Abuzz with celebration and caffeination, the Balcony Bar & Oyster Co crew are reprising last year’s Espresso Martini Festival, and they have addressed the most common complaint: that it was too short. As they say, ‘Instead of brewing for just two weeks we will be getting tweaked celebrating for the entire month of October’.
That means that last year’s benchmark of 2,200 espresso martinis is sure to be surpassed, and coffee companies are on standby to supply more than last year’s whopping 70kg of coffee beans.
Meanwhile, head bartender Bennett, a veteran of last year’s festival, has been polishing the recipes to come up with some exclusive Balcony cocktails to satisfy both the connoisseurs and those who want to see whether the ‘classic’ espresso martini can really be improved upon.
The Balcony’s got a bit of a reputation around Byron for the espresso martini; those in the know often start their evening off with a (couple of!) espresso martinis at The Balcony or turn up (or return!) for the late-night Happy Hour –espresso martinis are $12.
But now during October you can really Espresso Yo’self. Expect $12 espresso martinis all day every day, a specialty espresso martini menu and an exclusive top-shelf espresso martini.
If you prefer your coffee in a martini glass, then brew it up with the crew on the Balcony.’
Balcony Bar & Oyster Co
Ph 6680 9666
balcony.com.au
Can you improve upon ‘the classic’ espresso martini? Test these out at The Balcony this October:
Pop Your Cherry – Cherry Brandy, Crème De Cacao, cold-brew coffee and of course the much-loved Cherry Ripe garnish
Bounty Hunter – 1800 Coconut Tequila, Crème De Cacao, Espressocello & cold-brew coffee.
Kentucky Cold Brew – Woodford reserve, peach liqueur, cold-brew coffee and orange bitters
The Nutty Professor – Disaronno, Frangelico, cold-brew coffee and cracked hazelnuts with a salted-caramel rim.
Bam Bam Espresso – Bam Bam Spiced Rum – Licor 43, Triple Sec, cold-brew coffee and cinnamon
The Golden Slipper – Don Julio Anejo, Cafe Patron, cold-brew coffee, agave and a gold rim.
The Celebration of Caffeination: espresso martinis at The Balcony: 1–31 October. Photos Mia Forrest
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