Overview: Five distinct locations across Dublin, Franklinton, and Downtown Columbus offer unique interpretations of the espresso martini cocktail. Prices range from $11 for non-alcoholic options to $17 for classic vodka-based versions. The selection includes tequila, bourbon, and rum liqueur bases alongside traditional spirits.
The Full Story
A self-guided promotional tour known as the Columbus Espresso Martini Trail highlighted these venues earlier this year. The publication noted that strong drinks often lead to strong opinions due to the combination of caffeine, sugar, and alcohol. While purists prefer a simple shake of vodka and freshly pulled espresso over ice, others seek sugary concoctions with caramel or syrups. This listicle from Columbus Monthly in August 2026 covers five specific establishments that define the current cocktail moment in the region.
The venues span from Dublin to Franklinton to Downtown, offering a spectrum of styles. Vaso stands out from the Dublin Espresso Martini Trail with a classic, punchy espresso-forward version at $17. Its non-alcoholic ME Espresso ($11) takes more liberties, combining espresso with Seedlip Spice, a distilled NA spirit. The Junto Hotel’s Brass Eye makes batches of espresso martinis with cold brew from Maudine’s, the hotel’s coffee shop, served from a nitro tap to create the foamy head.
Production & Profile
Vaso serves a classic, punchy espresso-forward version at $17, while its non-alcoholic ME Espresso ($11) combines Seedlip Spice, described as a distilled NA spirit. The Junto Hotel’s Brass Eye utilizes a nitro tap with cold brew from Maudine’s and adds Kalani coconut rum liqueur for nuttiness. Black Kahawa Coffee offers “The Cocoa Mirinda” ($15) featuring a tequila base with citrus and dessert spice notes, available in a decaf option.
Losanti features a sweet, alcohol-forward mix at $16 using bourbon cream, honey, and coffee liqueurs. Service Bar uses OYO Honey Vanilla Bean Vodka by Middle West Spirits batched with Thunderkiss cold brew and topped with Fee Foam flavored with maple syrup and orange blossom water. Each location offers specific technical details regarding the base spirit and finishing elements.
Brand & Industry History
The Columbus Espresso Martini Trail functioned as a self-guided promotional tour of 20 local bars that ran earlier this year. Losanti won the People’s Choice Award at the Columbus Espresso Martini Fest earlier this spring. Service Bar is identified as Middle West’s award-winning restaurant and bar, while Vaso operates on a rooftop with views complementing either drink version.
What This Means
The variety allows drinkers to choose between an early-evening pick-me-up or something more appropriate for dessert. Whether the preference is bold and moody or sweet and creamy, there is likely an espresso martini out there just for you. The trail promotes local bars across the city from Dublin to Franklinton to Downtown.
Consumer Takeaway
Drinkers can select from specific spirits including vodka, tequila, bourbon cream, and coconut rum liqueur depending on their preference. Options include non-alcoholic versions using Seedlip Spice or decaf choices at Black Kahawa Coffee. Specific toppings like Fee Foam with orange blossom water or nitro-tapped cold brew heads define the texture of each selection.
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