Riley Russell

Hi, my name is Riley Kay Russell. I am a rising junior at the University of Oklahoma majoring in advertising with a minor in digital marketing. Read along as I share my experience at the Dirty Rat and the fantastic espresso martini that came with it.

Why Limit Yourself to Coffee in the Mornings?

An espresso martini. Known to be a delectable, energizing and sophisticated drink. Before arriving in Arezzo, I had heard about the Dirty Rat and its infamous reputation. I was not picturing anything delectable, energizing or refined, but I quickly was proved wrong.

I pass by this restaurant almost every day on my lunch break.n. The outside tables are always filled with people in town enjoying their day and eating peacefully, so I was excited to experience it for myself.

Walking into this charming restaurant, you will immediately see dark green decor with hints of brick walls peaking through. Gins, vodkas and bourbons line the walls, inviting you to bask in the relaxing vibe. The atmosphere was quite quaint yet felt very refined. The smell of truffle and espresso filled my nose.

I sat in a quiet spot near the entrance on a small couch with a coffee table placed in front of me. It is the perfect place to observe the bartenders mixing various drinks and watch the buzz of people come and go throughout the restaurant. The bartender Luke was amiable and seemed to know everyone who walked through the door, making even nonresidents feel welcome in an unfamiliar environment.

I selected a classic drink with a twist: the espresso martini. I have yet to become an espresso martini connoisseur, but this one has been my favorite since being in Italy. I got mine with a bit of vanilla to sweeten it up.

If you’re looking for a strong but sleek taste, this is the right cocktail to stumble upon. Luke chills the glass by filling it with ice while making the martini. The mixing is complete after adding a few salt flakes to keep the espresso fresh. He then pours the silky, light brown mixture into a tall martini glass and finishes it with a garnish of three tiny espresso beans.

The first sip is refreshing with a slight bitterness about it. As I continue, my chest fills with warmth, slowly giving a kick of energy and a subtle buzz. There’s a hint of espresso aftertaste that becomes stronger with every sip, right until you get down to the bottom of the glass.

I highly recommend stopping by this restaurant for an excellent espresso martini and other items on the menu. The service is fantastic, the drinks are intricate and refreshing and the overall atmosphere is elegant yet inviting.