Mantra’s Guru Martini promises to “make you a guru in three sips” — with its blend of Svedka vanilla vodka, triple sec, fresh lemon juice and a cinnamon and sugar rim — but there’s also a Good Karma Lychee Martini, a spicy Dragon Juice cocktail with hot pepper vodka, pineapple juice, fresh lime and agave syrup; Ginger! Ginger! and the refreshing Cucumber Kooli and Monsoon Mai Tai (all $9) for the imbibers in your dinner party.
Mantra has also pioneered a “shareable cocktails” trend with its Mumbai Margarita (with a coriander and chili-salted rim), Slumdog Tea and other drinks available by the glass or pitcher ($9/$25), all the better to wash down an appetizer like Crispy Greens ($6).
Non-drinkers will enjoy Mantra’s mocktails such as Nimbu Pani Lemonade with fresh mint and homemade lemongrass syrup; Pomegranate Punch, a blend of juices, syrup and soda; and the Typhoon Cooler, with pineapple juice, lemongrass syrup, Sprite and non-alcoholic Blue Curacao (all $4 single/$12 carafe).
Lassi comes in refreshing mango with fresh mint, or berry and mint, flavor ($4 single/$12 carafe); and Mantra’s slow-brewed chai is to be savored as well, with its blend of cardamom, cloves and strong black tea ($2.50).