By Amber Love Bond,Contributor,Mr Black
Copyright forbes
Espresso Martini Fest starts Monday, September 29th.
Jacob Tyler Dunn/Tales of the Co
There are very few bars and restaurants these days that don’t feature some form of espresso martini on its menu. Even in places that don’t have the buzzy beverage explicitly listed, bartenders are likely to find themselves making a few a night as it’s the cocktail we just can’t seem to quit — which is perfect as Mr Black’s Espresso Martini Fest returns for its fourth year.
From September 29 through October 5, Miami will be celebrating Mr Black’s Espresso Martini Fest with bold riffs, fun twists, and timeless classics at some of the city’s most popular cocktail bars. Other participating cities include New York City, Los Angeles, Austin, and Chicago.
For those not familiar, Mr Black is a cold brew coffee liqueur that’s crafted with 100% Arabica beans and cold-brewed for smooth, complex flavor. Its bold coffee-forward profile, with natural cacao and caramel notes, has made it a favorite for the aforementioned bartenders that find themselves making countless espresso martinis each night.
The beloved brand got its start in Australia in 2016 has since grown into a global must-have across 20+ markets, from New York to Hong Kong to Berlin. Now firmly established in the U.S. (where Mr Black launched its first fest in 2021), the event reflects just how beloved this modern classic has become.
According to CGA by NIQ’s cocktail tracker, the espresso martini is now the second most popular cocktail in the U.S., just behind the margarita. And that’s something Mr Black aims to celebrate.
Enjoy espresso martini riffs at bars all over Miami
Jacob Tyler Dunn/Tales of the Co
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“What started as a celebration of a single cocktail has become a way to connect communities of coffee and cocktail lovers across the country,” says Olivia Kupfer, Global Brand Director for Mr Black. “The espresso martini resonates because it’s equal parts ritual, flavor, and fun. This year’s festival gives people more opportunities than ever to explore it in fresh and surprising ways, always with Mr Black at the center.”
A Brief History of the Espresso Martini
The espresso martini was born in the 1980s in London, when bartender Dick Bradsell created it at the request of a model who asked for a drink that would “wake me up, and then f*** me up.” Blending vodka, fresh espresso, and coffee liqueur, it became an instant hit. Decades later, with cocktail culture booming and premium coffee on the rise, the drink has re-emerged as a modern staple.
Where to Sip in Miami
Miami is one of the hottest stops on the festival map, with a solid lineup of bars serving inventive takes on the espresso martini.
Here are some of the best espresso martinis to sip during Espresso Martini Fest:
Le Jardinier’s Caramel Martini made with Mr Black, Ketel One Vodka, toffee syrup, coastal infusion, and espresso. It’s a silky, dessert-like cocktail that balances richness with espresso’s bite.
Vice Versa’s Coppa del Nonno made with Mr Black, vodka, coffee, milk, and chocolate. Think the silkiest mocha frosty, reimagined with Italian gelato vibes.
Chela’s Espresso Pie-tini made with Mr Black, brown butter-washed Zacapa 23 rum, toasted coconut bitters, and demerara. It’s a decadent, pie-inspired riff layered with tropical warmth.
Sweet Liberty’s Espresso Martini with a Twist made with Mr Black, Mezcal Union, chocolate, passionfruit, and espresso. It’s a smoky, fruity remix of the classic.
Medium Cool’s Our Espresso Martini made with Mr Black, vodka, peppermint, chocolate bitters, and coffee. A refreshing mint-kissed variation perfect for late nights of drinking den dancing.
Shiso’s Coffeesan is made with Mr Black, Ketel One Vodka, Mugi Hokka, chicory, Okinawa sugar, and cold brew. Consider this one aJapanese-inspired interpretation, rich with depth and nuance.
Sylvester will serve three different variations: Oranje Espresso Martini made with Mr Black, Ketel Oranje, vanilla, cacao, salted caramel, and cold brew; Agave Version made with Mr Black, Don Julio Reposado, banana, and cold brew; and Saaie Espresso Martini made with Mr Black, Ketel One Vodka, and cold brew.
Kush and Tobacco Road will be serving classic espresso martinis made with Mr Black, Ketel One Vodka, fresh espresso, and homemade simple. We love a timeless rendition that never disappoints.
Moxy South Beach’s Gringo Espresso Martini made with Mr Black, Ketel One Vodka, La Colombe espresso. Bold, smooth, and straightforward.
The Scapegoat’s House Espresso Martini made with Mr Black, vodka, and cold brew concentrate. It’s minimalistic and potent, perfect for espresso martini purists.
Bay Club at Lucali will serve five espresso martini variations. From the classic with Ketel One to riffs with Don Julio, Zacapa, and mezcal. It’s an ideal choose-your-own-adventure menu for espresso martini lovers.
Miami’s full roster of participating bars also includes: Apocalypse BBQ, Astra, Cooper 29, Crazy About You, Dolores But You Can Call Me Lolita, Francesco, Galiano Cigar Room, Goodtime Hotel, J’adore Miami Beach, Kush Brickell, Loews Coral Gables, Lost Boy Dry Goods, Mama Tried, Miami Sound Bar, National Hotel, Novecento Key Biscayne, Odd Birds, Portosole, Redbar, Sable, Sexy Fish, Sweet Caroline, The Corner, and Tipsy Flamingo. You can find the full list here.
Medium Cool’s Espresso Martini
Medium Cool
Why It Matters
“Bartenders are so creative, consumers want to be surprised and delighted, and we’re seeing consumers order espresso martinis with different spirit bases to the classic, like tequila, rum and cognac on their own,” says Kupfer. “Coffee pairs easily with other flavors, giving bartenders an interesting, versatile base off which to experiment.”
Whether you prefer a traditional vodka-based martini or a smoky mezcal riff, Miami bartenders are using Espresso Martini Fest as a chance to show there’s no limit to how this modern classic can be enjoyed.
From neighborhood cocktail bars to South Beach icons, Mr Black’s Espresso Martini Fest will allow for a chance to explore the drink’s boundless creativity. With each cocktail anchored by Mr Black’s bold cold brew liqueur, the weeklong celebration really showcases both the espresso martini’s place at the top of cocktail culture and Miami’s role as a city that knows how to raise a glass.
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