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One of the most adaptable canvases in the world of cocktails, the espresso martini can be made with ingredients that you have at home or can be made in a way that catches everyone’s attention. But did you ever think, if Indian ingredients can be whipped into an espresso martini and make you feel as chic as the drink itself? If not, you’ve come to the right place. This National Espresso Martini Day 2026, try these unique and exclusive espresso martini cocktails and amp up your martini skills!
Speaking to the alchemist of The Agave Room in Delhi, Slurrp got into conversations on if someone was to walk into their kitchen and open up their cabinets and look for an ingredient to add to the espresso martini, what could it be? Chief alchemist VEEPEE & AVA shared, “As an alchemist of flavor, I always look for balance between bitterness, sweetness, aroma, and salinity. In an Indian kitchen, jaggery, cardamom, and a touch of sea salt can completely transform an espresso martini. Jaggery adds a darker, mineral sweetness, cardamom releases a warm aromatic oil that dances with the coffee, and salt amplifies the roast notes.”
When asked about unexpected components in an espresso martini, the response was, “A few drops of saline solution can transform an espresso martini." It enhances the richness of the coffee and counteracts the sweetness without making the beverage seem salty. With that interesting conversation coming to an end, VEEPEE & AVA shared a few fun espresso martini cocktails that you can stir up at home. Check these out:
1.Oaxaca Espresso
Ingredients
35 ml Tequila Blanco
15 ml Mezcal
30 ml fresh espresso
20 ml coffee liqueur
10 ml jaggery syrup
1 drop saline solution
Method
1.Put all the ingredients in an ice-filled shaker.
2.Give it a good shake for fifteen seconds.
3.Pour into a chilled coupe glass after double straining.
4.Add three coffee beans as a garnish. Apply a thin layer of orange oil to finish.
Image Credit: Pexels
2.Orange Peel & South Indian Filter Coffee
Ingredients
40 ml vodka
30 ml strong filter coffee
20 ml coffee liqueur
10 ml orange oleo saccharum
Method
1.Give it a firm, ice-filled shake!
2. Pour into the glass of your choice.
3. Add an expressive orange peel twist as a garnish.
4.Take a sip and savour the robust, rich coffee and vibrant citrus.
3. Coconut & Pandan Espresso
Ingredients
40 ml coconut fat-washed vodka
30 ml espresso
20 ml coffee liqueur
10 ml pandan syrup
Method
1. Put everything in a shaker, add ice, and give it a hard, smooth, and energetic shake.
2. Pour through a strainer into a chilled martini glass.
3. For an enticing tropical crunch, scatter toasted coconut flakes on top.
4. A bright, South Indian take on coffee, with espresso adding a bite and coconut and pandan adding warmth. Enjoy!
4 . Masala Espresso
Ingredients
45 ml vodka infused with cinnamon, clove & star anise
30 ml espresso
20 ml coffee liqueur
10 ml vanilla syrup
Method
1. Add all of your ingredients to an ice-filled shaker.
2. Give it a good shake to make it smooth, foamy, and cold.
3. Pour into a ready-to-wow martini glass after straining.
4. Add a little clove and chocolate on top for a spicy, aromatic bite.
Image Credit: Pexels
5. Cocoa & Chili Espresso
Ingredients
40 ml vodka
30 ml espresso
20 ml coffee liqueur
10 ml cacao nib syrup
tiny pinch Kashmiri chili powder
Method
1. Transfer all the ingredients into an ice-filled shaker.
2. Give it a good shake until everything is well combined.
3. For a smooth, silky finish, double strain into a cold martini glass.
4. Add a shard of dark chocolate as a garnish.
5. Then savour the dark chocolate with a hint of Kashmiri chilli heat.
“Coffee and spices go beautifully together, which Indian spice would surprise people the most in an espresso martini?” Slurrp asked Sandeepraj Sailan, co-founder of Jugnu Assagao. “Cardamom works beautifully because it naturally complements coffee, but the one ingredient that would truly surprise people is betel nut. Used very subtly, it adds an earthy depth and a slightly tannic note that pairs unexpectedly well with the bitterness of espresso and the sweetness of the liqueur,” Mr Sailan voiced out.
He also pointed out, one of the most common mistakes is underestimating how important the classic recipe and measurements are. “An espresso martini may look simple, but balance is everything. Many people eyeball the quantities instead of using a proper peg measure or jigger, which can easily throw off the flavour and texture of the drink.” So, while making the espresso martini cocktails below, remember this one tip.
Image Credit: Pexels
He also advised those who love practicing bartending at home, especially with espresso martinis, to use quality vodka and freshly brewed coffee rather than instant coffee. “Fresh espresso gives the drink its signature aroma, flavour and crema. Also, shake the cocktail well with ice because a vigorous shake is what creates the silky texture and the beautiful foam on top,” he pointed out. Now, check these fun recipes out for National Espresso Martini Day:
1. Affogato Martini
Ingredients
1 scoop vanilla ice cream
30 ml vodka
30 ml coffee liqueur
30 ml fresh espresso
10 ml demerara syrup
Method
1.Add vodka, coffee liqueur, espresso and demerara syrup to a cocktail shaker.
2.Add in the ice. Shake well until chilled and slightly frothy.
3.Strain into a chilled martini glass.
4.Gently add a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
5.Garnish with Gems candy.
2.Cardamom Coffee Martini
Ingredients
3 cardamom pods
45 ml green apple vodka
30 ml fresh espresso
20 ml sugar syrup
Method
1. Lightly muddle the cardamom pods in a shaker to release their aroma.
2. Add green apple vodka, espresso and sugar syrup.
3. Fill with ice and shake well.
4. Double strain into a chilled martini glass.
Image Credit: Pexels
3. Irish Espresso
Ingredients
45 ml Baileys Irish Cream
30 ml vanilla vodka
30 ml fresh espresso
10 ml sugar syrup
Method
1. Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Shake vigorously until well chilled and creamy.
3. Strain into a chilled martini glass.
4. Garnish with a light dusting of cocoa powder.
4. Absinthe Espresso Martini
Ingredients
30 ml absinthe
30 ml coffee liqueur
30 ml fresh espresso
Method
1. Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Shake vigorously until chilled and frothy.
3. Strain into a chilled martini glass.
4. Garnish with coffee beans and serve!
Image Credit: Pexels
5. Mocha Martini
Ingredients
45 ml orange vodka
15 ml chocolate syrup
15 ml coffee liqueur
30 ml fresh espresso
Method
1. Place all of the ingredients in an ice-filled cocktail shaker.
2. Give it a good shake; it's cold, smooth, and completely delicious.
3. Pour through a strainer into an impressively icy martini glass.
4. Top it off with chocolate wafers for that little extra wink of decadence
