When it comes to cocktails no one does it quite like Melbourne’s bar scene. But the test of a truly vetted venue might just be its bartender's execution of an espresso martini. There is a fine art to shaking up the perfect espresso martini, you need to strike the perfect balance of vodka, coffee liqueur and espresso.
A beloved commodity, the espresso martini is almost the state’s beverage of choice, though there’s plenty out there, we’ve done the groundwork for you—this is where to find the best espresso martinis in Melbourne for 2022:
The Wolf Windsor
WINDSOR
The Wolf Windsor is one of Chapel Street's infamous pubs and it has all the trappings of a good local including a fireplace, plenty of bar seating and friendly bartenders. Now if you’re looking for a cheap and cheerful espresso martini that won’t break the bank, this one is for you. At just $12 a martini glass on weekdays from 6pm till 9pm, you too can down the silky-smooth cocktail.
HER Bar
CBD
If you can brave the line, head up to the rooftop at HER Bar to sip on their signature nitro espresso martini and admire the cityscape. They’ve struck the perfect balance with their concoction of vodka, cognac, coffee liqueur and cold drip coffee. This on-tap cocktail packs a punch and is pre-made so you won't have to wait long to down it.
Section 8
CBD
For the uninitiated, Section 8 is a shipping container turned bar located just off Tattersalls Lane in Melbourne’s China Town. They’ve upped the ante on the classic espresso martini and put their own twist on it, meet the espresso thief. Section 8 has packed in Sailor Jerry, Stolen Smoked Rum, coffee with secret spices and shaken with cold drip spices.
Railway Hotel
YARRAVILLE
Railway Hotel is a westside institute and its rooftop bar provides some of the best espresso martinis that side of the river. Their recipe leans sweeter than other Melbourne bars, instead choosing to combine Absolut vanilla vodka, Kahlua, Frangelico and of course espresso. If you’re looking for a dessert cocktail, this is it.
Mr Miyagi
WINDSOR
Mr Miyagi is known for taking cocktails to the next level and Mr. M’s variation of the espresso martini is no exception. Here you can upgrade your standard espresso martini to a cold drip martini that seamlessly mixes together shochu, vodka, coffee, sake and white chocolate foam.
The Toff In Town
CBD
The Toff in Town is hidden upstairs in the multi-storeyed mecca that is Curtain House. This venue has everything you could want for a Melbourne night out, ticking all the boxes with private booths, a tapas serving bar, a dancefloor and a dictionary-length drinks menu. We all know no cocktail list would be complete without an espresso martini and The Toff does not disappoint.
Johnny’s Green Room
CARLTON
Johnny’s Green Room sling some of the best (and strongest) cocktails going around Melbourne and their espresso martini definitely deserves a mention. Johnny’s rooftop is a Carlton local and go-to for post-work drinks. Next time you’re there take their espresso martini for a spin, it combines Bacardi Oro, Mr Black coffee liqueur, espresso and Licor 43.
Gogo Bar At Chin Chin
CBD
Chin Chin’s underground bar Gogo Bar is a Flinders Lane hotspot with its moody lighting and intimate booth seating. In line with the venue's artistic take on south-east Asian dining, Gogo Bar has crafted a cocktail with Vietnamese coffee. Shake things up with this new take on an espresso martini which includes American whiskey, Vietnamese coffee, Fernet Branca, condensed coconut milk and salted caramel.
Transit Bar
CBD
On the corner of Fed Square overlooking the Yarra River sits Transit Bar, a CBD fave complete with live music, scenic views and suave cocktails. The espresso martini features on the bar’s classic cocktail menu, naturally. If you’re looking to stay awake and kick on drinking into the night the Transit Bar’s take on the caffeinated cocktail will surely do the trick. Their bartenders will shake up the perfect combo of espresso, vodka and sugar reinforced by creme de cacao along with coffee liqueur.
Om Nom
CBD
As one of Om Nom’s signature creations, the salted caramel cracking espresso has the lot; vanilla vodka, cold-press espresso, Kahlua and caramel chocolate foam on top that is nitro-frozen upon serving. Why would we expect anything less from a kitchen that specialises in creating fantasy desserts?
LongPlay
FITZROY NORTH
For a cosy date in Melbourne’s north, head to LongPlay. If their charming booths and Mediterranean-inspired shared plates don’t win you over, their espresso martini just might. Their variation stays largely true to the classic but adds Frangelico into the mix for a hazelnut tinge that’s sure to delight.
Get a read on Melbourne's best bars over here.
Image credit: HER Bar