In case you needed any more convincing that Melbourne is completely obsessed with all that is boozy and caffeinated, we present Exhibit A: the Mr Black Festival of the Espresso Martini.
Last year, Mr Black Spirits – a NSW-based distillery and coffee roasting house – launched the city's first ever festival devoted entirely to the delicious possibilities of espresso, Ketel One vodka and coffee liqueur. Unsurprisingly, the event was a massive hit, with all three sessions selling out.
This year, the Mr Black Festival of the Espresso Martini is pulling out all the stops for three-day caffeinated cocktail event. Running from Friday November 3 to Sunday November 5 at the Meat Market in North Melbourne, the festival will unite some of the city's best bartenders and chefs for a weekend of coffee, food and cocktail sampling, masterclasses and partying.
At the main bar, you'll be able to try Mr Black's OG Espresso Martini made with their signature cold press coffee liqueur (they'll even top it with a doughnut if you ask nicely), plus one-off variations like a White Russian slushie, or tropical variations by Windsor tiki bar, Jungle Boy. The folks from the Everleigh will be setting up a secret speakeasy in a hidden corner, armed with their famous bottled cocktails and Monin will make sure you've got enough of the ever-popular salted caramel and popcorn flavoured Espresso Martinis at the 'Coffee Shop'.
Hungry? Choose between American barbecue by Fancy Hank's, Greek fare from Zeus Street Greek and lots more. In addition, there'll be workshops on perfecting the dark art of the Espresso Martini, plus live bands and DJs.
Tickets are on sale now. They start at $30, and include a Mr Black tasting. The $49.99 option will get you a 500ml bottle of Mr Black, and if you buy tickets to the brunch session on Saturday, they'll throw in brunch and an Espresso Martini for free.
