The Martini: A Timeless Classic
The martini, one of the most classic cocktails in existence, never went out of style. But is it possible it’s hotter than ever in Dallas-Fort Worth?
It is no longer enough for a stylish restaurant in North Texas to have a martini or two on a menu. No, some restaurants — especially new ones — are offering a half-dozen. Beyond typical vodka and gin options, more than just shaken or stirred, martinis today can come topped with caviar, laced with umami or skewered with a salad’s worth of veggies.
And of course, every upscale restaurant needs its version of an espresso martini.
If you’re up for a twist on your typical martini this holiday season in North Texas, taste through our list of inventive martinis at six Dallas restaurants and bars.
Introduction to Martinis
The martini is a classic cocktail made with gin and vermouth, and is typically served in a martini glass. It is a sophisticated and elegant drink that is often associated with luxury and refinement. Over the years, the martini has evolved, and many variations have been created, including the use of different types of gin, vermouth, and garnishes.
Caviar Martini at Tango Room
This $55 martini at Tango Room in the Dallas Design District has a showstopper topper: caviar.
Sarah Blaskovich/Staff
Dallas Design District restaurant Tango Room is serving a $55 vodka martini with a spoon of caviar on top. The recipe keeps it fairly classic, with 2.5 ounces of Beluga Transatlantic vodka stirred with vermouth soaked in baked oyster shells. A small amount of Kummel liqueur imparts an herbal quality. The martini is clean, crisp and chic.
First thing’s first, take a picture. (You’re drinking a $55 cocktail, after all.) Then sip the smooth martini to get your palate primed for a glossy taste of caviar. Hidden under the caviar is sous vide egg yolk and breadcrumbs, a crunchy, rich snack. The brine of the caviar and minerality of the martini are an instant match — a fashionable way to enjoy two classics.
Tango Room is at 1617 Hi Line Drive, Dallas.
Everything Espresso Martini at Sylvestro
Order an Everything Espresso Martini at new cocktail bar Sylvestro in Old East Dallas, get a fortune.
Shafkat Anowar / Staff Photographer
At new cocktail bar Sylvestro, the espresso martini meets the everything bagel. The drink, $18, is subtly flavored with everything seasoning, and a bit of soy sauce is added to give it salinity and an umami undercurrent. It comes garnished with a sprinkling of crushed fortune cookie, and topped with the paper fortune, of course. The bar’s beverage director, Joe Shirghio, said it might be his favorite drink on the menu.
Sylvestro is at 1410 N. Fitzhugh Ave., Dallas.
Greek Salad Martini at Goodwins
