Here are 10 of the best espresso martinis on the Gold Coast, in no particular order.

FLASHBACK: TOP 10 ESPRESSO MARTINIS OF 2016

PARADOX COFFEE ROASTERS

LOCATION: The 4217, Beach Rd, Surfers Paradise

They’re masters of coffee, so it only makes sense that Paradox Coffee Roasters would have an epic espresso martini to match.

Barista Wai King says it all comes down to the beans.

“We always use our fresh double espresso Picasso Baby blend, which is our house coffee. We use a double shot of that freshly extracted from the coffee machine, mix it with Kahlua and vodka and serve it up topped with light foam and coffee beans.”

The espresso martinis are particularly popular with Paradox’s High Coffee, which has made drinking martinis before midday normal.

SPARROW EATING HOUSE

LOCATION: 2/32 Lavarack Rd, Nobby Beach

This spot has earned a reputation for delicate, intricate cocktails and their espresso martini is no different.

“The key ingredient to a delicious espresso martini is the coffee, and that’s why we use Killerbee Espresso,” owner Andrew Whiting says.

“The tasting notes in the espresso are toffee and dark honey, which go perfectly in the classic espresso martinis or enhances the caramel in our salted caramel espresso martini.”

SOCIAL EATING HOUSE

LOCATION: 3 Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach

Ebony Kite-Bell wouldn’t reveal what’s in Social’s espresso martini recipe, but she did reveal one thing that’s not – vodka.

“Using a harsh white spirit, I think, just gives it a very sharp taste. Ours are very smooth. We use top quality ingredients as well and our bartender Rory actually won a Gold Coast competition for his espresso martinis. We have around eight different flavours but hands down the original is our most popular.”

CAMBUS WALLACE

LOCATION: 4/2237 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach

Being a rum based haunt, Cambus Wallace opted to switch out the vodka component of their espresso martinis for Kraken black spiced rum.

The Nobby Beach bar finishes it off with Kahlua and espresso, with co-owner Dave Ferry saying simplicity is the key to their addictiveness.

“I think what makes them awesome, like many of the best things, is their simplicity. Just good ingredients, hard shaking and definitely not making them too sweet.”

THE COLLECTIVE

LOCATION: 1128 Gold Coast Hwy, Palm Beach

Owner of The Collective Jeremy Davidson says their espresso martini ideology is keeping it simple.

“We are not trying to recreate the wheel, just selecting the best base ingredients that pay homage to the roots of this true crowd pleaser. We use Two Seasons Coffee in our espresso martinis to ensure a smooth but rich taste and of course, fantastic vodka for that extra punch.”

BIN 232

LOCATION: Pacific Fair, Broadbeach

Bin 232 owner Daniel Ridgeway says they’ve added their own touch to the classic.

“We have our own twist on an espresso martini,” he says.

“It’s called ‘Coco Buzzin’, with Bacardi, espresso, vanilla bean paste, coconut syrup and a few other special ingredients. It is served in a glass surrounded by sea salted coconut flakes. It’s one of our most loved cocktails – they are very more-ish.”

GARDEN KITCHEN AND BAR

LOCATION: 1, Casino Level The Star Gold Coast, Casino Dr, Broadbeach

Star’s picturesque Garden Kitchen and Bar serves up far more than endless summer vibes and their choc-hazelnut espresso martini is the perfect example. With skilled bartenders posted up behind the bar, their special take on the classic is a concoction of

Mozart gold chocolate liqueur, frangelico, kahlua, espresso, hazelnut syrup, topped with a chocolate powder swirl. Like the venue itself, this sweet, caffeinated treat is the perfect accessory to have in hand all year round.

HARVEST MOON

LOCATION: Central Arcade, 30 James St, Burleigh Heads

December last year Katrina Hawke took over Harvest Moon, and the espresso martini legacy that comes with it.

The winner of our reader voted poll last year, this hidden gem carries 11 different espresso martini varieties.

“We have flavours like salted caramel, mint or recently we added Jaffa to the mix,” Katrina says. “A big thing for us is presentation — some nice coffee beans or mint leaves makes all the difference.”

CAFFEINE KINGS

LOCATION: 1920 Gold Coast Hwy, Miami

Despite not opening their doors after dark anymore, a Caffeine Kings espresso martini is still a rite of passage.

“We pour the shots fresh every time we make them,” owner Jess Wren says.

“The coffee comes straight from the machine, which makes it creamy and smooth rather than bitter. Then we mix it with Kahlua, vodka and Creme de Cacao. Everyone always raves about them.”

LAST NIGHT ON EARTH

LOCATION: 50B Nerang St, Southport

The whizzes behind the bar at just-opened Last Night On Earth (formerly Not Tonight) have got the recipe for the espresso martini down to a fine art.

“We use an ounce of fresh espresso, an ounce of a good grade vodka and Kahlua,” bartender Brendan James Coey says.

“Then we’ll ask people if they like hazelnut and cinnamon and if they do we’ll add Frangelico and add a little bit of cinnamon – just for an added special touch.”