Best Espresso Martinis We've Had In Delhi That Make 'Girl Dinner' 100x Better

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Do I like ordering espresso martinis because they are 'fashionable'? No. Do I enjoy being that irritating customer asking a mixologist for an espresso martini 'cause why not as that meme on Instagram suggests? Nah. Am I just another girl joining the herd of girlies on the internet calling espresso martini a 'girl dinner' essential? Maybe.

Now that my rant is over, I can move on to say that espresso martini is the perfect girls night drink to order not because its sophisticated (and looks great in pictures) but also because its that one drink you can really enjoy savouring sip by sip because it's potent. Another thought I hold about espresso martinis is that it combines caffeine with booze, so you will be energised (or buzzed if you are a light drinker) all through the night.

For someone who has so many feeling about this, you bet I have a few recommendations for my fellow Delhiites who want to join me on this journey and even asked around a few more to add to my own list. So let's skip to them right away!

Perch

Perch's espresso martini has overtaken the top spot of their coffee sangria for me because that's how much I love(eeee) it. Don't go by the menu and simply ask them to whip you a classic espresso martini (the one in the picture), only to be greeted by a frothy espresso martini made using impeccable quality espresso. They have got the ratio of the froth and the liquid comprising of the spirit and freshly brewed espresso just right!

For Vasant Vihar outlet,

Priced At: INR 745 (approx)

Timings: 8 AM - 12:30 AM

Zomato Rating: 4.3/5

Social Media: @perchindelhi


Lair

The espresso martini at Lair is a sweet treat for your afters. Made with vodka or bourbon coupled with coffee liqueur, ristretto, herbal liqueur and orgeat, it's different from the classic espresso martinis as it leans a bit more towards the sweeter side. I consider it a dessert cocktail since it tastes like a caffeinated dessert, and the serving is a little small for it to be my main drink for the night (the right one in the image). Nonetheless, it's extremely frothy (with more froth than the liquid), punching with the concentrated espresso, delightfully sweet with a slight hint of nuttiness from the orgeat. 


LBB Tip: If you are sticking to the lanes of sweet vodka-based cocktails for the night, don't miss on their popcorn drink (on the left in the image).

Priced At: INR 795 (approx)

Timings: 8 AM - 12:30 AM

Zomato Rating: 4.3/5

Social Media: @lair.newdelhi

La Piazza, Hyatt Regency

One fine day, while I was stuffing myself with sinfully delicious pasta at La Piazza, I decided to order the espresso martini from their signature cocktails menu on a whim. And my oh my, was I thoroughly in love. Made using Grey Goose vodka, their espresso martini lives rent-free in my brain for being the most classic, not-messed-with espresso martini one can want. Served chilled (just as it should be) with fresh and fragrant espresso, coffee liqueur and a touch of vanilla— I can't wait to go back for this perfect 'girl dinner'.

Priced At: INR 1,450 (approx)

Timings: 12 PM - 3 PM and 7 PM - 10:30 PM

Zomato Rating: 4.3/5

Social Media: @hyattregencydelhi

Mission Bay

Recommended by Diana Viegas, this cocktail named 'Buena Vista' is not your usual espresso martini because it has a tropical twist! Made with whiskey, it has coconut and banana, which lend it that sweet, caramelly taste, further accentuated with a touch of salt. Oh, and the torched banana for the garnish makes for a great way to get your fruits in, in Diana's words. So, if you are new to espresso martinis, this one is a great pick to start with since it's a bit less bitter on your taste buds.

Priced At: INR 895 (approx)

Timings: 12:30 PM- 12:30 AM

Zomato Rating: 4.2/5

Social Media: @themissionbay


Ikigai

A friend of mine has been after me to try the espresso martini at Ikigai in Def Col, which is Cafe Delhi Height's premium offering with a speakeasy bar. And from the looks (and reviews) of it, it is a strong contender! Grey Goose Vodka, Flor De caña Spresso syrup, a few drops of vanilla essence and their home blend espresso make this perfectly smooth espresso martini named 'Def - Call Martini' a solid hit. Theirs has a dash of coconut cream foam, which gives it a tinge of richness. Garnished with coffee beans and cocoa powder, definitely worth a shot when you want to prefer your espresso as a martini.

Priced At: INR 795 (approx)

Timings: 8 AM- 12 AM

Zomato Rating: 4.4/5

Social Media: @omakasebyikigai

Sidecar

Sidecar has one too many options for espresso martinis. Firstly, you can ask them to custom make a classic one for you (the one in the second image) which is obviously smashing if you like it the OG way. Or, order 'Connaught' from their signature menu (first image) which is an espresso martini-esque cocktail made with a blend of blended malt whiskey, Karachi biscuit, beetroot and blueberry puree, Sidecar's coffee liqueur and espresso. It has the core of an espresso martini but nuances of a fruity cocktail, perfect for your post work refreshments. Third, they have 'Ceylon' on their new 'Sidecar Going Places' menu which is a lovely concoction of earthy coffee added to creamy coconut, infused with the umaminess of truffle and miso, and is a homage to Sri Lanka’s rich coffee culture with the Sidecar treatment.

Priced At: INR 895 (approx)

Timings: 10 AM- 1 AM

Zomato Rating: 4.3/5

Social Media: @sidecarindia

Niko

Another of my friend, Hareena's recommendations, she describes the espresso martini at Niko as 'Velvety with satisfyingly cold espresso and the perfect warmth of alcohol, it isn’t super strong or bitter'. Not that we needed more convincing after looking at that picture because it looks stuh-ning! I absolutely love how there's equal parts foam and spiked coffee goodness at the bottom, no compromising on either of them.

Priced At: INR 895 (approx)

Timings: 12 PM - 3:30 PM and 6:30 PM - 12 AM

Zomato Rating: 4.1/5

Social Media: @niko_modernasian

Talk

The espresso martini inspired cocktail at Talk named ''Talk Dirty To Me' is a comforting pick. It has the strong espresso element to it but wouldn't cause much chaos to your insides as it made adding vanilla bean gelato and hazelnut to the mix with vodka and coffee liqueur. The foam or crema at the top is thick and frothy, amazingly rich and indulgent, perfect for those who don't enjoy the usual strong and bitter espresso martinis. Yum!

Priced At: INR 895 (approx)

Timings: 12 PM- 1 AM

Zomato Rating: 4.1/5

Social Media: @talkdelhi

Khi Khi

The espresso martini at Khi Khi actually brings a smile to your face because its so well made! The humbling 'Kaapi Please' is made using filter coffee from Darjeeling, coffee hydrosol which gives it that strong aroma and your usuals, vodka and coffee liqueur. The perfect pick-me with a streak of thunder causing notes. It's served chilled with a side of sugary toffee-like coin, the perfect break to balance the palate.

Priced At: INR 795 (approx)

Timings: 1 PM- 1 AM

Zomato Rating: 4.6/5

Social Media: @khikhidelhi

Seven Seeds

The espresso martini here is really good if you like it the Irish way with freshly brewed coffee. The colour is a bit light if you ask us and it isn't as aggressively strong. A great one for beginners who just want to give it a taste. Also, the place is open till 4 AM in the morning so you can satiate both you espresso and espresso martini cravings here at your convenience. 

Priced At: INR 575 (approx)

Timings: 8 AM- 4 AM

Zomato Rating: 4.2/5

Social Media: @sevenseeds.coffee

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An opinionated Gen-z beauty enthusiast who knows about a beauty product even before it goes viral. Oh, also loves all things food and matcha. With over a year of experience in content, watch this space for the best recommendations :)