Buffalo wild wings just added protein powder to its espresso martini—seriously
The cocktail hour is getting a serious upgrade—or maybe a protein shake twist. Buffalo Wild Wings, of all places, has launched the Espresso Proteini, a cocktail that combines espresso, vodka, and a hefty dose of protein powder. Yes, you read that right. It’s a sign of a larger trend: the relentless pursuit of protein, now infiltrating even the most unexpected corners of the food and beverage landscape.
The rise of the protein cocktail
Forget kale smoothies; protein is now showing up in soda, candy, and even Starbucks drinks. While the science behind adding protein to everything is solid—it's good for your heart, bones, and satiety—the sheer ubiquity feels novel. But according to industry insiders, the move isn't as strange as it seems. “People are looking for protein everywhere right now,” explains Tristan Meline, brand president at Buffalo Wild Wings. This isn't a marketing gimmick, but a response to consumer demand.
The idea isn’t entirely new. Bartenders have been subtly boosting their creations with protein for years. A classic whiskey sour, with its frothy egg white topping, has been a sneaky source of protein all along. Many sours rely on egg whites for texture, and creative mixologists have experimented with milk, fat-washing techniques, and even broths to add depth and complexity to their cocktails. But the Buffalo Wild Wings concoction takes it to a new level, blending the powder directly with the restaurant’s signature dry rub for an extra kick.
Beyond Buffalo Wild Wings: A Growing Trend Bars like Warrenpeace in Tribeca are already ahead of the curve. Their Balkan Breakfast, inspired by Albanian traditions, features an infusion of black sesame seeds—a powerhouse of plant-based protein—alongside Raki, espresso liqueur, and cold brew. It’s essentially a pre-workout cocktail, demonstrating a deliberate integration of protein into a sophisticated drink.
Then there’s The River in Manhattan’s Chinatown, which serves a Bullshot, a hearty cocktail with a fascinating history. “My dad used to drink them,” recalls owner Yasmin Kaytmaz, “and Hemingway did too.” The cocktail comprises rich beef broth, Worcestershire, celery salt, and vodka—a surprisingly satisfying way to get a protein boost.
Even Cambridge, Massachusetts, is getting in on the action. State Park Bar’s Chicken Soup Martini incorporates roasted chicken bones, dissolved in acid, to create a rich, umami-packed dry martini. It’s an unconventional technique borrowed from London’s Mr Lyan, highlighting the growing creativity in the cocktail world.
Does alcohol undermine protein gains?
The inevitable question arises: doesn’t alcohol negate the benefits of all that added protein? Christopher Wolstenholme, founder of Mate! protein cocktails, acknowledges the concern. “Gym bros hold this against me, saying, ‘Alcohol kills gains,’” he admits. “It’s true that alcohol can inhibit muscle growth, but it's not the end of the world.” A moderate amount of alcohol, paired with a protein-rich meal, won’t derail your fitness goals. In fact, Wolstenholme suggests that protein cocktails might even reduce hangovers and curb late-night snacking, thanks to the satiating effect of protein.
The Espresso Proteini, the Balkan Breakfast, the Bullshot, the Chicken Soup Martini—these aren’t just quirky novelties. They represent a fascinating evolution in the cocktail landscape, a blurring of lines between indulgence and wellness. After millennia of crafting intoxicating beverages, the world of booze continues to reveal unexpected potential. And who knows? Perhaps someday a cocktail will emerge that not only cures hangovers but also builds muscle—a truly remarkable feat of mixology.