Whether you’re a connoisseur or just looking to explore new flavors, Philly’s diverse Martini scene has something for everyone.
The name “Martini” is said to have been derived from the brand of vermouth used in the drink, known initially as “Martinez.” Over time, the recipe evolved to include a combination of gin and dry vermouth, typically garnished with an olive or a lemon twist. The Martini gained popularity during Prohibition in the United States when gin became readily available and often enjoyed in speakeasies. The Martini remains an iconic cocktail that continues to be enjoyed by cocktail enthusiasts worldwide. Philly has a few choice venues where you can indulge in the Martini of your liking. From savory to sweet, the local establishments are pushing the boundaries of mixology, offering unique and innovative variations on the Martini that will tantalize the taste buds.
Art in the Age is the only bar and tasting room, bottle shop, and home bar supply store in Philly and has been a pioneer in crafting the inventive Martini for years. Their creative martinis include the Vespa, a gin martini with a twist of limoncello and olive oil, garnished with yellow tomatoes and flaky sea salt. Another standout is the Martini Spritz, made with vodka, dry vermouth, lemon, olive brine, sea salt, tonic, Artemisia, and black lemon bitters. But this summer, they are taking things to a whole new level with their Weenie Martini—a hotdog-inspired concoction made with potato vodka, tomato-infused dry vermouth, pickle brine, celery bitters, sesame oil, and garnished with a skewered sliced tomato, cornichon, and a hot dog wheel. The Weenie Martini will be available exclusively during the Dog Days of Summer at Art in the Age on selected weekends from June 30 to September 24.
The Dutch, known for their reinvention of Pennsylvania Dutch classics, are adding their twist to the martini game. Their Chow-Tini is a salty and savory blend of gin, chow-chow pickle juice, and celery bitters, garnished with a pickled pearl onion. Chow-chow, a pickled relish with roots in early 20th-century North America, brings a local Pennsylvania Dutch flavor to this unique cocktail. Available during dinner service, The Dutch’s seasonal cocktail selection offers a refreshing take on the trendy “pickletini.”
Red Owl Tavern is launching a new summer-inspired cocktail menu. Among the offerings is the Blossom Martini, a vibrant and floral-forward creation by Lead Bartender Christopher Devern. This Martini features purple pea flowers, Roku Gin, damiana, Lillet Blanc, and lavender honey, garnished with a lemon twist. The refreshing flavors of the Blossom Martini are perfect for those warm summer days.
Rex at The Royal is known for its elevated Southern cuisine, and they are raising the bar with their Royal Martini. This luxurious Martini is made with olive oil-washed Spanish Gin, Spanish Dry Vermouth, and Herbs de Provence and garnished with decadent Birchrun blue cheese stuffed olives. The Royal Martini is a true indulgence for martini enthusiasts.
Royal Boucherie, a lively French brasserie in Old City, presents Hazel’s Secret—a martini infused with dill-infused vodka, house-pickled ramp, and fiddlehead fern. The briny flavors of this cocktail perfectly complement the restaurant’s charcuterie or fromage board. Named after one of the mixologists’ great-grandmother, Hazel, the pickling liquid used in this cocktail is her personal recipe, adding a sentimental touch to the drink.
Joseph’s Pizza Parlor has an impressive trio of Italian-inspired martinis. The Espresso Martini features freshly-brewed espresso, coffee-infused vanilla vodka, and steeped espresso simple syrup. They also offer the Limoncello Martini, made with limoncello, Stateside Vodka, lemon juice, and simple syrup, as well as the Tiramisu Martini, composed of Nola Coffee Liqueur, tiramisu liqueur, Dutch caramel vodka, and heavy whipping cream. These martini variations perfectly complement Joseph’s high-quality hand-tossed pies and other delicious offerings.
These imaginative martini riffs found at various watering holes throughout Philly offer a refreshing departure from the traditional ‘tini, inviting you to embark on a unique and flavorful journey.
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