Cue that Sabrina Carpenter earworm, “that’s that me espresso.” Call me basic, but I’m still sipping and loving espresso martinis this summer. While the recipe is pretty straightforward (vodka, coffee liqueur, espresso, and simple syrup), a few spots in Vancouver are taking it up a notch and offering their unique takes. Here are a few of my favourites.

Key Party

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This cheeky speakeasy is looking to make you blush. Whether it’s the natural flush from drinking vodka or a subtle glow from ordering a drink with a racy name, the Pearl Necklace at Key Party is not to be missed. Made with cold brew coffee with a perfectly scorched toasted marshmallow, it's no surprise that this is one of the bar’s most popular drinks.

Zarak by Afghan Kitchen

Sipping on a coffee-based martini doesn’t have to contain booze or even espresso. At Zarak Afghan Kitchen, the Still Not an Espresso Martini is just that. Using zero-proof Free Spirits tequila combined with Turkish coffee and condensed milk and topped with salted caramel, this beverage is as fun to look at as it is to drink.

Barbara 

Who says you can’t have a beverage for dessert? At Michelin-Starred Barbara, there is an after-dinner cocktail called The Chocolate Orange. Think of a Terry’s Chocolate Orange, made boozy with Amaro Montenegro and Forty Creek Cream. The addition of orange oil enhances the citrus flavours that pair well with rich chocolate and espresso.

Published on Main

Known for advocating for local distributors, Published on Main offers a homegrown element to its Nitro Espresso Martini No. 3. Using North Vancouver’s House of Funk cold brew as its base, this drink gets a refreshing update with the addition of menthol.

Maxine’s Cafe & Bar 

Maxine’s Cafe and Bar’s His Dudeness has the bones of your classic caffeinated beverage, with Absolut vodka and Kahlua, but it uses Dalgona coffee foam and oat milk for a creamy taste. Cheers to that.

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