The Espresso Martini might be an acquired taste, but once you’ve acquired it…there’s no going back! Originally named the ‘Vodka Martini’ it’s a mix of coffee liqueur and vodka, and is made by mixing the vodka, Kahlua, sugar syrup and chilled espresso in a shaker filled with ice, once shaken, it’s strained into a chilled martini glass. To finish off it’s garnished with three coffee beans.

It’s believed the drink was invented by bar man at the Brasserie Soho in London, back in 1983, for a model who was after a drink that would “wake me up then f*** me up”. Well…if that’s your cup of tea too (or coffee, even), here’s the top ten places in Dubai to give it a go…

10. Bar Barazura, Atlantis The Palm

This fancy cocktail bar at Atlantis The Palm is a great place to impress your visitors. It knows how to make a pretty deadly cocktail or two and best of all it makes them all look pretty special too. The most popular cocktail at Bar Barazura is the ‘Hercules’, a mix of Absolut Vanilla, Havana Club 3YO, Malibu, Blue curacao, vanilla syrup and a touch of lemon juice but we think the creamy espresso martini, with just the right amount of caffeine kick is just as special.

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9. Lock, Stock & Barrel

Probably the best thing to ever happen to Tecom… Lock, Stock & Barrel has become the go to hang out…any night of the week. Sip your espresso martini while listening to the in-house live band and taking in the cool-as-you-like retro decor. The espresso martini isn’t on the cocktail menu but bar staff are more than happy to knock up the rather potent but tasty number. Expect to pay around AED 60. 

8. JB’s

This seems to be everyone’s favourite new gastropub and we can see why: cool vintage interiors, the best English and American food options and it’s on The Walk…so the right end of town for The Marina/JLT/JBR crowd. JB’s at the Amwaj Rotana also does a mean espresso martini, it’s expertly shaken to give it perfectly thick and frothy top…and tastes silky soft…yum!

7. Crescendo, The Anantara 

The Friday brunch at Crescendo might be one of Dubai’s best kept secrets (the sushi and desserts are incredible) and the fact it has it’s own espresso martini stand makes it even more appealing. It’s not cheap (prices start at AED 499 with booze), but it’s on Entertainer so all’s well. The espresso martini isn’t as thick and creamy as some of the others on this list..but it’s still super tasty and there’s not many places you can get free-flowing espresso martini’s for over three hours…BARGAIN!

6. Iris Dubai

This rooftop bar and restaurant at The Oberoi hotel, Downtown is where all the cool kids go to brunch, lunch…and have a drink. Iris bar staff are masters of the cocktail, especially when it comes to the expresso martini. So, enjoy yours while taking in the views of the Burj Khalifa and more.

5. The Eloquent Elephant

The Taj Dubai hotel, Downton is having a bit of a moment right now. Leading the charge is its gastropub The Eloquent Elephant. With a great sense of humour (just check out their instagram), delicious English food and excellent live music…everyone in there is having a good time. Need a pick me up after one of the huge roasts? The stronger than most espresso martini will see you right!

4. Maine

It’s already getting rave reviews for the food on offer, in particular the seafood dishes. Well, we can report that Maine at The DoubleTree by Hilton in JBR is also the proud provider of a rather wonderful espresso martini. It’s the perfect mixture of vodka and coffee to tantalise the tastebuds and get your night on the right track. Expect to pay AED 65.

3. El Sur

This one isn’t a huge surprise on a cocktail list, El Sur, at The Westin, is as famed for its wonderful Spanish Tapas as it is for it’s mixology…what do you mean you haven’t tried the mouthwatering Watermelon Martini?!?!? Well, the espresso martini is right up there too, named the ‘Martini de café’ – it’s the perfect frothy after dinner drink. Expect to pay AED 60.

2. Seafire Steakhouse, Atlantis The Palm

It’s one of the best places in Dubai to get a steak, but before you take your seat in the main Seafire restaurant, let the mixologists in the bar do their magic for you. This espresso martini is so good – it even converted one of our friends who hates coffee. The cocktail is creamy with just the right taste of coffee and the generous measures leave you feeling more than awake! 

Gorgeous espresso martinis at the #Seafire #Steakhouse in @ATLANTIS #Dubai this evening ????????????????????☀️ pic.twitter.com/dnGYqQf6hf

— Ross Forde (@RossForde) July 19, 2015

1. The Ivy

If you haven’t tried the salted caramel espresso martini at The Ivy yet…you need to get down there now! The Ivy is in a different league when it comes to this coffee cocktail…offering not one, or two but THREE options! In fact…it used to be four options, before the banana version was removed…why oh why?!? They still top this list though, the salted caramel version alone would win it…but the original and the cappuccino versions help seal the deal. Prices start at AED 70.

Now read: Ten Mojitos You Can Get In Dubai That Will Blow Your Mind