Mr Black Caffeine Festival
Three days of espresso martinis paired with fried chicken and views of Vivid.
Overview
We get it. Everyone loves an espresso 'tini. Melbourne's got a bar that even does them on tap — and Sydney has a whole venue dedicated to that God-sent concoction of chilled coffee and vodka. After Melbourne nabbed the country's very first espresso martini festival in 2016, Sydney got its own dedicated event last year and now its back — with a new name — and it's heading to The Rocks this May. Sleep, who needs it?
The festival, to be held in the Overseas Passenger Terminal on May 25, 26 and 27, is being gifted to our espresso-loving, cocktail-filled city by the caffeinated folks at Mr Black, a NSW-based cold-pressed (and damn fine) coffee liqueur.
In short, they know how to capitalise on our weaknesses and we're not even mad about it. The affair will involve some of Australia's best coffee suppliers, cafes and bars, and will come together to create a beautiful array of alcoholic caffeinated beverages. As with any festival of this kind, there will be plenty of food, too, including fried chicken from Johnny Bird and antipasti from Salts Meats Cheese.
The festival will run during the first weekend of Vivid Sydney, so you can pair your Darling Harbour light-chasing with a 'tini or two. Tickets will set you back $30 (plus booking fee) a pop, and go on sale at 9am on Thursday, April 5.
Image: Nikki To.