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Caffeinated Cocktails Are Having a More Refined Moment

As society's tastes continue to refine, customers are raising their expectations on what constitutes a worthy caffeinated cocktail.

For some, a cocktail is a relaxing indulgence, a lively accompaniment to a night out, or a delightful dinner pairing—most socially acceptable after 5 p.m. A coffee drink, on the other hand, is often enjoyed starting at the crack of dawn, for that boost of energy that many of us simply cannot begin our day without. The caffeinated cocktail, however, disrupts this divide, offering the best of both worlds in a single sip.

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In the early-to-mid-2000s, imbibers seeking a little extra energy often turned to the then-novel (and for many of us, rather unappealing) vodka-and-Red-Bull combo. I personally never understood the hype, but I’m old enough to remember when it was all the rage—and the feeling akin to heart palpitations that could hit if you drank one too many. Clubs in L.A., New York and Las Vegas were slinging these mixed drinks left and right, as patrons danced the night away with a strong buzz accompanied by a jolt of energy. However, as society continues to prioritize quality, especially when it comes to alcohol, more and more people are raising their expectations on what constitutes a worthy caffeinated cocktail, from espresso martinis to matcha libations.

About five years ago, the espresso martini made a major comeback, rising in the ranks of drinks and eventually becoming the 10th most-ordered cocktail in the U.S. In late 2025, Ariana Grande even appeared in an SNL skit satirizing the “dangers” of espresso martinis, playing on how they have become a generation-defining beverage—especially for 20-something-year-old women. While espresso remains a key component in other classic libations like the carajillo and white Russian, modern mixologists are branching out with alternative ingredients, such as tea and matcha. Alcohol consumption has fallen to a nearly 90-year low, and with mindful........

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