What’s Happening
Buffalo Wild Wings is rolling out one of the more unusual menu items of the year with the launch of the Espresso Proteini, a protein-infused take on the classic espresso martini.
The cocktail combines the traditional espresso martini base—typically vodka, coffee liqueur, and espresso—with Muscle Milk protein powder, delivering 10 grams of protein per drink.
What makes the drink even more unique is that it also incorporates Buffalo Wild Wings’ signature Buffalo Dry Rub, which is infused into the cocktail and used on the rim for a spicy finish.
The drink is launching as a limited-time promotion tied to National Espresso Martini Day, which falls on March 15. The Espresso Proteini will be available at select Buffalo Wild Wings locations from March 13 through March 15.
Customers can order the drink by itself for about $12, or as part of a $19.99 bundle that includes six boneless wings.
Why It Matters
Protein has quickly become one of the most dominant trends across food and beverage categories.
Over the past few years, brands have introduced protein versions of everything from sodas and snacks to candy and coffee drinks. The Espresso Proteini pushes that trend even further by bringing protein into cocktail culture, something that is still relatively rare.
For Buffalo Wild Wings, the drink also fits the brand’s reputation for launching attention-grabbing limited-time items designed to drive social media buzz. Early reactions online have ranged from curiosity to outright disbelief, which may be exactly the point.
Whether people order it for the novelty or the macros, the drink is already generating conversation—exactly the kind of marketing moment restaurant chains often look for with short-run promotions.
Sources
https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/food/2026/03/09/buffalo-wild-wings-espresso-martini-protein/89065992007/
https://www.delish.com/food-news/a70706541/buffalo-wild-wings-espresso-proteini/
https://sporked.com/article/buffalo-wild-wings-espresso-martini-protein-news/
https://www.mensjournal.com/food/buffalo-wild-wings-introduced-a-new-protein-martini-and-everyone-had-the-same-reaction