Waikiki Beach Bar, Honolulu

Sometimes the setting writes a cheque that the drink can't cash. Watching the sunset over Waikiki Beach with a cocktail in hand sounds like paradise. And it is — until you take your first sip of their espresso martini.

The Drink

Let me start with what they got right: it arrived quickly and it was cold. That's about where the compliments end.

The espresso was clearly not fresh. It had that stale, slightly burnt taste of coffee that's been sitting in a thermal carafe for too long. The sweetness was overwhelming — they went heavy on the coffee liqueur and what tasted like simple syrup. The vodka was cheap and left a harsh burn on the finish.

The crema was thin and disappeared within seconds, leaving a murky brown liquid that looked more like iced coffee than a cocktail. No coffee bean garnish, which felt like a metaphor for the overall lack of care.

The Atmosphere

To be fair, the view is spectacular. There's something magical about the warm Hawaiian breeze and the sound of waves. But even paradise can't save a bad drink.

The Verdict

Skip the espresso martini here and order a Mai Tai instead — they do those well. This drink felt like an afterthought on the menu, made with pre-prepared ingredients and no love. At $22 USD, it's a hard pass.

Price: $22 USD | Serving Style: Martini glass (warm) | Coffee Bean Garnish: None