Isla & Co’s Espresso Martini Flight Is a Must-Try in the Lower East Side

Isla & Co, the Australian-inspired restaurant from Parched Hospitality Group in the Lower East Side, is quickly becoming one to watch for elevated craft cocktails that all come in under $16.

Led by Beverage Director Jeremy Ortiz, the bar program leans into playful signatures and bold, refreshing flavors, with cocktails ranging from $12-$15. Standouts include the Pepperoncini Martini made with Four Pillars Australian Gin, the Smoke Show with mezcal, passionfruit, and habanero, and the Margot Robbie with tequila, pamplemousse, toasted sesame, lemon, and honey.

But the real star is the Espresso Martini Flight—a $25 experience featuring three inventive riffs on Australia’s favorite cocktail. We caught up with Ortiz to go deeper on what makes the flight a must-order.

What inspired you to create an Espresso Martini flight, and how did you decide on the three unique riffs included?

As an Australian restaurant that loves coffee, we couldn’t just offer one style of espresso/coffee cocktail. Since we wanted to showcase our coffee, we figured a tasting flight would be fun and interactive. When choosing the three riffs, we focused on offering variety while maintaining cohesion: one honoring the classic profile, one leaning more indulgent or dessert-like, and one introducing a more unexpected twist. That way, guests can explore different expressions of the same foundation.

Are there any particular flavor profiles or ingredients you consider “must-haves” when putting a twist on a classic Espresso Martini?

I would say flavors like vanilla, cacao, or subtle spice work really well, so I always consider those. 

How do you balance innovation with maintaining the integrity of the traditional Espresso Martini in these variations?

It always starts with respect for the original build. We keep the structure recognizable, espresso, spirit, and sweetness, then layer in innovation in a controlled way.  If a variation strays too far from what guests expect, losing the coffee-forward profile or becoming overly sweet, it no longer feels like an Espresso Martini. I constantly taste and refine to ensure each riff still delivers that signature richness and slight bitterness, even as the surrounding flavors evolve.

Which of the three cocktails in the flight tends to be the crowd favorite, and why do you think it resonates with guests?

It seems to be an even split between the Olive Temptation and the Scarlett Rose. Those profiles offer a sense of nostalgia and comfort, making that option feel both familiar and new.

Are there any fun stories or challenges behind developing the Espresso Martini flight that highlight your approach to cocktails at Isla & Co?

Figuring out the best way to garnish the drinks was quite a fun undertaking. I started with overly elaborate, smoke-and-mirrors garnishes that eventually evolved into a more minimal and sleek style. Consistency is always a challenge, and the end goal was keeping things simple enough to execute without compromising quality.