This International Coffee Day, skip the usual cup and explore coffee in its more spirited avatar. From classic Espresso Martinis and rum-spiked Carajillos to citrus-bright brews, coffee-infused whisky and even a matcha-meets-espresso creation, these cocktails take the familiar bean well beyond the coffee cup. Here are the coffee cocktails worth adding to your drinking list this season.
W Goa
At W Goa, coffee takes centre stage across a collection of spirited serves that rework familiar cocktail formats. The Espresso Martini delivers the classic combination of vodka, freshly brewed espresso and coffee liqueur in a rich, velvety pour. For something more spirit-forward, the Cold Brew Old Fashioned pairs bourbon with cold brew coffee bitters and Demerara sweetness. Together, the two showcase different sides of coffee in cocktailsone smooth and indulgent, the other deep and sophisticated making the collection worth exploring beyond the traditional coffee break.
JW Marriott Goa
Coffee gets a sparkling, citrusy makeover with the Black Spark at JW Marriott Goa. Coffee-infused Dewar’s 12 Y.O. and coffee liqueur provide a rich, roasted foundation, while ginger lemonade and fresh lime bring brightness and lift to the drink. The combination makes for a cocktail that is bold without feeling overly heavy, with whisky and coffee delivering depth and ginger adding a lively fizz. It is an unexpected meeting of coffee, whisky and citrus that feels particularly suited to a Goan evening.
Renaissance Goa Baga-Arpora Hotel
At Renaissance Goa Baga-Arpora Hotel, coffee meets citrus in Framed Renaissance, a cocktail inspired by a little kitchen experiment. Rich coffee is paired with freshly squeezed lemon and lime, creating a drink where roasted depth meets lively acidity. Smooth and lightly sweet, the cocktail avoids feeling too heavy, with citrus keeping the coffee profile bright and refreshing. Its playful backstory built around the fictional curious mind Carlotta and her experiments with beakers and test tubes adds personality to an already intriguing coffee-and-citrus combination.
Tyde, The Park, Delhi
A perennial favourite gets its after-dark moment at tyde, The Park Hotel, Delhi. The Espresso Martini brings together the familiar combination of vodka, coffee liqueur and espresso in a smooth, indulgent pour that balances the intensity of freshly brewed coffee with the warmth of spirits. Velvety, aromatic and distinctly grown-up, it is the kind of cocktail that transitions effortlessly from dinner to a late-night drink, making it a fitting choice for coffee lovers who prefer their caffeine with a spirited edge.
Drift, Mumbai
Dessert and cocktail meet in the Brûlée Martini at Drift Mumbai. The drink layers whiskey, coffee liqueur, maple syrup and bold espresso before being crowned with silky marshmallow foam. A quick torching gives the topping its signature caramelised brûlée finish, adding a delicate smoky sweetness to every sip. The warmth of whiskey and roasted espresso works beautifully with maple, while the toasted marshmallow brings an indulgent dessert-like quality. It is an expressive coffee cocktail for those who enjoy their drinks rich, aromatic and slightly theatrical.
Dark Side, Delhi
For those who like their cocktails with drama, Cyanide offers a darker interpretation of the Espresso Martini. Vodka and coffee liqueur form its familiar foundation, while tobacco introduces roasted, cocoa-like depth and a lingering dryness. The cigarette-inspired garnish and edible rice-paper artwork add to its theatrical character, turning the presentation into part of the drinking experience. Seductive, complex and intentionally dry, it is a cocktail that plays with the darker sensory side of coffee without letting the bean lose centre stage.
The Gated Community, Juhu
A Spanish-inspired coffee cocktail, the Carajillo keeps things simple while letting its ingredients speak for themselves. At The Gated Community in Juhu, fresh espresso meets Licor 43 and gold rum, creating a spirited drink where the intensity of coffee is softened by the liqueur’s sweetness and rounded out by the richness of rum. The result is bold, aromatic and warming, making it an easy pick for anyone looking to move from their post-meal coffee to something considerably more spirited.
Project Grain, Bengaluru
Kaizen takes the Espresso Martini into unexpected territory by pairing coffee with matcha. Caribbean Sun Aged Rum provides the spirited base, while espresso brings roasted depth and matcha introduces its distinctive earthy, vegetal character. Orgeat adds almond sweetness with delicate floral notes, complemented by dates for further richness. The result is a layered cocktail that moves between bitter, nutty, sweet and earthy flavours rather than following the conventional Espresso Martini template.
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