Located closer to Cuba than to the U.S. mainland, Key West began welcoming its Cuban neighbors in the early 1830s. Many were cigarmakers, and the city’s first cigar factory opened in 1831. By the mid- to late-1800s, Key West was known as the cigar manufacturing capital of the world.
The cigar industry eventually moved its headquarters elsewhere, but a significant Cuban population remained to enrich the island city. Today, the Cuban influence is reflected in everything from landmarks and historic sites to food and drink preferences.
Dishes like ropa vieja and mojo-infused roast pork top the menu at multiple island eateries, and scores of Key West residents start their day with sweet café con leche or a tiny bucci, loosely translated as highly caffeinated Cuban espresso.
Some days, however, the energy jolt delivered by a morning bucci just isn’t enough — which explains the popularity of the espresso martini at local hotspots like the Key West Cooking Show’s Bar 1. While the caffeinated cocktail didn’t originate on the island, it was quickly embraced by savvy bartenders and patrons who needed a happy-hour boost.
The basic ingredients are vodka, espresso liqueur that blends the flavor of cold-brewed Cuban-style espresso with a hint of dark chocolate and caramel, vanilla simple syrup and a pinch of espresso salt.
Mixologists at Bar 1, a welcoming establishment at 291 Front St., also add an ingredient that locals love: bold and potent espresso from the island’s Cuban Coffee Queen, often called America’s southernmost coffee roaster. The resultant concoction is served in a stemmed broad-bowled coupe glass and garnished with three espresso beans.
Despite its Cuban soul, the energy-inducing martini was actually born in London in the 1980s. According to cocktail lore, Soho Brasserie bartender Dick Bradsell developed it after a famous model requested something intoxicating yet invigorating. The offering he created, with its sophisticated presentation and caffeinated kick, became the go-to choice for London’s fashionable crowd.
Today it’s equally popular at Bar 1, where it revives tired patrons, and at the Key West Cooking Show’s Monday night trivia sessions — where players seeking a competitive edge hope it will boost their brain power.
The coffee-centric drink isn’t the only specialty martini served at Bar 1. Other much-requested selections include the Key lime martini, a liquid salute to Key West’s favorite citrus-flavored pie. The luscious libation features vodka, Key lime pie liqueur, vanilla-citrus liqueur and fresh lime juice.
Because the actual pie is nestled in a graham-cracker crust and typically topped with whipped cream, the martini features alcohol-infused whipped cream and is served in a glass rimmed with graham-cracker crumbs. It may not be caffeinated, but — like the espresso martini — it’s an ideal drink for toasting Key West’s colorful heritage.
Last Call
Drink of the month: Cherry Almond Biscotti. Even alcohol-free mocktails can carry a caffeinated kick. Bar 1’s zero-proof delight features espresso, almond-based orgeat syrup and house-made cherry syrup for a sweet wake-up call.
Explore a non-cocktail sensation. Learn to prepare the perfect Key lime pie, the Florida Keys’ fabled signature dessert — and enjoy a slice. For more information about the lime treat, and a schedule of pie-making demonstration classes, visit keywestcookingshow.com or call 305-294-COOK.
