Mr. Black Espresso Martini Fest Returns to Miami

Mr. Black coffee liqueur is bringing the brand's Espresso Martini Fest to Miami for its second year.

As the name suggests, the weeklong, nationwide celebration is dedicated to one of the world's most beloved cocktails: the espresso martini.

This year, the festival-themed event is back bigger and bolder than before. From Monday, October 9, and running through Sunday, October 15, the festival will spotlight the most inventive espresso martini recipes with a lineup featuring more than 250 bars from across the country.

Beginning next week, Mr. Black Espresso Martini Fest will see bartenders from cities across the U.S. shake up their best variations. Miami venues participating this year include Blackbird Ordinary, Bottled Blonde, Cerveceria la Tropical, Chelas Cocteleria, Empire Social Brickell/Dadeland, Española Cigar Bar, Gramercy Miami, Joia Beach, Kiki on the River, Kill Your Idol, Lost Weekend, Marion, Racket, Red Bar, Ritz-Carlton, Sylvester, and the Miami Beach Edition.

Tom Baker, founder of Mr. Black, tells the New Times the festival is excited to return to Miami this year and that the evolution of the celebration has led to a major increase in those participating this year.

"This year, we were blown away to see so many bars approach us and want to get involved. We hope the Fest continues to pick up momentum," says Baker.

Mr. Black launched Espresso Martini Fest in Australia in 2016, expanding the festival to London in 2018 and the U.S. for the first time last year. Participating cities include Chicago, New York, San Francisco, San Diego, Los Angeles, and Houston.
"And now, here we are, working with some of the best bars in the U.S.," says Baker. "At the first festival in Sydney in 2016, we held it in one large venue and sold out in 90 seconds. This year, over 15,000 people plan to attend the festival at over 100 bars across seven cities in the U.S. alone."

Made by hand at a distillery and coffee roaster north of Sydney, Australia, Mr. Black is a bittersweet blend of Arabica coffee and Australian wheat vodka. A first of its kind, the product is made using an entirely cold extraction process with no added flavors, fillers, or preservatives.

The festival's growth seemingly came out of nowhere but has been welcomed by the Mr. Black team and those who enjoy their coffee in more ways than one.

"When Mr. Black first graced the market in 2013, coffee was all but forgotten in the liquor industry," says Tom Baker, reflecting on the brand's humble beginnings.

"It's truly remarkable how far we've come," says Baker. "This drink elicits a love from drinkers like few others. The fact it gets its own festival speaks to the cult status of the espresso martini. Apart from being utterly delicious, it's synonymous with good times. It's worth celebrating."

For the list of locations participating in Espresso Martini Fest 2023 and a list of happy hour events, visit mrblack.co.