Brasserie Pushkin, Moscow

There's a certain logic to drinking an espresso martini in Moscow. The vodka is going to be excellent — that's a given. The question is whether the rest of the drink can keep up. At Brasserie Pushkin, housed in a stunning 19th-century baroque mansion, the answer is a resounding yes.

The Drink

They use Russian Standard Platinum as their base, which is clean, smooth, and exactly what you want in this drink. The espresso is pulled from a gleaming Italian machine using a dark Italian roast — none of the light roast trend here.

It's a classic espresso martini in the truest sense. Bold, strong, and unapologetically caffeinated. The Kahlúa is measured with precision — enough to add depth and sweetness without masking the coffee. The shaker must get an incredible workout because the foam is dense and persistent.

The Atmosphere

Brasserie Pushkin is pure theatre. Crystal chandeliers, leather-bound menus, and staff in period costume. It feels like drinking in a tsarist library. The espresso martini arrives on a silver tray, and for a moment, you feel like you deserve this level of service.

The Verdict

No frills, no twists, no molecular gastronomy — just an exceptionally well-made classic. The quality of the vodka elevates everything, and the attention to detail is evident in every element. If you want to understand what a traditional espresso martini should taste like, this is your benchmark.

Price: RUB 890 | Serving Style: Frosted coupe glass | Coffee Bean Garnish: Three beans in a triangle