When is a martini not a martini? When it’s an espresso martini, which borrows the name of its famous gin and-vermouth counterpart without really being one. This drink of the moment is everywhere right now, and increasingly delectable versions of its basic formula (legendarily said to have been first perfected in the late 80s by iconic London bartender Dick Bradsell when a young lady asked him for something that would “Wake me up, and then f*ck me up”) are a go-to at any serious cocktail establishment. With autumn upon us, we’ve run down a few fantastic Christchurch variations on this perfect drink for the cooling weather… gotta catch them all? If you can’t, you’ll at least have fun trying!

Espresso Martini

Where: Chillingworth Road
Why: Quick Brown Fox coffee liqueur (handcrafted in Dunedin) is the solid base for Chillingworth Road’s version of the drink, but then things get really interesting; house-infused ‘Fix and Fogg’ Peanut Butter Vodka serves as the base. The vodka is vacuum-sealed in with Fix and Fogg’s finest, then goes into the sous vide to infuse. Frangelico hazelnut liqueur adds depth and complexity and salted caramel syrup balances the finish, adding sweetness to C4 coffee’s Krank Espresso and a touch of salt to those peanuts.

Eastern Espresso

Where: Welles Street
Why: Vodka be damned say Welles Street; as we established, these aren’t really martinis anyway, and why rein in the tasty creativity? Instead, their ingenious twist on the drink taps spiced brandy before calling in help from Frangelico and cold drip coffee prepared for just such a heavenly purpose, finishing things off with hints of cinnamon and vanilla. Dangerously tasty.

Butter-Infused Vodka Martini

Where: Boo Radley’s
Why: Boo’s take on this modern classic embraces some old- fashioned Southern-states  decadence, teaming fat-washed  butter vodka (!) with Quick Brown  Fox once again; these are joined by  cold brew coffee and cinnamon- infused sugar syrup in a delightfully  velvety concoction. For maximum  points, strain through your massive  Mark Twain-style moustache and  exclaim “…I do declare!” afterwards.

Caffe Nero

Where: Universo Brasserie & Bar 
Why: Coffee goes well with plenty of flavours, and recognising that, Universo bring a bit of Black Forest-themed inspo to their version of the drink. They start with a reduction of vanilla, sugar, and Panhead Oatmeal Stout for an excellent mouthfeel. This is joined by blackberry syrup, vodka, coffee, and a splash of Italian liqueur Disaronno for an almond/cherry hit. It’s basically like getting the best birthday cake ever in a glass, and just as good as that sounds.

Coffee Mates

Where: Vesuvio
Why: Vesuvio’s coffee cocktail takes the concept of Irishing up your coffee to new levels. It stars Jameson Caskmates, a drink that emerged from a chat between the Irish distillery’s head distiller and the head brewer of  Cork’s Franciscan Well Brewer. Aged in  stout barrels, the whisky offers notes  of coffee and butterscotch by itself;  add in Harpoon cold press and Quick  Brown Fox again (what a cocktail  champion!) and you’ve got a full-bodied and rich drinking experience.