Looking for a late night drink? If you aren’t feeling the sports bar scene or are looking for an establishment with a little more class, kicking back a few cocktails at a local martini bar can be the perfect choice.
Unlike other loud bars and clubs, martini bars are usually more low-key and a great option for a customer looking for a classy evening.
Similar to choosing the right bottle of wine for dinner, picking out a good martini involves some knowledge of the drink. Jerry Gonto, the “Martini Guy” at Martini Art said there are several different features of a martini to be considered.
“Some important points include: temperature, dilution, quality ingredients, presentation and, of course, taste,” he said. “It is often said that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so if it tastes great and looks beautiful to you, it’s a good martini.”
Like coffee baristas or master chefs, mixologists (the name for the cocktail connoisseurs who specialize in mixing drinks) take the art of crafting a martini very seriously. Gonto said it is key the mixologist who is making your martini is skilled at the task.
“If you want to play it safe, check out a bar or restaurant that features a solid list of martinis on the menu, or specifically a martini bar,” he said. “If you notice that the bartender has to reference a drink mixing guide, run.”
For those of you who favor a more traditional martini, Gonto said dry martinis with top-shelf liquor is the best choice to quench your thirst.
“If you love a dry martini, high quality vodka or gin, and a tiny splash of dry vermouth is all you’ll need,” he said. “There are so many different vodkas and gins that present different characters, it’s hard to suggest the “best” but if you are looking for brands, you cannot go wrong with Grey Goose or Tito’s vodka.”
Strong drinks not you’re thing? There are plenty of alternatives to traditional martinis that consist of lower quantities of alcohol.
“A great option would be to go with a Cosmo or fruity martini, which relies on juices or mixers,” Gonto said. “You could also opt for a non-alcoholic martini.” (For recipes for non-alcoholic martinis check out http://www.martiniart.com)
Despite the choices of dry or fruity, strong or weak, choosing the right martini bar really comes down to choosing a place where you can kick back and enjoy the evening while sipping on a great drink.
“Find a spot with a comfortable atmosphere, great stock of top shelf ingredients, stulish martini glasses, and a staff that understands making a great martini is akin to creating a great work of art,” Gonto said.
Ready to hit the town and find your perfect martini? Here are some suggestions for where to get started.
Seattle
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