I want to drink dirty martinis. Really, I do. The problem is, I kind of think they taste like tears. From years of working as a bartender, I know what constitutes a “martini”: vodka or gin, ice, and (maybe) a splash of dry vermouth. A little olive juice is a respectable contribution, but classic martini drinkers don’t want their booze diluted with much more than that. While I’m the first to admit that the new breed of creative concoctions filling martini menus is far from the real thing, there is one thing I cannot ignore. They taste really, really good. To help you sort through the rainbow of flavors offered all over town, I’ve gone ahead and highlighted some of the best. You’re welcome.
I’ve always liked the orange gummy bears, Skittles, and jellybeans, so of course I’m drawn to Hi Hat Lounge’s (1709 N. Arlington) glowing orange “Passion” martini ($10). Combining Zygo Peach Vodka, Alize Gold, Marie Brizzard Peach, and fresh-squeezed orange juice, the tropical-tasting Passion is so fruity and delicious, it could easily stand in for the standard mimosa or Bloody Mary with Hi Hat’s tasty brunch.
When I was in high school, my so-cool, eastside-living sister used to take me to Abu’s for delicious food and rosewater lemonade. Leave it to modern Middle Eastern restaurant/lounge, Yaffa (106 W. Wells Street), to make me a more adult version of this traditional beverage. Their Lemon Rosewater Martini ($9) mixes vodka, bar sour, lemonade, and rosewater. The result is tart and fragrant, but not overly sweet. And with Yaffa’s convenient location, this might be the perfect pre-theater/concert beverage.
Café Vecchio (now Vecchio Bar & Grille, 1137 N. Old World Third Street) has certainly undergone a facelift of late, but the owners have smartly kept some truly important things around. Namely, the much adored martini list. I’ve always been partial to Vecchio’s Pink Martini. Don’t let the frou-frou name fool you. With a modest ingredient list of vodka (or gin) and grapefruit juice, the Pink makes the Cosmo look like a sissy.
So, let’s see. Orange, Yellow, Pink…I detect a pattern. Roots Restaurant and Cellar (1818 North Hubbard) presents a yummy, blue option. Blue Curacao in a drink usually creeps me out, but at Roots they round things out with Malibu rum, a little X-Rated Vodka, and lychee juice. Dubbed “Snow Flake,” this martini holds true to its frosty name, as well as its exotic ingredients with a coconut rim. Such a creative combo of flavors is perfectly reflective of the equally imaginative food menu.
