Martinis, Reimagined: Three Distinct New York Spots Stirring Up the Cocktail’s Future

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.

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.

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.