The Barker Company Espresso Martini 700ML

The Barker Company Espresso Martini 700ML is a ready-to-drink espresso martini bottled at 20% ABV (40 proof) in a 700ml format, blending 100% Colombian espresso with six-times-distilled American vodka. This expression earned 93 points from Binny's, underscoring its reputation as one of the more polished premixed coffee cocktails on the market.

Quick Facts: ABV: 20%  |  Origin: Pennsylvania, USA  |  Style: Ready-to-Drink Espresso Martini  |  Producer: Boardroom Spirits

Production & Heritage

The Barker Company was founded by Nigel Barker, the internationally recognized photographer and television personality who hosts the cocktail-focused podcast Shaken & Stirred. Drawing on insights from over 135 podcast episodes and collaborations with professional mixologists, bartenders, and baristas, Barker spent nearly two years developing the final recipe. The liquid is produced at Boardroom Spirits in Pennsylvania, combining six-times-distilled American vodka with 100% Colombian espresso and caramelized brown sugar — a three-component foundation designed to deliver bartender-quality results straight from the bottle.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Roasted coffee grounds dominate the nose, followed by a mild vanilla sweetness and a faint whiff of caramelized sugar. The scent is inviting without being overly saccharine.

Taste: Rich coffee flavor leads on the entry, transitioning into a chocolaty mid-palate with distinct mocha character. The caramelized brown sugar rounds out the sweetness, keeping the balance between bitter espresso and confectionery tones well-calibrated — neither too sweet nor too bitter.

Finish: Medium in length with lingering vanilla and milk chocolate notes. A gentle bitterness from the espresso returns at the tail, keeping things grounded and clean.

How to Drink Barker Espresso Martini

The intended serve is simple: pour 3–4 ounces into a shaker with ice, shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds, and double-strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass. This produces the signature deep brown hue and lightly foamy head the drink is known for. Beyond the classic serve, the liquid works well in these cocktails:

• Espresso Negroni: Split the sweet vermouth portion with the Barker Espresso Martini for a bittersweet coffee twist on the Italian classic.
• Coffee Old Fashioned: Combine with bourbon and a dash of chocolate bitters — the caramelized brown sugar in the blend adds body without needing additional syrup.
• Tiramisu Martini: Add a splash of amaretto and a float of cream to lean into the dessert-like vanilla and mocha notes already present in the base.

Best For

• Hosting a dinner party where you want a bar-quality after-dinner cocktail with zero prep
• Gifting a coffee-obsessed cocktail enthusiast something beyond a standard bottle of spirits
• Stocking a home bar for quick weeknight serves without measuring multiple ingredients
• Bringing to a gathering as a crowd-friendly, accessible premixed cocktail

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Barker Espresso Martini taste like? The dominant flavor is rich, roasted Colombian coffee balanced by chocolate and vanilla sweetness, with caramelized brown sugar providing body without excessive sweetness.

How does Barker Espresso Martini compare to Mr. Black Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur? Mr. Black is a standalone coffee liqueur at 25% ABV intended as a cocktail ingredient, while the Barker Espresso Martini is a complete ready-to-drink cocktail at 20% ABV that already includes vodka and sweetener. Choosing between them depends on whether you want a building-block ingredient or a finished cocktail that only needs ice and a shaker.

Is Barker Espresso Martini good for cocktail beginners? Yes — the ready-to-drink format removes the complexity of balancing espresso, vodka, and sweetener yourself, making a polished espresso martini accessible to anyone with a shaker and ice.

Where is Barker Espresso Martini made? It is produced at Boardroom Spirits, a craft distillery located in Pennsylvania, USA, using American-distilled vodka and 100% Colombian espresso.

What foods pair well with Barker Espresso Martini? Tiramisu complements the shared coffee and vanilla notes. Dark chocolate truffles echo the mocha character in the mid-palate. Mascarpone-based desserts highlight the creamy sweetness. Salted caramel brownies play off the caramelized brown sugar component. Aged cheeses like Gouda provide a savory contrast to the coffee richness.

What sizes does Barker Espresso Martini come in? The standard available size is 700ml, which yields approximately four to five cocktail servings depending on pour size.

Is Barker Espresso Martini worth the price? It positions in the premium tier of ready-to-drink cocktails, and the 93-point score from Binny's suggests quality that competes with — or exceeds — hand-made versions at many bars, particularly when factoring in the convenience of no additional ingredients required.

Why Barker Espresso Martini?

What separates this from the growing field of bottled espresso martinis is the nearly two-year development process that involved professional bartenders and baristas refining the ratio of Colombian espresso, six-times-distilled vodka, and caramelized brown sugar. That rigor is reflected in the 93-point score from Binny's — a strong showing for any premixed cocktail. The 20% ABV sits in a practical sweet spot: strong enough to deliver genuine cocktail character, moderate enough to keep the coffee and chocolate notes in focus. For anyone who has struggled to replicate a proper espresso martini at home, this bottle solves the problem with a shake-and-strain simplicity that doesn't sacrifice quality.