New York’s cocktail scene has never been content with the status quo—but this season, it’s martinis getting the reinvention treatment. Across the city, top-tier venues are giving this iconic drink a modern—and in some cases, wildly unconventional—twist. Whether it’s a tableside build-your-own experience, an herbaceous Mexican remix, or a vodka clarified with mozzarella, these takes are making space for innovation without losing the drink’s signature sophistication.
Here are three standout spots shaking up how we think about the martini—each with its own story, setting, and flavor-forward perspective.
On the Brighton Beach boardwalk, just steps from Coney Island, Breva delivers brasserie comfort with a distinctly New American approach. While the ocean breeze and boardwalk buzz set the tone, it’s the martini menu that commands attention.
Guests looking for an interactive twist can opt for Martini My Way, a customizable cocktail experience that turns drinkers into collaborators. Select your spirit, prep style, garnish, and mixer—and watch your personal recipe come to life. For those ending the evening on a sweet note, Didi’s Chocolate Martini offers liquid dessert in a glass, blending vanilla vodka, dark chocolate, crème de cacao, and Irish cream.
“Our martinis are more canvas than classic. The guest-driven Martini My Way transforms diners into an assistant mixologist, while Didi’s Chocolate Martini makes the ideal after-dinner drink. Pair it with the Chocolate Caramel Pie for double decadence.”J. Holmes, SVP Operations, Apicii
Atop the 28th floor of Grayson Hotel, Bar Cima delivers sultry skyline views and a cocktail program deeply rooted in modern Latin flavors. Dimly lit, impeccably designed, and framed by a panoramic backdrop of the Empire State Building, the space sets the scene for cocktails that speak in bold, regional accents.
The standout here is the Pepino Martini, a cooling yet smoky concoction made with cucumber vodka, Ancho Reyes Verde, fresh citrus, and cilantro. It’s equal parts garden-fresh and spice-tinged, offering a distinctly Mexican profile with a Manhattan-worthy finish.
“Our Pepino Martini captures the essence of Bar Cima. Rooted in modern Latin flair, the martini is made with cucumber vodka, Ancho Reyes Verde, fresh citrus and cilantro. It’s a cool, smoky twist on the traditional martini.”Andrew Booth, General Manager, Bar Cima
In Williamsburg, Sungold brings its Greenmarket ethos to the bar with a martini that’s equal parts curious and captivating. The Caprese Martini, created by Chef Michael King, is a culinary cocktail crafted with the same care—and ingredients—as one of the restaurant’s signature dishes.
It begins with Sungold tomatoes sourced from Union Square, blended with fresh basil, then sous-vided and clarified with mozzarella-infused vodka, creating a translucent, savory spirit topped with a blue cheese olive. It’s more than a cocktail; it’s a seasonal ode to local farms and meticulous craft.
"Our Caprese Martini is one of those drinks that makes people pause, take a second sip and say, ‘I wasn’t expecting that — in a good way.’ It’s not just a cocktail, it’s like having a salad in a glass. We use high-quality tomatoes and fresh basil to create a clean, savory profile. We sous vide with vodka and then clarify the mixture to create a crystal-clear spirit with a smooth, elegant texture and fresh flavors."Armando Acevedo, Bar Captain of Sungold
Across New York City, these three destinations prove the martini isn’t stuck in the past—it’s being thoughtfully remixed, infused, and elevated for a new generation of cocktail culture. Whether you're sipping a smoky cucumber-spiked pour 28 stories up or discovering mozzarella-clarified vodka in Brooklyn, there’s a martini moment waiting to surprise you.