Espresso Margarita

Espresso Margarita – A Coffee Cocktail That Wowed the Judges

When I stepped onto the stage at this year’s Coffee in Good Spirits Championship in Germany, I knew I had something special in my hands. My Espresso Margarita is the result of years of refining, tweaking, and listening to feedback from people who truly love cocktails. Inspired by classic sour cocktails like the Whiskey Sour, Pisco Sour, and Margarita, I wanted to create a coffee cocktail that wasn’t just another overly sweet or bitter drink—but something balanced, refreshing, and exciting to drink.

Espresso Margarita Photo @doitbutdoitnow

The Journey to the Perfect Espresso Margarita

I started working on this drink back in 2021, experimenting at events and refining it based on real-time reactions. Over time, I perfected the recipe, ensuring it was something that people would genuinely love ordering in a regular bar—not just in a specialty coffee competition.

Photo @doitbutdoitnow

One of the defining elements of this cocktail is its garnish. While traveling in Mexico with my husband, I came across Tajín, a traditional spice mix made of salt, lemon, and a hint of chili. It completely transformed the drinking experience, adding depth of flavor and making each sip unique depending on whether you drink with or without the garnish.

The result? A cocktail with two distinct flavor profiles:

✅ Without Tajín: Crisp green apple and peach iced tea

✅ With Tajín: Cherry cola and tonic lemonade

This complexity was something the judges truly appreciated, and I’m excited to share the recipe with you!

Espresso Margarita Recipe (Makes 2 drinks)

Ingredients:

• Double espresso – I used Mundayo espresso from Röststätte, an Ethiopia natural coffee.

• 2cl Mezcal Miguel de Vida 

• 3cl organic lemon juice

• 4cl Röststätte Cold Brew X 

• 4.5cl simple syrup

  
  

Method:

1. Add all ingredients into a Boston shaker.

2. Fill with a lot of ice and shake hard.

3. Double strain into two chilled glasses.

4. Garnish one side of the rim with Tajín.

   
   
   
   

Why This Cocktail Works

Photo @doitbutdoitnow

This drink is simple yet incredibly dynamic. It has a bright acidity, a silky texture from the coffee, and a deep, smoky complexity from the mezcal. The Tajín brings in an unexpected layer of depth, making it a drink that keeps you coming back for more.

I absolutely loved creating this fun cocktail, and it has now become a staple in my drinks repertoire. It’s easy to make, yet full of surprises—just the way a great cocktail should be.

I can’t wait for you to try it! Let me know what you think, and if you have your own twists on it, I’d love to hear them. Cheers! 🍸☕