By Molly Given
Espresso martinis are having a moment—and Philly is celebrating accordingly. For National Espresso Martini Day, bars across the city are rolling out creative riffs, cocktail specials, and even a neighborhood-wide crawl.
Espresso Martini Social
On Sunday, March 15, Estate 98 Licor de Café Especial (a new espresso spirit), DreamWorld Bakes, and The House of Suntory are teaming up to host a new event at R&D Cocktail Bar. From noon to 3 p.m., the day will be chock full of caffeinated beverages from Estate 98, House of Suntory Spirits, and Haku Vodka, and treats from Dreamworld Bakes (think Tiramisu “Martinis”, Cosmic Brownies and Tres Leches Bites). The cocktails are pay-as-you-go, but the dessert bar is complimentary. Beats will also be provided by DJ Cosmic Brownie. This event is free to attend for anyone 21+.
1206 Frankford Ave., rdphilly.com
Espresso Martini Crawl
On Saturday, March 14, the Northern Liberties Business Improvement District is bringing back the 3rd Annual Espresso Martini Bar Crawl, a neighborhood-wide toast to National Espresso Martini Day and the unofficial start of outdoor brunch season. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., more than 20 bars and restaurants will shake, stir, and garnish their way through dozens of specialty sippers priced at $8, $10, and $12 — each one competing for bragging rights in categories like Best Classic, Most Creative, and Best of the Day.
But the caffeine creativity doesn’t stop at the bar: Milk Jawn will debut an exclusive espresso martini-inspired ice cream swirled with chocolate, caramel, and vanilla. Madison K Cookies will roll out espresso martini-themed treats (plus festive St. Patrick’s sweets), and Ray’s Reusables will offer espresso martini-scented shower steamers, soaps, and scrubs. For a glam intermission, Ends Hair Design and The C-Room Nails and Spa are leaning into coffee-infused beauty treatments—from latte-inspired manicures to espresso-ground scrubs. A full list of spots and offerings can be found online.
Mecha Noodle Bar
Mecha serves up plenty of pho, ramen, and bao—but it also serves up an interesting take on the popular sipper. The Midnight In Saigon ($15) features Haku Vodka, Café du Monde, Giffard Banana Du Brésil, Fever-Tree Premium Tonic, and a touch of saline. As Mecha says, it delivers a “perfectly balanced blend of coffee, banana, and umami flavors” for the occasion.
1700 N. Front St., Suite 2.1, mechanoodlebar.com
Flight Club
To celebrate the buzzy holiday, Flight Club will be offering its Espresso Martini Tower at the discounted price of $39 (normally $49), which boasts four cocktails. The venue also has an Espresso Old Fashioned on its menu ($17), which features Woodford Reserve, espresso, vanilla, and chocolate bitters. Philadelphians can order up the sips in between rounds of social darts.
1417 Walnut St., flightclubdartsusa.com/philadelphia
Bolo
Bolo is mixing up a Latin-inspired sipper for the occasion. The Carajillo “Shakeado” ($18) is crafted with cold brew, Don Q 7 rum, and Licor 43. Philadelphians can order it up alongside green plantain empanadas, short rib carne guisada, tostones, chicken chicharrones and more.
2025 Sansom St., bolophl.com
Keywords
National Espresso Martini Day,
Philadelphia,
Espresso Martini,
Espresso Martini crawl,