Who Has the Best Martinis in New York City?
When you are looking for the best martinis in New York City, there are several martini bars that make great drinks. However, when you want the very best of the best martinis in NYC, then you need to visit Rosevale Cocktail Room.
What Is a Martini?
A martini is an alcoholic beverage that consists of gin and dry vermouth, usually in a ratio of two parts gin and one part dry vermouth. However, there are variations to this, whether you want the traditional dry martini, or want to experiment and try an extra-dry martini, or a wet martini. Some people also prefer dirty martinis, which can be dry, extra-dry, or wet, but must contain olive brine to make it “dirty.”
You also have the choice between shaken or stirred martinis. Shaken means the martini is shaken with ice, which cools it much faster, but it can also dilute the flavors of the martini. Stirred means the ice is stirred into the martini and creates a more velvety texture with a smoother finish since it is not diluted.
There are also vodka martinis that use vodka in place of the gin. Dry vermouth is still used in vodka martinis, and is essential for their flavor. Some people prefer vodka martinis because there is a wider range of flavors available compared to flavored gins.
What Makes a Great Martini?
A great martini is all about the balance between the gin and dry vermouth, the taste, and the clarity of the cocktail. For some people, it is an extra-dry martini that is shaken. For others, it could be a wet martini that is stirred. Regardless of your preferences, a great martini should consist of:
- High-quality ingredients: You need to use top-shelf gin or vodka, and the very best dry vermouth.
- Proper technique: Whether you prefer shaken or stirred, the martini glass should be ice cold and chilled before pouring in the drink. You also need to use the correct ratios of dry vermouth and gin or vodka.
- Finishing touches: Adding a dash of bitters, olives, or other garnishes enhances the aromas and flavors of the martini.
Best Martini Venues in NYC
New York City is home to some of the best martini bars around, including:
- Rosevale Cocktail Room
- Dante NYC
- The Dead Rabbit
- Sir Henry’s
- Monkey Bar
- VALERIE
- London & Martin Co.
- The Dickens
What Sets Rosevale’s Martinis Apart From Others?
While you have your choice of different martini bars, cocktail rooms, and restaurants, there are several things that set Rosevale’s martinis apart from all the rest, including:
- An extensive collection of more than 200 vermouths from all over the world
- Themed martini flights
- Top-shelf, high-quality gins and vodkas
- We take classic cocktails, and elevate them into something new and exciting
- Unique flavors and flavor combinations, such as star anise, black tea, or cardamon
- Creamy textures from incorporating cold foam into our martinis
- Intense aromas and flavors with a smooth finish
- Our martinis pair well with different bites available in the Cocktail Room, and the various menu offerings in Rosevale Kitchen
- You can make a reservation for cocktails, dinner and cocktails, pre-theater, post-theater, brunch, or dessert with drinks
What Makes Rosevale Cocktail Room a Top Martini Spot?
Some of the reasons Rosevale Cocktail Room is a top martini spot in New York City are thanks to the following points:
- Location: We are conveniently located in the Theater District, so it is easy to enjoy martinis before or after Broadway shows.
- Unique ambience: We help create an intimate environment perfect for a date night, or special night out on the town, with high ceilings and dimly lit lights.
- Broadway-themed decor: Our cocktail room features a wide array of Broadway memorabilia, creating a unique theatrical design to further enhance your experience.
- Happy hour drinks: During Rosevale’s Happy Hour, we have martinis, Negronis, vermouth, and other happy hour drink specials daily.
- Live Jazz: On select nights, enjoy the best live Jazz in NYC, while sipping on your favorite martinis, or get out on the dance floor.
- Live music: On nights we don’t have live Jazz, we have a range of other live musical performances and entertainment you can enjoy watching or dancing to with your special someone.
- Our vermouth expertise: Having the world’s most extensive collection of vermouths, and the biggest vermouth collection in NYC, makes us the top expert in pairing them with gin or vodka to create the best martinis in the city.
- Expertly crafted martinis and cocktails: Our mixologists are well-known for their ability to create the best classic drinks, innovative cocktails, and mocktails to suit a wide range of tastes and preferences.
- Serene outdoor terrace: Enjoy sipping martinis while relaxing in our tranquil outdoor terrace.
- Table-side mixology experiences: Our mixologists are more than happy to prepare your favorite martinis and hand-crafted cocktails table-side.
- Rosevale Kitchen: Enjoy a variety of elevated American fare, alongside your favorite martinis in our Rockwell-themed restaurant on the first floor. You can also enjoy our weekend brunch and martinis while dining in our Secret Garden.
Make a Reservation for Dinner and Cocktails Today
Rosevale Cocktail Bar is the best place to experience the best martinis in New York City. Whether you want to sip on martinis before a Broadway show, or stop by after for some light bites and drinks, our mixologists handcraft the perfect martinis to suit anyone’s preferences. While we do accept walk-ins, we cannot guarantee seating, as we get quite busy on show nights. We highly recommend making reservations to ensure you secure your seat, whether in our restaurant or cocktail room.
Sources:
Bowes, L. (2024). Is It Time for Vermouth to Shine?
What Is Gin Made From? How Is Gin Different From Vodka? And Is “Flavoured Gin” Really, Well, Gin? (2023).