Long before James Bond made the “shaken, not stirred” martini his drink of choice, mixologists the world over have been perfecting—and reinventing—it. Sure, it’s nice to have a stiff one straight up with a twist every now and then, but, when you’ve had “one of those days” (or weeks) at the office, there’s nothing like a creatively concocted, filled-to-the-brim martini to get your juices flowing again. Here’s a rundown of the nine tastiest creative martinis in the county:
| Mediterranean. NoMa Social, New Rochelle With 35 martini choices—10 with fewer than 150 calories—it’s hard to pick just one, especially when the menu entices you with frivolous names like Panties Off (Stoli Razberi, triple sec, cranberry juice, lemon-lime soda, melon liqueur, and raspberries) and No Gym Tomorrow (Absolut Citron, club soda, pomegranate juice, açai juice, lime juice, and blueberries). Order the Mediterranean (Bombay Sapphire gin, rosemary-infused syrup, fresh-squeezed lemon juice, dried cranberries, rosemary, and a lemon wheel), with its herb-infused citrus flavor. Even better—there are daily martini specials, as well as Thursday Ladies’ Nights with half-price martinis. Straight Up: $13; 1 Radisson Plz (914) 576-4141 |
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| Martini Rosso. Brio Tuscan Grille, Yonkers Not into Cosmos but prefer something sweet? Made with Absolut Raspberri vodka, Malibu rum, and fresh lime juice and topped with Barbera d’Asti, this martini tastes like summer, putting you back into beach mode. Worth noting: Martinis are $5 on Wednesdays after 3 pm. There’s also a $3.95 Tuscan Tasters bar menu weekdays from 3 to 7 pm and from 9 pm to closing, giving you plenty to nibble on as you sip and enjoy. Straight Up: $9; 160 Market St, Ridge Hill (914) 709-1000 |
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| Cucumber Martini. BUtterfield 8, White Plains The mellow flavor of cucumber coupled with a kiss of lime makes this martini an ideal way to wind down after a long week. It’s an ultra-refreshing, light concoction made with muddled cucumbers, Hendrick’s Gin, simple syrup, and fresh-squeezed lime. Prefer something a tad sweeter? Sink into one of the bar’s cozy spots for the Sapphire Lemon (Bombay Sapphire gin, St-Germain elderflower liqueur, and fresh-squeezed lemon), which tastes like a melted Italian ice—and be thankful the workday is over. Straight Up: $12; 147 Mamaroneck Ave (914) 358-4881 |
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| Cappuccino Martini. Chat 19 American Grill, Larchmont For those days when you haven’t seen the sun rise or set, the Cappuccino Martini gives you a java jolt and then some. Made with Baileys, Smirnoff Vanilla vodka, espresso vodka, Kahlúa, and espresso, it’s a high-voltage burst of flavor sure to wake you up so you can do it all again tomorrow. For those who prefer tea over coffee, there’s also a Green Tea“ini” with Skyy citrus vodka, green tea, fresh mint, and orange-and-honey marmalade, served shaken on the rocks. Straight Up: $14; 19 Chatsworth Ave (914) 833-8871 |
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| Lost in Translation. Harper’s Bar & Restaurant, Dobbs Ferry There are many elegantly named cocktails on the drink list here, each of which has an Old World feeling to go with its lush description. This version, created by the owner, contains organic vodka, house-made orange-and-cardamom syrup, along with a dash of Champagne and a freshly sliced orange-rind garnish— giving it a sweet, citrus-flavored bite. Add to that the unique herbal notes from the cardamom and a slight effervescence from the Champagne, and you have a drink worth sipping the night away. Straight Up: $12; 92 Main St (914) 693-2306 |
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| The Martinez. Pour, Mount Kisco Anthony Colasacco, the owner of Pour, is happy to tell you he’s “old school.” In other words, he’s into the classics. So much so that his martinis are served in vintage barware—some pieces dating as far back as the ’20s. This is where to go for something a tad traditional. The Martinez is a predecessor to the martini, and includes Old Tom gin, Carpano Antica sweet vermouth, a teaspoon of maraschino liqueur, and two dashes of orange bitters—all garnished with a lemon twist. As lore goes, this underappreciated concoction helped pave the way for the ubiquitous martini. Straight Up: $12; 241 Main St (914) 864-0606 |
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| Nutella Martini. Thyme Restaurant, Yorktown This decadent drink—basically a dessert and a cocktail mixed into one—is a local creation featuring three ounces of Godiva white chocolate liqueur, one ounce of crème de cacao, one ounce of Frangelico hazelnut liqueur, and one ounce of heavy cream. To make it even sweeter, it’s served in a frosted martini glass with Nutella and shaved chocolate around the rim. For those who want to support our fine county, the restaurant also serves The Bee’s Knees, boasting Port Chester-made Comb 9 gin, which is distilled from honey (fresh lemon juice and house-made simple syrup, too). The pièce de résistance: half-price martinis every Thursday night along with live music. Straight Up: $14; 3605 Crompond Rd (914) 788-8700 |
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| J’Adore. Mix Cocktail Bar & Kitchen, Crowne Plaza, White Plains If you can’t pronounce it, don’t worry—just ask for the drink that actress Kirsten Dunst likes. She was the first customer to enjoy one (albeit in lower Manhattan), and it’s been famous ever since—at least for mixologist Jake Sher, who originally designed it for his better half. This simple, yet balanced cocktail is a no-frills martini made with Tito’s Handmade vodka, Domaine de Canton ginger liqueur, liqueur d’orange, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and two thin slices of fresh ginger. It’s refreshing on the palate, cooling you when it’s warm out, and warming you when it’s cold. Straight Up: $11; 66 Hale Ave (914) 682-0050 |
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| Pomegranate Martini. Goldfish Oyster Bar & Restaurant, Ossining Pomegranate has become the new “in”gredient, thanks to its powerful antioxidants and its sweet-tart flavor. Created with Absolut Citron vodka, limoncello, grapefruit juice, and pomegranate juice, the Pomegranate Martini is one surefire way to bring tired co-workers back to life. Fruits are a big part of this restaurant’s bar menu. Also available: a Bellini Martini with peach vodka, peach purée, and Champagne, and a Grapetini with Cîroc grape distilled vodka, Champagne, white grape juice, and a grape garnish. Straight Up: $10; 6 Rockledge Ave (914) 762-0051 |
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