The martini has existed in various forms throughout its ice-cold, crisp history. It is about minimalist perfection, with no juices or spices to mask an unbalanced drink. The classic martini is made with gin and vermouth, then garnished with an olive or lemon twist, but several Houston restaurants have put their spin on the conventional cocktail, adding modern-day class and sass to happy hour.
Little's Oyster Bar, Golden Martini
Guests to the acclaimed seafood haven can pull up a chair at the bar to watch what's playing on the big screen or enjoy a delightful conversation. Either way, the Golden Martini featuring Aviation Gin, Dolin Blanc Vermouth, Chamomile Licorice Stock, and Grapefruit Bitters—is a must.
Auden, Not Your Nana's Martini
When developing the menu and considering kitchen waste, Auden's Beverage Consultant Alexis Mijares noticed she could easily repurpose parmesan rinds. She infused the rinds in Botanist gin and created the most delicious Parma-Gin. Mijares uses Castelvetrano olive brine, which adds a rich and buttery complement to the parmesan's umami flavors, along with Lustau Manzanilla Sherry and Noilly Prat Dry Vermouth to reinforce the salinity and increase dryness to balance the decadence.
The Original Ninfa's, Mexican Martini
Both locations, Navigation and Uptown, have a new cocktail making a splash on the main menu: the Mexican Martini. The Mexican Martini blends Penta Cristalino Tequila, freshly squeezed lime and orange juice, olive brine, and orange liqueur. A rim of kosher salt and three Castelvetrano olives hand-stuffed with panela cheeses and pickled jalapeños complete the cocktail.
Cafe Piquet Cuban Cuisine, Old Cuban
Guests can shake things up with the Old Cuban at Cafe Piquet Cuban Cuisine. If a daiquiri and a mojito had a baby—this traditional Cuban martini would be it. The cocktail features Ron Zacapa, a smooth, aged dark rum, combined with muddled mint, angostura bitters, simple syrup and fresh squeezed lime for a refreshing cocktail reminiscent of a beach vacation. Champagne tops off the Old Cuban for an opulent finish.
Private Client, Dirty Martini
Private Client, an aesthetic cocktail lounge in Houston's East Village, offers not one but three martinis on its viral Girl Dinner menu. Offered on Thursdays from 3-10 p.m., Girl Dinner includes Caesar Salad, Parmesan Truffle Fries, and a choice of Dirty Martini, Lemon Drop Martini, or Espresso Martini.