Calling all lovers of the caffeinated shaken, not stirred. Of the ‘wake me up and fuck me up’. Of the glorious, soft, sweet, energising goodness we call the espresso martini.
Legend has it the iconic cocktail was created in the ’80s by London bartender Dick Bradsell, who also invented the Bramble. A young model – rumoured to be Naomi Campbell or Kate Moss – supposedly walked into Fred’s Club and asked for something to ‘wake me up and fuck me up’. Hence, the espresso martini was born.
The silky combo of vodka, fresh espresso, coffee liqueur and sugar has been a favourite drinks order ever since, appearing in bar menus, Instagram stories and bottomless brunches across the world. Now, an espresso martini festival has arrived, which will be taking over bars across the country for ten days straight this month.
The festival is run by Mr Black Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur and is taking place from September 19 to 29. It claims it will ‘spotlight one of the UK’s favourite drinks as you’ve never seen them before’, offering the chance to taste different takes on the classic cocktail, and featuring takeovers, pairings and special serves with some of the country’s top bartenders and venues.
Obviously, this is a clever bit of a brand marketing from Mr Black. But, any excuse to load up on the espresso martinis, and we’ll take it – right? Check out the participating venues below.
Shelter Hall, Brighton
Absent Ear, Glasgow
August house, Glasgow
Daddy Marmalades, Glasgow
Devil of Brooklyn, Glasgow
Hutchesons, Glasgow
Kelvingrove Café, Glasgow
Partick Tavern, Glasgow
Philles, Glasgow
Tabac, Glasgow
Tabula Rasa, Leeds
Archive & Myth, London
Balans, London
Bantof, London
Bodeans, London
CTC, London
Demon Wise And Partners, London
Dram, London
Red Hand, London
Surbitionan Vine, London
Horticulture, Newcastle
Horticulture at the Coast, Newcastle
Picture House Social, Newcastle
Public, Sheffield
The Foresters, Sheffield
1932, Southampton
Cabinet rooms, Winchester
Forest Row, Worthing
Proper good cocktails, according to Time Out
We like a drink here at Time Out. And we like to think we know a thing or two about what makes a good drink. We’ve tried and tested dozens of bars across the country: from the best cocktail bars in London, to Glasgow and Leeds. Cheers to that!
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