Mr Black Espresso Martini Fest

Espresso Martini Fest is returning to Melbourne in 2017. For all those partial to a cocktail and in need of a bit of pep up, this is a very good thing. After the sold-out success of last year’s inaugural coffee tipple fiesta, it was always going to come back. It just needed time to brew.

The espresso martini is like that Despacito song – it’s a very successful and addictive crossover hit. A cocktail that has just the right amount class, smuggery and fanciness, but not enough of those things to deter non-cocktail drinkers.

You’re just as likely to see chippy smash an espresso martini as you are a banker, dancer, polly, surfer or beekeeper. And if they were served in pots, they’d be even more popular again.

One could argue that coffee is the drink of the people. A stimulating and social brew enjoyed by the masses. And if that’s the case, then the espresso martini is the cocktail of the people.

“A unique drop that embodies Australia’s progressive coffee culture and our unrelenting pursuit of ceramic ground, cold extracted, caffeinated perfection” – Mr Black Spirits

The festival entirely dedicated to the perky concoction will feature a six-bar cocktail village. A beautiful place where one can sample classic brews and exotic renditions (how do you take yours?), like a White Russian slushie, OG Espresso Martini topped with a donut or a Coffee Nut Espresso Martini.

There will be plenty of grub from the likes of Fancy Hanks, That Arancini Guy, Toasta & Co, Zeus Street Greek and Butter Mafia. As well as Espresso Martini Cocktail Classes and Cold Brew workshops, and live music from a select group of talented young Aussie musos.

The Mr Black Espresso Martini Fest takes place from November 3 to 5 at Meat Market, 5 Blackwood Street, Melbourne. 

words by niall roeder