Meet the Bada ’Tini – Our Bold New Take on the Espresso Martini

From first pour to final sparkle, the Bada ‘Tini is the signature cocktail that bridges your morning coffee ritual with your favorite Columbus night out.

The espresso martini has had a meteoric rise over the last few years — and for good reason. It’s the rare cocktail that can be both a conversation starter and a closer. At Bada Bean Bada Booze, we’ve always lived in that sweet spot between coffee and cocktails, between the AM grind and PM unwind. So when we revisited our fan-favorite espresso martini, we didn’t just tweak it. We rebuilt it around what makes our brand special: locally roasted espresso, thoughtful spirits, and a flavor profile that’s as layered as the communities we serve.

The result is the Bada ’Tini — a rich, aromatic, gently spicy reinvention featuring Florin Bada Blend Espresso, Astral Reposado Tequila, Kahlúa, Licor 43, a measured kiss of Ancho Reyes, bright orange bitters, and a grated nutmeg crown. It looks classic. It drinks modern. And it feels unmistakably Bada.

Why We Reinvented the Espresso Martini

Coffee culture and cocktail culture are no longer separate circles — they overlap. Our guests might grab a drip coffee on the way to work, swing back for a late-afternoon pick-me-up, and then meet friends at the same bar for a nightcap. The Bada ’Tini embraces that rhythm. Instead of defaulting to vodka, we use reposado tequila to add depth and a subtle warmth that plays beautifully with the espresso’s chocolate tones. The supporting cast delivers dimension, not distraction, so you taste coffee first, then vanilla-citrus aromatics, and finally a gentle ancho warmth that lingers without overpowering.

The Flavor Story, Ingredient by Ingredient

Every component earns its place. Here’s how each one carries the story of the Bada ’Tini:

• Florin Bada Blend Espresso: Locally roasted with balance in mind — rounded body, cocoa and caramel notes, and a clean finish that shines through the shake.
• Astral Reposado Tequila: Aged in oak for a touch of vanilla and honeyed spice. It replaces vodka for character and warmth, giving the cocktail a graceful, long finish.
• Kahlúa: A familiar anchor that sweetens and deepens the coffee profile without turning the drink into dessert.
• Licor 43: Adds a whisper of vanilla, citrus, and warming spice. Think of it as the connective tissue between espresso and tequila.
• Ancho Reyes: A strategic accent. It’s not a “spicy drink,” but the ancho chile adds gentle heat and complexity that blossoms after the second sip.
• Orange Bitters: Brightens the mid-palate and lifts the aromatics so the drink feels nimble, not heavy.
• Freshly Grated Nutmeg: The aromatic halo. It’s the first thing your nose catches and the last note you remember.

How We Make It: A Behind-the-Bar Look

The Bada ’Tini is shaken to achieve that signature silky texture and foam crown. We pull a fresh shot of Florin Bada Blend so the crema lands in the shaker, then layer spirits in a chilled tin, shake hard over ice, and fine-strain into a cold coupe. The nutmeg is grated to order. It’s a small detail that pays off in a big way: the first aroma you get sets the tone for everything that follows.

Where to Find the Bada ’Tini in Columbus

The Bada ’Tini is available exclusively at Bada Bean Bada Booze locations across Columbus, including Italian Village, and Quarry Trails. Make it your pre-show starter, a date-night feature, or a friends-night staple.

Ready to plan your visit? If you are a Thrive resident, your neighborhood nightcap may be just a short walk away. Explore nearby Thrive communities:

• Italian Village & Jeffrey Park: The Sage at Jeffrey Park, Legacy at Jeffrey Park, Foundry at Jeffrey Park, Iron Works at Jeffrey Park
• Quarry Trails: Tillmore at Quarry Trails, South Bank At Quarry Trails

Prefer to plan ahead? Order online or check our latest menus.

When to Order the Bada ’Tini

We designed the Bada ’Tini for real life — for the moments that happen in and around our neighborhoods:

• Pre-dinner meetups: Something richer than a spritz, lighter than a whiskey drink, with aromas that say “let’s linger.”
• Date night: Silky texture, beautiful color, balanced sweetness. It’s a crowd-pleaser without being predictable.
• After the show: If your night needs one more chapter, the Bada ’Tini feels celebratory without being heavy.
• Resident gatherings: If you live in a Thrive community nearby, make it your signature “welcome to the weekend” pour before heading to the mezzanine with friends.

How the Bada ’Tini Compares to a Classic Espresso Martini

Most espresso martinis lean on vodka for a clean canvas. Ours leans into character. Reposado tequila adds soft vanilla and oak, which means the espresso comes across as rounder and more expressive. Licor 43 brings a gentle citrus-vanilla glow, the orange bitters lift the aromatics, and Ancho Reyes adds a quiet, late warmth. The overall effect is familiar enough for purists yet interesting enough for cocktail explorers.

The Guest Journey: From Coffee Bar to Cocktail Bar

The Bada ’Tini is also a reflection of how our spaces work. Mornings bustle. Afternoons unwind. Evenings glow. We built this drink to live naturally in that cycle. If your day starts with a cappuccino and ends with a coupe, we have you covered in one place. It’s part of the magic of our concept — a coffeehouse that knows its way around a bar, staffed by people who care deeply about both.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Bada ’Tini spicy?

Not in the “spicy drink” sense. The Ancho Reyes adds gentle warmth and complexity rather than heat. Most guests describe it as smooth with a soft, warming finish.

Why tequila instead of vodka?

Reposado tequila offers flavor and texture where vodka offers neutrality. We prefer flavor. The oak-kissed vanilla and honey notes bridge espresso, Kahlúa, and Licor 43 seamlessly.

Is the espresso brewed fresh?

Yes. We pull a fresh shot of Florin Bada Blend Espresso for every Bada ’Tini so you get the full aromatic experience and the signature foam crown.

Can I order the Bada ’Tini online?

You can view menus and place orders for pickup where available at order.badabeanbadabooze.com.

How to Order the Bada ’Tini Like a Regular

• Ask for the fresh-pull: Our standard, but always worth celebrating. The crema in the shaker is the good stuff.
• Keep it classic on garnish: We grate nutmeg to order. If you want it lighter or heavier, say the word.
• Pair with a salty snack: Balance makes every sip better.
• Stay for a second round: The ancho warmth reveals itself as you settle in. It’s designed to open up.

Live Near the Bada ’Tini

One of the best parts of living in an Thrive companies community is proximity to the places that make everyday life feel special. If your front door is steps from a Bada Bean Bada Booze, your pre-dinner plans and after-work meetups get a whole lot easier. Explore neighborhoods where a great coffee-and-cocktail bar is part of the daily routine:

• Italian Village & Jeffrey Park: The Sage at Jeffrey Park, Legacy at Jeffrey Park, Foundry at Jeffrey Park, Iron Works
• Grandview Crossing: The Thomas at GVX, Midpoint West at GVX, 8 on the Park at GVX, 4th & 5th
• Harrison West & Victorian Village: Founders Apartments, Thrive Grant Commons
• Quarry Trails: Tillmore at Quarry Trails

Taste the Bada ’Tini

Whether you are a classic espresso martini loyalist or you love a modern twist, the Bada ’Tini delivers familiar comfort with new-school nuance. It’s the drink we reach for when we want to mark the moment without making it heavy — a sip that goes where the night takes you.

Find your nearest location and order online.