Why Espresso Martinis Have 3 Coffee Beans – And What They Mean
Ever noticed the three coffee beans floating on an espresso martini and wondered what they’re doing there? It’s not just for looks. That trio of beans is a nod to an old Italian tradition — each one stands for health, wealth, and happiness. It started with sambuca, got borrowed by bartenders, and stuck around because, well, it works. It looks sharp, smells great, and adds a bit of meaning to your cocktail. Let's break it down.
Are they just for show? Not quite.
In this blog, we’ll share the meaning of the three coffee beans on an espresso martini, where the tradition comes from, and how to make this classic cocktail at home.
Classic espresso martini topped with three coffee beans — a nod to Italian tradition
What Is an Espresso Martini?
It’s a cocktail with coffee — simple as that. A good espresso martini is made with freshly brewed espresso, vodka, coffee liqueur (usually Kahlúa), and a touch of sugar syrup. Shake it with ice until it’s ice cold and frothy, then strain into a chilled glass. It’s rich, smooth, and just the right balance of bitter and sweet — like a dessert and a pick-me-up in one.
What is in an espresso martini?
Where the Espresso Martini Got Its Beans
The espresso martini might be a modern classic, but the coffee bean garnish isn’t new. It comes from a tradition in Italy where sambuca is served with three coffee beans — called “con la mosca,” or “with the fly.” The idea stuck: three beans for good luck. When bartenders started shaking up espresso martinis in the '80s, they brought that tradition with them. It’s now a signature move — and a subtle nod to the roots of Italian drinking culture.
Espresso martini with sambuca and coffee beans — where the three-bean tradition began
What the Three Beans Actually Mean
Each bean has a job. One for health, one for wealth, and one for happiness. That’s it — no big mystery, just a bit of symbolism borrowed from Italian tradition. And because three’s a lucky number in a lot of cultures, it caught on. These days, you’ll see the same three-bean setup in bars from Rome to Wrexham. Bonus? They smell great and float just right on that creamy foam.
☕ Brewing Tip
Use fresh espresso — not coffee from a pod or the cafetière. It gives your cocktail that punchy crema and bold flavour you need to stand up to the sweetness of the liqueur.
🔍 A closer look at the meaning behind the espresso martini
🧬 Health
Coffee beans are loaded with antioxidants and compounds linked to heart health, brain function, and lower risk of type 2 diabetes. One bean represents a toast to good health.
💰 Wealth
Coffee is a global commodity and a driver of income for millions. That second bean? It nods to prosperity, both in the coffee trade and in life.
😊 Happiness
Coffee has long been associated with good moods and alert minds. The third bean represents the joy and energy a great cup (or cocktail) of coffee brings.
📈 Fun fact about espresso martinis
In a 2022 Club Mirror survey, the espresso martini was named the UK’s most popular cocktail, beating mojitos and daiquiris to the top spot. Today, espresso martinis are not just confined to trendy cocktail bars. Pubs and bars are increasingly offering espresso martinis on their menus, demonstrating the cocktail's popularity and its ability to attract more customers.
Final thoughts
The next time you drink an espresso martini, remember the three coffee beans on top are more than just decoration, they symbolise health, wealth and happiness. They serve as a reminder of the drink's Italian origins, the connection between coffee and well-being, and the delightful flavours that make the espresso martini a beloved classic. Cheers to that!
💡 Ready to make an espresso martini with three coffee beans on top?
👉 Browse our coffee selection to find the perfect bean for your cocktail.
Not sure which coffee to choose? We recommend Brazilian Eagle, packed with flavours of chocolate, apple, dried fruit and toasted nut - ideal for an espresso martini.
Wrexham Bean coffee: Brazilian Eagle - perfect for an espresso martini
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💬 What's your favourite Espresso Martini recipe? Let us know in the comments below!
