Martini Day: Explore these twists to the classic cocktail, and make your own

As tipplers raise a toast on Martini Day, we’ve curated a few twists on the classic cocktail to savour across city bars and have also shared a quick DIY recipe to impress your guests at the next house party

It is a favourite among the fashionable, the suave and the well-heeled. While no one truly knows its origin, every connoisseur of the spirits is more than familiar with the martini. Many cocktail historians claim Harry Johnson’s 1900 Bartender’s Manual as the first mention of the drink. While the drink has been popular with writers like W Somerset Maugham and Ernest Hemingway, and even leaders like Sir Winston Churchill, it was author Ian Fleming’s iconic creation, James Bond, who gave the drink its glamour. Mentioned for the first time in his book, Casino Royale (1953), the drink has since become a signature of the character on screen. Starting in the late 20th century, the United States began the National Martini Day on June 19 to celebrate the first reported occasion of the drink being ordered by a miner for the first time in Martinez, California. Commemorating the occasion, we line up some unique martinis from across the bars of Mumbai for our readers to try.

Martinis with a difference

Bombay martini
The name for this sharp, dry martini comes from the ingredient of Bombay Sapphire stirred with dry vermouth and garnished with a twist of lemon or apples (above), and olives.
AT Bombay Martini, Kailash Business Park, Powai.
CALL 8828888311

Vesper martini 
Named after James Bond’s only heartbreak, the original Bond martini comes with a Bombay sapphire cru gin, lillet blanc and lemon pearls to add some snap.
AT Bastian, Wadia International Center, Worli.
CALL 8419965953

Blueberry muffin martini 
A blueberry muffin vodka, chamomile, vermouth finished with green apple froth make this the perfect dessert martini for a celebratory evening.
AT Carnival by Trèsind, Krishna Curve Building, Santacruz West.
CALL 8928000058

Elderflower martini
Its floral scents, edible flower and twist of St Germain and lemon juice make this one a popular choice for patrons looking for some quiet.
AT Butterfly High, ground floor, 
Godrej two building, Vikhroli.
CALL 8655789011

Sparkling empress martini
This grapefruit-infused pea tea cocktail is a citrus-y twist on the classic, and will suit any classy evening.
AT Kyma, G Block, BKC
CALL 9372952531

Gin martini
You cannot go wrong with a classic, this gin martini topped with three olives will make your Bond dreams a reality.
AT Nadara, ground floor, 
Walbhat Road, Goregaon East.
CALL 9004160046

It’s 5’o’clock Somewhere
The aptly-named drink — a mix of Grey Goose, martini bianco, olive brine and Elderflower is the perfect drink to relax with friends.
AT Le Bar Diamantaire, Sofitel, C57, BKC.
CALL 2261175116

Baileys espresso martini
This fantastic pick me up comes with a shot of Baileys cream with espresso in this classic martini twist, and remains a popular choice among regulars.
AT Woodside Inn, Indian Mercantile Mansion, Colaba.
CALL 7968158311

Psithurism martini
If you are in the mood for something offbeat, try this shaken mix with London dry gin, fresh cucumber juice,  matcha and chives infused dry vermouth. Talk about a twist.
AT Epitome, Mathuradas Mill compound, Lower Parel.
CALL 7900043399

Psithurism martini

Ingredients
>> 45ml London dry gin
>> 30 ml fresh cucumber juice
>> 1 tbsp lemongrass powder
>> 1 tbsp matcha
>> 15ml chives infused dry vermouth
>> 20ml lemon juice

Method
Pour the ingredients in a martini glass and garnish with matcha powder on the rim.
Recipe courtesy: Mahesh Panigrahi, mixologist, Epitome

Daniel Craig’s James Bond tries his trademark martini in the film, No Time to Die (2021). Pic Courtesy/Youtube

ALSO CHECK OUT

>> The Bar Stock Exchange
At Opposite Goregaon Sports Club, Malad West. 
Call 9170391703 

>> Dashanzi
At JW Marriott, Juhu Tara Road. Call 022 6693 3344

>> Neuma
At Garden Chalet, near Regal Cinema, Colaba.
Call 7031493333

>> Torii
At 21, Pali Hill Road, Khar West. 
Call 9833373888

>> Megumi
At 9th floor, Ramee Emerald II, Santacruz West.
Call 7738893672

>> The Sassy Spoon
At B wing, Delphi Building, Hiranandani Gardens, Powai.
Call 9819544195

>> Eau Bar
At Oberoi Hotel, Nariman Point.
Call 2266326220

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