Gone are the days when it was just about the choice between a dry or dirty martini. Modern bars and lounges offer so many interesting variations on the original, including chocolate, lychee, and even caviar martinis. Whatever your preference, New York has some great destinations for fans of the iconic cocktail. Here are our favorite spots for different takes on the martini.
21 Club’s Bar 21 & Lounge
When entering the iconic 21 Club, you’ll be greeted by a lineup of jockey figurines, which embellish the facade of this four-story brownstone. Officially opened in 1930, this swanky destination is one of America’s most famous speakeasies. Make a splash today with the signature 21 Martini, crafted with Plymouth Gin or Ketel One vodka and vermouth. The dark, intimate space features a cozy lounge and secret wine cellar. 21club.com
Ayza Wine & Chocolate Bar
This contemporary bar and restaurant caters to those who want to indulge in the fine flavors of wine and chocolate. Who could resist? Beyond the selection of 90 fine wines and champagnes, Ayza offers a topnotch dining experience. Its martini menu includes a lineup of chocolate-flavored martinis, from classic to raspberry chocolate, mint chocolate, almond chocolate, and more. Ayza boasts two locations—one in Midtown and the other in the West Village. ayzanyc.com
Pravda
This Soho-based cocktail lounge offers more than 70 different vodkas, as well as caviar and Russian-inspired fare. The stylish speakeasy, which is located in a basement hideaway, offers several martinis. Fans of brine should indulge in the caviar martini, which features cucumber-dill vodka and a caviar spoon. Other variations include the rosemary martini—a fusion of gin, rosemary, and freshly squeezed lime juice; the elderflower martini, made with vodka, St. Germain, and lime juice; and the coconut martini, which artistically blends coconut vodka, pineapple, and lime juice. Other artisanal cocktails are on the menu; all are crafted with fresh juice and house-made syrups. pravdany.com
Saxon + Parole
Renowned for its award-winning beverage program, Saxon + Parole has earned the prestigious title of “World’s Best Restaurant Bar” at the 2013 Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards. The house's Olives 7 Ways Martini offers a twist on the traditional dirty martini and has made headlines in seasons past. Saxon + Parole’s tantalizing menu also offers an innovative approach to other bespoke spirits, seasonal libations, syrups, bitters, and house-made sodas. saxonandparole.com
Verlaine Bar & Lounge
Lychee Martini/Jon-Eric Malaester/flickr
Those who enjoy lychee should explore the Lower East Side’s cozy Verlaine Bar & Lounge. This sleek, minimalist space, which boasts soaring ceilings and is warmed by the flicker of candlelight, specializes in the Hanoi Lychee Martini. They report proudly that since their 2001 opening, "1,792,000 lychee martinis have been served." verlainenyc.com