In the refined, softly lit surrounds of Ette Sydney, creativity doesn’t just appear on the plate - it’s poured, frothed and layered into every glass. Known for its inviting elegance and imaginative flavour work, Ette’s bar has become a destination for guests who appreciate cocktails crafted with care, confidence and a spark of culinary artistry.
This week, the spotlight shifts to a drink that takes a beloved classic and transforms it into something decadent and utterly memorable: the Ettespresso Martini, created by Bar Manager Claudio Matricini.
Silky, indulgent and strikingly expressive, the Ettespresso Martini is the kind of cocktail that’s instantly comforting yet full of intrigue. What begins as a familiar favourite deepens into a multi-layered experience - creamy, chocolatey, softly sweet and beautifully structured.
Why We Recommend It
The Ettespresso Martini stands out because it captures the pleasure of a dessert and the sophistication of a cocktail in one perfect glass. It leans into richness without ever becoming heavy, offering a velvety blend of espresso, coffee liqueur and infused vodka that feels both refined and deeply satisfying.
A float of Ette’s homemade Irish cream gives the drink a luxurious crown, while hints of mascarpone and dark chocolate echo the flavours of tiramisù. The result is indulgent but balanced, decadent yet poised - a cocktail that feels like a reward at the end of the evening.
It pairs beautifully with Ette’s panna cotta and shines brightest during Ettespresso Hour, held Monday to Saturday from 9 pm-11 pm. Think of it as the perfect final chapter to your night, crafted to leave a lasting impression.
A Fun Fact
The mascarpone element in the Ettespresso Martini was inspired by tiramisù, adding a playful, dessert-like flourish to this modern reimagination of a classic. It’s a subtle nod to Italian culinary traditions, woven seamlessly into a cocktail that feels unmistakably Ette.
How the Cocktail Got Its Name
Named in homage to Ette itself, the Ettespresso Martini embodies the restaurant’s philosophy: taking something familiar and elevating it with creativity, technique and imagination. Just as Ette seeks to transform dining into an experience, this cocktail transforms the much-loved Espresso Martini into something beautifully unexpected.
Born from Italian Inspiration
Claudio Matricini’s Italian roots are at the heart of this creation. While travelling through Italy, he became captivated by a deconstructed tiramisù - elegant, creamy and deeply aromatic. That moment sparked the idea of recreating its indulgent magic in liquid form.
To achieve this, vodka is gently infused with ladyfingers and milk, developing a soft biscuit note and velvety texture. This base is shaken with coffee liqueur and Ette’s own roasted coffee beans, then topped with a luxurious mascarpone cream made from pasteurised eggs, fresh cream and a touch of Irish cream.
A dusting of dark chocolate finishes the drink - an invitation to enjoy the unique pleasure of drinking a tiramisù.
A Taste of Ette’s Craft
The Ettespresso Martini captures the spirit of Ette: thoughtful, polished and quietly inventive. It’s confident without theatrics, indulgent without excess and crafted with the kind of precision that comes from passion and experience.
Next time you find yourself at Ette Sydney, settle in and order the Ettespresso Martini. It’s rich, elegant, softly playful and deeply satisfying - proof that when creativity meets intention, even a classic can become something unforgettable.
