See you in 2027!

The SOLD-OUT Columbus Espresso Martini Fest in association with OYO Vodka @ North4 Corridor (adjacent to Short North) brought together a variety of espresso martinis—crafted by leading local bartenders and venues—and featured Middle West Spirits' OYO Honey Vanilla and Character vodkas.

Guests enjoyed 12 curated tastings  of 9 different takes on the classic cocktail, all in a single, vibrant setting. The artistry and innovation of espresso martinis, simply amazed, as celebrated the best of Columbus’s coffee and cocktail culture in one location. 

Losanti Steakhouse in Franklinton won the Best Espresso Martini in Columbus; and Stone Bar + Kitchen won the People's Choice award. 

The first annual Cleveland Coffee Festival  brewied up something special for 800 attendees, bringing together local roasters, coffee lovers, and latte artists for a caffeinated celebration of all things coffee and tea.

With 18+ Roasters providing varieties from Worldwide regions and, this festival was a passport to global flavors.

Lekko Coffee provided complimentary seminars:

 Reading a Coffee Bag

·  How to decode origin: country, region, town, farm location

·  Why size and price vary

·  Processing methods (washed, natural, anaerobic, etc.)

·  Roast level notes and what they actually mean

·  Roast dates: what to look for and why it matters

Making Coffee at Home (vs. Café-Made)

·  Filter coffee: V60, Chemex, Kalita Wave

·  Cone-shaped brewers vs. no-bypass brewers (and why it matters)

·  Home espresso: from Breville to a home La Marzocco setup

·  Essentials for making the best coffee at home

·  What I make coffee on at home (spoiler: it’s easier than you think)

Coffee Roasting — What Goes Into It?

·  How coffee is sourced

·  What a coffee roaster does (and what it doesn’t)

·  What data roasters collect and why

·  How coffee moves from roaster to its final destination

Interview + Q&A with Industry Pros

·  Live interview with coffee professionals

·  Audience Q&A (bring your questions!)

The Froth Flew from GH Grinding and Brewing Solutions at Lekko downtown : crowning Cleveland’s First Latte Art Championships

For the first time ever, Northeast Ohio’s most talented baristas went head-to-head in the Latte Art Championships at Lekko Coffee  downtown (St. Clair Ave.)  Spectators watched the action live and enjoyed some Lekko.

You VOTED for 12 unforgettable Espresso Martini samples on an evening of caffeinated indulgence, cocktail craftsmanship, and spirited competition at the 78th St. Studios featuring Espresso Martinis from OYO vodkas in the VIP Room, and the winners were...

Best Overall (combining the Judges Vote and People's vote) Espresso Martini in Cleveland...

Encore Cocktail Bar on Playhouse Square

People's choice winner: 1928 Public House and their pistachio espresso Martini 

For one-night-only Cleveland’s top bars and restaurants each mixed their unique take on the espresso martini. From bold and boozy Me too Chai from Rood Food  to smooth and silky classics from Encore, Touche and Le Burger, guests sipped their way through 12 complimentary 1.5 oz samples or enjoy an amped up OYO Vodka VIP experience and voted for their favorite and crowned 1928 Public House's pistachio as “Cleveland’s Best Espresso Martini.” 

In addition to the public vote, a panel of expert judges  awarded their own top honor, making for a deliciously double-blind competition to Encore Bar, followed closely by Le Burger.

Tickets sold out, as early interest is buzzed! Whether you’re a coffee lover, cocktail enthusiast, or simply in it for the vibes, this is the ultimate night out for those who appreciate the art of a perfectly balanced drink.

Sips Collective is an Ohio-based experiential lifestyle events affiliated company of Barnstorm producing highly visual social festivals and immersive beverage-centered experiences focused on coffee, cocktails, nightlife, and community connection. The group is behind the Cleveland Espresso Martini Festival, Columbus Espresso Martini Festival, Cleveland Coffee Festival, and the upcoming Sips Summer Spritz Festival, while also having produced the original Cleveland Wine Festival at Voinovich Bicentennial Park, which attracted thousands of attendees in the early 2000s. Known for elevated, community-focused experiences that spotlight local bars, restaurants, brands, and creators, Sips Collective events blend curated beverage programming, entertainment, and social engagement while supporting charitable initiatives including Haven Makers