This Melbourne Bar Is Serving Espresso Martinis on Tap
Swap your morning coffee for one of these.
The next time you're pulling your hair out waiting for a delayed train at Flinders Street Station, take a couple of deep breaths and then make your way down to The Arbory. Nestled between the railway line and the river, Melbourne's longest eatery and bar has been open for business since February, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as one of the tastiest cheeseburgers in town. But it's actually their latest beverage option that has really grabbed our attention. We're talking about nitro espresso martinis. On tap.
The caffeinated cocktail is made with vodka, kahlua, sugar and organic Arabica espresso cold drip from South Yarra outfit Little Drippa. "It's very similar in many aspects to a classic espresso martini," says Arbory venue manager Tom Byrne. "When it comes out of the keg it's got a similar creaminess to it, but it's a darker colour and the foam that's created is almost stout-like. It's one of those things that you've just got to try."
In addition to their boozy espresso dispenser, a second tap at the Arbory will pour a gin-based beverage made with Lillet Blanc, mint, basil, lemon verbena and soda water. Byrne likens it to their version of a mojito, "in the fact that you just want to drink it all day."
"We've seen a few [cocktails on tap] around, but they're always pretty boring," said Byrne. "It's usually a Pimm's and soda...something very generic and standard that they just pump out. We were hoping to do something with a bit more skill and complexity. Really I just wanted to see if we could do it, and we've been thrilled with the results."
The Arbory's new cocktails will be available from Saturday September 12, just in time for commuters to take advantage of the improving weather. And yeah, we can definitely see ourselves substituting the espresso martini for our regular morning coffee as we exit the station on our way to work. Although come to think of it, a double dose of vodka and kahlua probably won't lead to the most productive day at the office.
The Arbory is located on Flinders Walk, Melbourne, behind Flinders Street Station.
Image credit: Simon Shiff.
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