Whether shaken, stirred or out of a plastic cup, martinis continue to be a highlight at any festivity.
Monday was National Martini Day, which means you were well within your right to show up to work brandishing a sophisticated glass with your favorite sauce splashing inside. (Actually, you probably shouldn't do that.)
Now when your employer told you to take the party elsewhere, they probably just meant one of these fine destinations instead. Any one of them is a fine place to sip on this splendid cocktail as you ponder the big questions in life, such as what to do for National Hot Dog Day.
New Orleans:
There is hardly a better party on earth than New Orleans, and the New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau has you covered on all the happenings in a place that never quits entertaining.
We might suggest hunkering down at the Royal Sonesta New Orleans, a hotel that has plenty of opportunities to unwind with a chalice of class in your hand. There's a bar ripped straight out of the 1800s, an oyster bar that will fill you with fresh fare and a jazz club to get your vacation started right.
There is also The Bombay Club, which mixes live music and drinks deliciously. You also can't beat the history at Commander's Place-it's been around since 1893-or its amazing ambiance and flourish.
New York City:
Skip the Manhattan and grab a martini at any number of this town's astounding bars dedicated to this particular drink: 21 Club, Bemelmans Bar, Henry Public and Charlie Palmer at The Knick for starters.
Then again, you could always take your martinis to another level, utilizing the professionals at New York City Vacation Packages and their actual New York City Cocktail Tour.
If you still can't find what you're looking for, the NYC Go is a great way to kick off the trip before you ever step foot in town.
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The United Kingdom:
If it's good for James Bond, it better be good for all you non-super spy sorts. There are plenty of places around this fine nation to dabble in the classic martini, whether it be with vodka or gin.
However, if you find yourself in London you would do well to drop by The Gibson, The London Gin Club or City of London Distillery for truly remarkable experiences.
The promisingly titled Dirty Martini is a relatively new haunt that is dedicated to serving up delicious cocktails to the masses in Cardiff.
And if you are fond of Timothy Dalton's portrayal of Bond, head over to his hometown of Colwyn Bay. There you will find splendid drinking at Berry & Rye and The Plough Bar & Restaurant, both of which are well-regarded on Yelp.
CIE Tours International will have you visiting all parts of the U.K. on its various tours. While we wouldn't recommend skipping the Scotch on this particular trip, its itineraries through Scottish castles will have you at the famed Eilean Donan Castle-used in "The World is Not Enough." That should be enough inspiration to hit the nearest bar to order like a true 007.
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Chicago:
This city is second to none when it comes to great cuisine, a vibrant live music scene and delectable drinks. Stir that all together and you have one of our favorite destinations.
The Queen Mary Tavern takes great pride in its concoction and, as noted by Time Out, serves its drink with an additional complement of ice as well as more sauce for the festivities.
The Chicago Tribune recently illustrated how resplendent this place is with martini-drinking opportunities. Its article serves up a master class in places to drink, such as the fruit infused fare at Scofflaw's or the classic martini they have at SafeHouse Chicago, which incidentally is serving $5 martinis on Monday.
Consider all of that a gateway to unbelievable opportunities. The best way to consider future travel is over a nice glass of liquor splashed with vermouth.
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