The Significance of the Three Beans in an Espresso Martini

The espresso martini has become a beloved modern classic cocktail, with its indulgent combination of vodka, coffee liqueur, and freshly brewed espresso. But it’s the garnish of three coffee beans floating delicately on top that often gets the most attention. So what’s the story behind this iconic trio of beans? What meaning do they hold?

The Origins of the Three Bean Garnish

To understand the symbolism of the beans, we have to go back to the origins of the espresso martini itself The cocktail was invented in the 1980s by renowned London bartender Dick Bradsell As the story goes, a model came into his bar requesting a drink that would “wake me up and then f*** me up”. Bradsell created a smooth yet potent mix of vodka, coffee liqueur, and espresso, shaking it vigorously and pouring it into a martini glass.

To finish it off, he added the three coffee beans on top. This garnish was inspired by the Italian tradition of adding beans to drinks like sambuca. In Italian coffee culture, adding three beans to a drink represents a silent toast – a wish for the health, wealth and happiness of the person drinking it.

The Meaning of the Three Beans

When Bradsell added this garnish to his new cocktail creation, he brought that beautiful Italian tradition to the espresso martini. So those three little beans floating on your drink actually carry a profound meaning.

The first bean symbolizes health – a wish for physical and mental wellness. The second represents wealth – a toast to prosperity and abundance. And finally, the third bean conveys a blessing of happiness – the desire for joy, fulfillment, and contentment.

Together, they form a powerful and thoughtful sentiment – a wish for the good life. This is why bartenders meticulously add the beans, one by one – it transforms a cocktail into a mindful experience.

The Significance of Three

You may wonder, why specifically three beans? The number three holds special symbolism across many cultures, often representing completion, harmony, and the divine. Christianity uses the Holy Trinity to represent the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

In mythological traditions, triple deities abound – the Fates, the Furies, the Charites. The number three echoes throughout philosophy, mathematics, and symbolism worldwide.

So in many ways, the three beans resonate with humanity’s fascination with the number three as a representation of fulfillment. It’s very intentional that there are three beans in an espresso martini.

Variations on the Garnish

While three beans are standard, some bartenders get creative with the garnish:

• Two beans can represent love and luck for a more romantic meaning

• Four beans are said to symbolize good fortune and stability

• Chocolate-covered beans add indulgence and sweetness

• Cocoa powder or shaved chocolate enhances the coffee flavors

• Star anise or cinnamon provides a spice twist

So feel free to experiment, but using three original coffee beans preserves the cocktail’s core tradition.

How to Garnish with Three Beans

To properly garnish an espresso martini:

• Shake ingredients vigorously with ice to emulsify and chill

• Strain into a chilled martini glass

• Holding the glass steady, carefully place three beans on the frothy crema

• Position the beans in a triangle, evenly spaced and visible

Take care garnishing the drink – this delicate final touch honors the entire rich cultural narrative behind the beans. It elevates the experience, making the cocktail a mindful celebration of life’s pleasures.

The Custom Lives On

In Italian cafes today, you’ll still see little glasses of sambuca garnished with three beans, continuing this artistic tradition. And every time a bartender meticulously adds three beans to an espresso martini, they nod to this heritage, transforming a drink into a symbolic gesture.

So next time you sip this beloved cocktail, take a moment to appreciate those beans and the meaning they add to the experience. Let them be a reminder to toast to your health, wealth, and happiness – the three pillars of the good life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about the three beans in an espresso martini:

Where did the tradition of adding beans come from?

It originated in Italian coffee culture, where drinks like sambuca are garnished with beans as a symbolic blessing.

What is the meaning behind the three beans?

They represent a toast to health, wealth, and happiness for the person enjoying the drink.

Why are there specifically three beans used?

The number three has symbolic significance in many cultures, representing harmony, divinity, and fulfillment.

Can you use more or fewer beans when garnishing?

While three is traditional, some use two for love/luck or four for fortune/stability.

How should you garnish the drink properly?

Place three beans gently on the frothy crema in a triangle, evenly spaced and visible.

Does the type of bean matter?

Traditionally coffee beans are used, but some bartenders get creative with cocoa beans or spices.

Is this tradition still practiced today?

Yes, Italian cafes still serve sambuca with beans. Bartenders worldwide add beans to espresso martinis to continue the heritage.

So next time you’re enjoying an espresso martini, remember – those three little beans carry a whole world of meaning. Their addition to your cocktail is so much more than just a garnish.