☕ Truman Espresso Martini

Truman vodka, Frangelico & cardamom — Indian Accent NYC

5 min
Vodka
Coupe
~22%
Indian Accent, New York City
Ingredients
  • 40ml vodka
  • 20ml Frangelico hazelnut liqueur
  • 30ml freshly pulled espresso (cooled slightly)
  • 3 green cardamom pods, lightly crushed
  • 10ml simple syrup
  • Ice
  • 3 espresso beans & pinch of ground cardamom to garnish
Method
  1. 1
    InfuseAdd crushed cardamom pods to the espresso and let steep for 2 minutes. Strain.
  2. 2
    ShakeCombine vodka, Frangelico, cardamom-espresso, and simple syrup in a shaker. Add ice and shake hard for 15 seconds — vigorous shaking creates the foam.
  3. 3
    Double strainDouble-strain immediately into a chilled coupe.
  4. 4
    GarnishPlace 3 espresso beans on the foam (the classic garnish). Dust with a tiny pinch of ground cardamom.

About This Drink

The espresso martini needs no introduction — but Indian Accent's version earns its place on the list through cardamom, the spice that transformed it. Green cardamom (elaichi) is one of the world's most expensive spices and one of the most important in Indian cooking, used in biryanis, chai, mithai, and lassis. A few crushed pods added to the shaker infuse an intensely floral, camphor-like aroma into the coffee and hazelnut liqueur (Frangelico) mixture. The cardamom makes a familiar drink feel like it belongs on this particular menu — which is the whole point. Served as part of Indian Accent's iSi Nitro cocktail programme (poured tableside from a nitrogen canister for a creamy, ultra-smooth texture).

Bartender Tips

The foam comes from the espresso's CO2 — shake hard and strain immediately. Espresso from a machine works best; strong moka pot coffee is a good substitute. Fresh espresso (used within 10 minutes of pulling) produces a denser, longer-lasting foam. Frangelico is the traditional choice; Tia Maria (coffee liqueur) or Kahlúa are alternatives.

Variations

Substitute Cardamom-infused simple syrup (1 tbsp crushed pods steeped in simple syrup 24 hrs) if you want a stronger cardamom hit.

Details
Served at
Indian Accent, New York City
Spirit
Vodka
Method
Shaken
ABV
~22%
Difficulty
Easy
Related
🫧 Vodka Guide The base spirit in this cocktail 🇮🇳All 87 Indian CocktailsBrowse all recipes 🍹MocktailsZero-proof options
Where to drink this
Restaurant
Indian Accent
Address
123 W 56th St, New York, NY 10019
Style
Modern Indian fine dining
Accolades
Michelin Star · James Beard nominated · No. 1 on India's 50 Best Restaurants list (for Delhi location)

Manish Mehrotra's Indian Accent is one of the most important Indian restaurants in the world — a place where classical Indian cooking traditions are reinterpreted through modern technique, international ingredients, and impeccable plating. The NYC location brings the same philosophy to Manhattan, with a cocktail programme that matches the kitchen's ambition: Indian botanicals in conversation with global spirits, presented with precision.

Visit indianaccent.com