The espresso martini has only been around for a couple of decades, first concocted by a bartender in London when a gracious lady client asked him to make something that would wake her up, then *uck her up. God bless that pair, as today it’s a cocktail list staple and we couldn’t imagine our lives without it.
Such is the drink’s modern classic status that most city bars worth their beans offer at least a basic version, whether they are in possession of an espresso machine or not.
Making an espresso martini is an art form in itself, so if you’re on the hunt for the perfect one—we’ve got you covered with five of the best caffeinated cocktails on the Gold Coast!
Cambus Wallace
Cambus Wallace is recognised (and rightly so) as one of Gold Coast’s best cocktail bars (and rum bars, and craft beer bars…you get the picture). Here you’ll find the Kraken Espresso Martini. Created by Cambus Wallace’s talented mixologists, it’s a fire-cracker with Kraken black spiced rum, Kahlua, and fresh espresso which means you can’t go wrong.
Where: Shop 4/2237 Gold Coast Highway, Nobby Beach
Finders Keepers
Burleigh is known for its coffee-sipping culture but sometimes you just crave something with a bit more kick. Pull up a stool at Finders Keeper’s quirkily decorated bar and indulge in their signature Espresso Martini—which they claim is the best in the precinct. It’s a delicious mix of vodka (or mix it up with tequila), coffee liqueur, and espresso. We’re buzzing just thinking about it.
Where: 49 James Street, Burleigh Heads
Sparrow Eating House
This funky Nobby Beach eatery should be one of your go-tos for a coffee-infused cocktail. Sparrow Eating House’s ridiculously seductive selection of espresso martinis include the classic, the salted caramel (oh my!), and the coconut. Why not try all three? But be warned, if those three rounds of cocktails take place after dinner, you should probably make plans to go out dancing, ‘cause you won’t be getting any sleep!
Where: 2/32 Lavarack Road, Nobby Beach
Tribeca NYC
It was invented in London, but probably perfected in New York (we’re guessing), so you can count on the lads at Tribeca NYC to shake you up one of the Gold Coast’s best espresso martinis. Night owls flock here for their famous espresso martini—The Original. A heavenly frothy and creamy combo of freshly roasted Dimattina Coffee, Kahlua, and vodka, but it also involves a secret preparation process they’re not revealing. Time for guessing games over a few rounds!
Where: 58 Thomas Drive, Chevron Island
Social Eating House
The Social Eating House’s cocktails are something to be reckoned with and you can’t go wrong with their silky smooth signature espresso martini. Think: cold-drip coffee liqueur, chocolate cream liqueur, and a Spanish vanilla liqueur—the right balance of sweet and bitter, it’s a delicious piece of caffeinated heaven. We’ll take two please!
Where: Shop 137-138/3 Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach
Did we miss your fave on our list of the Gold Coast’s best espresso martinis? Let us know!
Photo Credit: The Urban List