Photo taken by Gabriele Stabile (via Booker and Dax Facebook page)
If you haven't heard, today is National Martini Day.
And, naturally, the James Bond lovers of the world will come out in droves, sporting suits with black ties and saying to every girl in the bar, "The name's Schmo, Joe Schmo (it doesn't work, fellas, give it up)."
Some of the top martini bars in America don't care what you say, of course, as long as you order something. And if you really want to impress somebody, order them a signature martini from one of the standout martini hotspots in the nation. No James Bond lines included.
For you lovers, dreamers and martini aficionados out there, here are five places that truly honor the martini while simultaneously giving it a unique twist.
You have an acclaimed martini at one of these hotspots and you'll feel like James Bond (or one of his dazzling mistresses).
Pegu Club, New York City
Pegu Club has been honored several times as having some of the top martinis in the nation.
On top of that, the cocktail lounge in Soho has a very unique martini: the Early Grey-infused MarTEAni.
You will also want to try the Fitty-Fitty, a variant with half gin, half vermouth that includes orange bitters and a lemon twist. The Fitty-Fitty isn't as unique as the Earl Grey MarTEAni, but, boy, is it worth a mention.
In a city known for its vast collection of outstanding martinis, the highly regarded Pegu Club stands among the best. In fact, it's been awarded Best Martini in New York City by several publications throughout the years.
The Hungry Cat, Los Angeles
Los Angeles, like New York City, is a dream destination for cocktail lovers.
That includes martinis, and The Hungry Cat-featuring two L.A. locations in Hollywood and Santa Monica-is known for having one of the best in the thriving city.
The Hungry Cat's "Cucumber Martini" is a spin-off on the popular drink, complete with fresh-juiced cucumber, Hendrick's gin and lime. The drink gets props for not only being delicious, but also tinkering with a timeless classic and still pulling it off exceptionally well.
Some people prefer their martinis in the classic style (and some refuse to have any other kind), but The Hungry Cat's Cucumber Martini is mouth-watering enough to sway even the most hardened traditionalists.
The Tini Martini Bar, Saint Augustine, Florida
The Tini Martini Bar is not only ranked as the No. 1 nightlife venue in Saint Augustine (including clubs), it's also well known for its signature martinis.
And there are plenty of them. Ranging from "Noveltinis" to "Classytinis" to "Sweetinis," The Tini Martini Bar has something for everyone.
Whether you want a classic like the English Martini with blue cheese stuffed olives and the time-tested Manhattan or you want something different like the Zen Martini or the White Chocolate "Sweetini," you are bound to be trying it all until the wee hours of the morning (warning: The Tini Martini Bar can be dangerous).
The Florida hotspot's White Chocolate specialty includes chocolate vodka, white crème de cocoa, Godiva white chocolate liqueur and chocolate ganache.
Booker and Dax, New York City
Booker and Dax's martini includes the usual (gin, dry vermouth, orange bitters and olives), but it's the way the bartenders fix it up that has people raving.
The martini, which some label as "the perfect martini," is pre-diluted and allowed to mature and macerate for five days. The result is astounding, and it's a testament to the creativity and knowledge of the bartenders there.
Booker and Dax is also known for supplying centrifuged liquors and using liquid nitrogen in some of its drinks. This is a must-see for the martini wiz, as well as anyone who likes a splendid handcrafted cocktail. It's also a great place to get a little insight on what bartenders do to distinguish themselves from the rest.
The Columbia Room, Washington D.C.
You can't talk about The Columbia Room without first talking about owner Derek Brown.
Brown, who once made drinks at the White House and has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, owns four acclaimed bars beyond Columbia Room: Mockingbird Hill, Eat the Rich, Southern Efficiency and The Passenger.
Brown's classic gin martini has won him numerous accolades (both GQ and Time magazines have lauded it as the best martini in the country). It comes with half vermouth and half Plymouth gin, including a squeeze of lemon rind two to three inches from the rim of the pre-chilled glass. There is nothing mind-boggling in the ingredients themselves, but the fact that Brown is able to do so much with them is a testament to his brilliance.
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