Micro-documentary marks 40 years of the Espresso Martini
London-based filmmaker Jacqueline Fernandez premiered her debut micro-documentary, Dick Bradsell Espresso Martini, on 15 March, otherwise known as National Espresso Martini Day.
The five-minute film delves into the creation of the now-iconic cocktail, invented in London in 1985 when a model asked bartender Dick Bradsell to make her a drink that would “wake me up and then fuck me up.”
The short film not only pays tribute to the popular cocktail but also honours the ‘creative genius’ behind the serve, thanks to his daughter Beatrice Bradsell, who co-produced and features in the documentary, telling her father’s story and sharing additional insights and details.
Fernandez’s inspiration for the film came from an unexpected encounter with Dick’s name on a cocktail menu at The Wigmore Bar in The Langham. “I was shocked by how little people knew about the Espresso Martini’s true origins – even in Britain. Many assumed the drink was Italian or had been around since the 1800s,” said Fernandez. “I wanted to tell the unique story of the Espresso Martini to mark its 40th anniversary.”
Known as ‘The Cocktail King’, Dick was a pioneer in London’s drinks scene, revolutionising cocktail-making with his commitment to quality, bartender training, and making sophisticated drinks more accessible. However, his legacy extends beyond the Espresso Martini, as he also created the Bramble and the Treacle cocktails. He died in 2016.
“His impact on cocktail culture was transformative,” explained Fernandez. “He was a true legend and a rebellious innovator at heart.”
However, while researching Dick’s life, Fernandez uncovered some additional ‘surprising’ details. “Beyond bartending, Dick had a huge impact on London’s creative world. He was cast in Christopher Nolan’s first feature film, co-wrote a song for [two-tone band] The Beat, and had the Espresso Martini renamed Pharmaceutical Stimulant by artist Damien Hirst at The Pharmacy.”
The documentary was filmed at The Social in London – a venue where Bradsell often DJed – and was created in partnership with Tia Maria Coffee Liqueur and Arling Films.
It is said that Dick Bradsell sought the perfect coffee liqueur for his Espresso Martini, with the final piece of the puzzle ultimately coming from Tia Maria.
According to 2023 data from IWSR, 63% of consumers favour Tia Maria as the ‘superior’ coffee liqueur for the cocktail, while 67% of bartenders from London and Manchester chose Tia Maria as their go-to in a blind taste test.
Speaking about the launch, Peter Dries, regional trade marketing director – Northwest Europe at Disaronno International, said: “The Espresso Martini is a classic cocktail and remains the fourth bestselling cocktail in the world. We’re honoured that Tia Maria is part of Dick Bradsell’s legacy, as a true visionary in the cocktail world. We hope consumers can raise a toast to celebrate on National Espresso Martini Day and enjoy learning more about the history of the iconic drink in this new documentary.”
The micro-documentary premiered on 15 March on www.uk.tiamaria.com as well as on the brand’s Instagram and YouTube channel. It also aired on www.arlingfilms.com and through Beatrice’s social platforms: @bbradsell and @thedrinkcabinet_uk.
To watch the micro-documentary, click below:
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