Cawwwfeee! In the mornings, it’s our happiness (and half our personality), providing unrealistic expectations of productivity and ensuring the safety of coworkers. But after 5pm (and occasionally by lunchtime), we need something more than coffee. So combining booze and coffee for an evening caffeine hit? Double happiness. Whether you need to escape the daily grind or fortify yourself for a long night, sip your way through the best espresso martinis on offer at cocktail bars around Brisbane.
Heya Bar | Fortitude Valley
Heya Bar’s frozen espresso slushie is a brewtiful sight, complete with whipped cream and sprinkles. Mixing Absolut Vanilla, Kahlua and coffee and spinning it into brain freezing delicousness, it’s like your childhood summer treat and grown up fave all rolled into one.
Junk Bar | Ashgrove
A sweet mix of espresso, Frangelico, Tia Maria and butterscotch schnapps, this boozy version of a caramel latte will have you wondering where it’s bean all your life. Give it a shot alongside one of their dessert bagels and you’ll be on your way to a good night.
Coppa Spuntino | CBD
Coppa Spuntino’s classic Vodka Espressos, with vodka, crème de cacao, Kahlua and espresso, are made even more delicious by the selection of delectable snacks and desserts on offer. Order a cheese plate perhaps, or a spiced ricotta and pear cannoli, and pretend you’re on holiday in Tuscany.
Hoo Ha Bar | South Brisbane
Hoo Ha Bar’s espresso martini is the perfect sip for summer – not to mention the rest of the year. Mixing Maker’s Mark, fresh espresso, marshmallow syrup and dark chocolate, the Conrad will have you wishing you could drink five of them – but you might not be able to sleep for a week.
Cloudland | Fortitude Valley
Will it have you on cloud nine? Yes it will. But you won’t remember how you got there. You don’t need to remember a fancy alternative cocktail name, just ask for an espresso martini and you will get to sip one of Brisbane’s finest in one of Brisbane’s most luxe venues.
Cru Bar | Fortitude Valley
Round up your cru and head on down to Cru Bar for your choice of four espresso martinis – cappuccino, Patron XO, pep up and tiger blood. Ease yourself into your espresso martini mini-tour with the cappuccino, which is a gentle mix of Belvedere, Baileys, cream, sugar syrup and an espresso shot. Once you’re ready, work your way through the list. It’ll be the good kind of hurt.
Sixteen Antlers | CBD
Did it just get a little chilli in here? Maybe that’s because Sixteen Antlers is a rooftop bar, or maybe it’s their CCC martini (double winning). Brace yourself for a glass of Absolut, Kahlua, crème de cacao, espresso, chocolate and – you guessed it – chilli. Fresh.
Crafted Coffee Co. | Robina
It seems that good things come in fours. Crafted Coffee Co. is gracing us with four espresso martinis – the Crafted Coffee Co. signature, crafter cold drip martini, dark and stormy and xox. We’re particularly excited about the crafted cold drip martini. A mouthful in every sense, you’ve got Crafted Coffee Co. cold drip, Ketel One vodka, Mozart dry white chocolate liqueur and rapadura sugar with a pinch of salt. They’ll serve it straight up with orange oils and vanilla mist. Theatrical af.
Friday’s Riverside | CBD
Feeling depresso after your day? Head to Friday’s by the river where the only thing more buoying than the espresso martinis is the fairy lit tree on the rooftop giving way to a view of the twinkling Story Bridge. Mixing vodka, Patron XO and espresso (of course), it’ll mocha you happy in no time.
The Apo | Fortitude Valley
More ristretto, less regretto. The APO’s ristretto martini features APO cold drip coffee vodka, APO house cold drip liqueur and Wolff Coffee espresso. We love a good craft brew, and we know you will too.
Maker | South Brisbane
Passionate from miles away, but not passive with the things they say – Maker is bringing a fresh twist to the classic martini. A heavenly little mix of bourbon, passionfruit, pineapple, lemon and coffee oil makes for one innovative espresso martini.
Espresso patronum yourself into a good mood!
Words by Taylare Maddern and Nicole Portacha