Skip to Content
Cocktails

What to Know about Canto’s Beloved Frozen Espresso Martini

Canto, a NYC Italian eatery with two locations, has the hottest drink in town in their frozen espresso martini.

Canto’s (NYC) frozen espresso martini.

Canto’s (NYC) frozen espresso martini.

Canto’s frozen espresso martini has been a topic of discussion for years.

It sounded great: Who wouldn’t love a frozen version of a delicious cocktail? But the appeal of Canto's concoction goes beyond the novelty of a frozen cocktail, which is apparent upon first sip.

Canto’s frozen espresso martini is sweet but not too sugary, and it is topped by pillowy mascarpone that adds a dreamy layer of creaminess.

Djamel Omari, chef and owner of Canto NYC and Canto UWS, says the idea was to take a classic and turn it into a “moment.”

“We wanted to create something playful yet elevated—an experience that matched the vibe of Canto,” says Omari. “I’ve always loved espresso martinis, and the frozen version adds a fun, unexpected twist while still delivering that rich, bold flavor. It’s the kind of drink that immediately gets people talking."

The drink has turned into something of a social media darling. And virality has paid off: The restaurant sells more than 2,000 frozen espresso martinis each week between the two locations.

Over 2,000 frozen espresso martinis are sold each week by Canto.
Over 2,000 frozen espresso martinis are sold each week by Canto.

Omari believes its appeal comes from its visual appearance, the taste and the energy, perhaps literally given it’s an coffee-based, caffeinated drink.

“The frozen espresso martini is instantly photogenic—creamy, icy, and served in a sleek coupe glass or to-go,” Omari says. “Our customers love it all year long. The minute they come to the table or reach their hands, the social media photo moments begin. It’s a drink that looks as good as it tastes.”

The drink has become a staple at both locations, according to Omari who said he wants guests to feel they’ve discovered something special. 

While Canto wasn’t open to sharing the exact recipe for its famed frozen drink, it did share some insights on how the cocktail is formulated, in case readers want to try to replicate it at home.

The recipe stays true to the original espresso martini components including vodka, coffee and fresh espresso. What makes it unique is its mascarpone cream layer that is made with Amarula instead of Baileys. 

The ingredients add a contrast that is meant to be contemporary in both flavor and texture while also imitating the foam that comes with a liquid espresso martini.

While we encourage attempting the drink at home, there’s really nothing like trying it in-person at one of Canto’s two NYC loctions.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Appetito

Piccolo Buco Expands to Naperville with Pizza and Italian Favorites

Piccolo Buco brings Roman-inspired pizza and Italian classics to Naperville in partnership with Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants.

September 17, 2025

Bosco Opens in San Francisco with Italian Cooking and Forest Design

Bosco opens in SoMa with chefs Ryan McIlwraith and Kaili Hill serving housemade pastas, wood-fired dishes, and a thoughtful wine and cocktail program.

September 17, 2025

Olive Oil Is Not an Afterthought at Sea on Board Oceania’s Allura

On Oceania’s Allura, Italian dining shines at Toscana, where an olive oil concierge and authentic recipes prove that dining at sea can rival meals on land.

September 16, 2025

Phil Stefani and Chef Art Smith to Lead Vatican Restaurant

Chicago restaurateur Phil Stefani and Chef Art Smith will lead the only dining venue at Borgo Laudato Si’, the Vatican’s historic estate.

September 15, 2025

Stracciatella in Italy: From Soup to Cheese to Gelato

From Rome to Apulia to Bergamo, stracciatella takes shape as a soup, a cheese, and even gelato. Here’s how one word ties three Italian favorites together.

September 15, 2025
See all posts