubt which is our locally famous one. When I get a text for a friendly gathering, it hardly ever says “Are you in the mood for Old Tavernier?” It usually says “Are you in the mood for espresso martinis?” and I know exactly where they’re talking about.
Inside Old Tavernier. SAMANTHA DELLILO/Keys Weekly
Something about the lounge brings a familiarity. It might be the furniture, the nautical decor and wood walls. It could simply be that all of us “Keys kids” have been going to Old Tavernier with our parents since we were in diapers. Either way, the homey feeling pairs flawlessly with the consistency of their No. 1-selling cocktail. For the few of you out there who haven’t tried this impeccable libation, it’s served in a chilled martini glass rimmed with cocoa powder. The cocoa powder gives you a bitter kick that is immediately followed by a sweet, ice cold, coffee-esque nectar of the gods. Other espresso martinis have this cheap flavored vodka taste that reminds me of chemicals or artificial sweeteners.
At this timeless establishment they’ve managed to balance a creamy taste without the cop out of Baileys being added. The best part is while you’re sipping, you get a symphony of clinking glasses while hearing others say cheers, and the sound of ice in the shakers as new martinis are being made. It’s a feeling of camaraderie. The Old Tavernier espresso martini has been on my list for quite some time to write about. I have been purposely putting it off to wait until December. There is something special about this martini, a sip just feeling like the holidays. Nothing feels more December than sipping this coffee goodness and gazing at the oversized Christmas tree the lounge dons every year. If it were July, I would still get that holiday fuzzy warmth with this drink.
They’ve really accomplished something remarkable with this recipe. The funny thing is, it’s so good that even if you didn’t have dinner at Old Tavernier, you end up there from other restaurants to have the ideal nightcap. I hope the lounge and the martini never change; I love everything about it. When I’m traveling and the mood strikes for an espresso martini, it could taste great, and I still find myself measuring it against Old Tavernier. Comparisons are easily done once you’ve had a taste of perfection.
Lately, I’ve been ordering mine with bourbon instead of vodka. It really grounds the flavors and gives it a deep earthy, dark chocolate vibe. Someone once said an espresso martini is a sophisticated jolt of happiness, the perfect blend of classy and caffeinated, and I couldn’t agree more. One last thing, don’t let the caffeinated comment scare you off, they offer an equally delicious decaf version upon request.
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