Bar Tab is a recurring column in The Post and Courier Food section that highlights a locally made or sold adult beverage. Espresso martinis have been all the rage again for some while now, popping up on almost every bar menu around town alongside classics like Old Fashioneds and Cosmopolitans. I began a mission earlier in 2024 to discover the best espresso martini in town.
However, I quickly realized that to accurately apply that label I needed to sample more than I was able to around town. It became impossibly daunting, as basically every bar or restaurant is carrying one now. I did try a few classic starlets and twists on the favorite around town at locations like Cocktail Club, Costa and All My Exes (the "Queen of the North" here is one of the best I've had).
I'm a fan of a more bitter than sweet blend. What I didn't expect was for the popularity of the drink made with espresso or cold brew, coffee liqueur, vodka, simple syrup and ice to skyrocket to the point where a new invention would be made. But this year the espresso martini tree emerged in all its glory.
That's right. It's a tree of sorts, made often with glass and with a sturdy base that holds multiple espresso martinis on its "branches." The espresso martini tree or "caffeine canopy" at Vintage Lounge is a popular item on the menu for large groups.
These are the bachelorette party dream: an entire tree hung, instead of with ornaments, with espresso martinis. Some can serve upwards of a dozen drinks for large parti.