Super 7: It's Non-Teeny Martini Time
Obsessed with getting down and (sometimes) dirty when it comes to our martinis, we have sourced some of the straight-up best liquor infused libations in the 305.
Right Hand Miami
Small batch shoppers, take note of Right Hand. And this 'Martini Service.' At first I was flabbergasted as to why a bar located in Downtown Miami could and would charge $25 for their martini. However, after cozying up to the owner because that's just my way of operating, I would soon learn that service means service. With a frozen glass interchanged every ten minutes, paired with the ingredient sourcing, it was worth every cent. When you see the menu and scroll martini service, you select a Haku Vodka or N. 3 Gin (both outstanding options). And then you decide how you want it. Dirty or dry? Well, if you select dirty, it's served with a stuffed mushroom (the cheese interchanges daily) and dried Paradise Farms Oyster Mushrooms to nibble on. The dirty was divine. However, for those who opt for dry, you can experience a lemon twist and local starfruit! After one, I was done. It hit the spot, and for that I am forever grateful.
Pro Tip: Follow the rules and don’t put the mushroom in the cocktail. It serves as a delicious snack on the side // 121 SE 2nd Ave, Miami
Felice
Taking a spin on a Dirty Martini, Felice just launched the Dirty Martini Spritz — that's exactly what it sounds like. Adding a bubble to your buzz, it's effervescent and you can BYOM! Choose your spirit, be it tequila, vodka, or gin… they add dry vermouth, Italicus, a hit of olive brine, and top it with Prosecco and soda. Garnished with a lemon twist and skewered olives (yep, you heard us) and served over ice in a Burgundy wine glass, this is the drink that says summer, but make it aperitivo.
Pro Tip: Sit at the bar or stay for dinner. It’s stupendous and chic - immediately transporting you to a summer in the Amalfi @felice.restaurants // 1450 Brickell Ave. Miami
Rao’s Miami Beach
Perfectly cold and strong, their Dirty vodka martini with their blue-cheese olives won our hearts over. Believe it or not - it’s not easy to find a good stuffed olive at bars these days. However, with Rao’s team of talented well-suited bartenders' power to add a splash of dry vermouth and their balanced olive brine juice, it's inexplicably delicious.
Pro Tip: Ask for Chopin as there's something about that vodka that is light and smooth. @raosmiamibeach // 1601 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach
Amara
Who doesn’t love a Martini and a view on Biscayne Bay? Well, well… this ‘tini is called the Lupe Martini and its screaming floral and refreshing courtesy of El Bosque Gin, vermouth blanco, Italian lemon liqueur and l’aperitivo nonin.
Pro Tip: Every Monday evening from 4-10 p.m. guests can also enjoy the Lupe or just $10! @amaraatparaiso // 3101 NE 7th Ave, Miami
Smith and Wollensky
For those looking for a strong - a really strong gin martini after a long day at the office, with a trillion-dollar view of the ocean and Fisher Island, look no further than Smith and Wollensky. Anything you dream up - they will create in-front of your eyes and your problems just may disappear.
Pro Tip: Don’t drive, they provide extra-heavy pours within each ‘serving size.’ @smithwollensky // 1 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach
Joe's Stone Crab
Anything goes at Joe’s. Kick off your stone-crab feast with their Tito’s martini. The lightly-dirty is divine. As is the lemon with a twist.
Pro Tip: You can now book online for Joe’s so don’t hesitate and look up the dress code before you go to ensure you are allowed in. If not, the Joe’s Take Away is just as good and next door! @joesstonecrab // 11 Washington Avenue
Bouchon Bistro
Last year, Chef Thomas Keller emulated his Cali-style casual Bouchon concept in a historical property off Alhambra. At the bar, they whip up their dirty martini thanks to the ‘Filthy’ brand (chic alert) as the brined olive juice. Choose your vodka, but if you couldn’t tell - we stick with Chopin. And, if you’re lucky, you can score their hand-stuffed blue cheese olives, too.
Pro Tip: Sit at the bar for their Happy Hour because although this cocktail isn’t on the menu, the oysters are for just $2 each and it’s the ideal pairing. @bouchon_bistro // 2101 Galiano St, Coral Gables