A true bar classic, the standard martini is a cocktail made with gin and vermouth, garnished with olives or a lemon twist. Since its creation, bartenders and mixologists have adapted the martini recipe to include new, fresh flavors that appeal to any palate. For those wondering where to get a martini in the Montclair area, we’ve got you covered. North Jersey is full of classic and new-age martinis that you should order your next night out. Read on to learn more about some must-have martinis in the Montclair area.
Bella Napoli | 1640 Broad Street #3110, Bloomfield
Bella Cosmopolitan, Pom + Fig, Elderflower Fizz
(Photo credit: @bellanapolinj)
Featuring 3 different types of martinis in addition to its classic martinis, Bella Napoli has a martini for all tastes. The Bella Cosmopolitan is made with vodka, Cointreau, fresh lime juice, and a splash of cranberry – for when you want to channel your inner Sex and the City vibe. The Pom + Fig is made with fig vodka, pomegranate juice, and fresh lime juice. Last but not least, the Elderflower Fizz is made with vodka, St. Germain, elderflower liqueur, prosecco, and a lemon twist – it’s super vibrant and refreshing. Martini lovers should be sure to stop by.
Brix Restaurant + Pizza Bar | 371 South Franklin Avenue, Belleville
Filthy Tito
(Photo credit: @brix_restaurant)
Not a gin fan? Brix’s Filthy Tito is made with Tito’s Vodka and, in typical dirty martini fashion, topped off with olive brine and garnished with bleu cheese-stuffed olives. The substitution of vodka for gin is popular as it creates a neutral flavor in comparison to the very herbaceous flavor gin provides. A great vodka martini pairs beautifully with any pizza pie.
Read More: Bars in the Montclair Area to Visit Based on Your Drink Preferences
Cowan’s Public | 229 Centre Street, Nutley
Violets are Blue
(Photo credit: @cowans_public)
Cowan’s Public is in an old, historic building, meaning you’ll feel extra distinguished sipping on a martini here. Cowan’s martini has an unusual take on the classic. It’s made with Brooklyn gin, yellow chartreuse, Rockey’s herbal liqueur, butterfly pea flower, lemon, and orange blossom. This is a great drink to have alongside the many sharing plates and sandwiches at Cowan’s.
Egan + Sons | 118 Walnut Street, Montclair
Pear Martini
(Photo credit: @eganandsons)
For a sweeter take, Egan + Sons is the place to go for its pear martini. Its Pear Martini is made with pear vodka, pear syrup, and pineapple juice. We recommend balancing the drink’s sweetness with some great salty appetizers at the bar.
Faubourg | 544 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
Espresso Martini
(Photo credit: @faubourgmontclair)
Faubourg’s exceptional coffee is brewed fresh for each espresso martini made. Although it includes no cream, Faubourg’s espresso martini is still rich and smooth. It’s an amazing way to cap off your meal.
Halcyon | 114 Walnut Street, Montclair
Classic Gin Martini
(Photo credit: @halcyonmontclair)
While the new takes on martinis are great, sometimes you just need the classic. Halcyon’s bitter flavor pairs well with seafood – Halcyon’s specialty. There’s nothing better than a catch of the day alongside a cold martini in-hand.
Kinya Ramen Sushi Bar | 495 Prospect Avenue Suite 20, West Orange
Lychee Martini
(Photo credit: @kinyaramen)
Opened recently in spring of 2022, Kinya is new to the greater-Montclair food scene and is boasting rave reviews. Its lychee martini is made with vodka, triple sec, and lychee puree. Lychee is a tropical fruit with a both sweet and acidic flavor, making it a great addition to a balanced cocktail. Diners can have a lychee martini alongside Kinya’s signature golden ramen or sushi options with actual 24k gold in them.
Six Points Pub | 574 Bloomfield Avenue, Bloomfield
Flirty French Martini
(Photo credit: @sixpointspub)
The French martini rose to popularity in the 80s. The addition of Chambord – a French raspberry liqueur – gave it its signature name. Six Points Pub’s Flirty French is made with Stoli vanilla vodka, Chambord, and pineapple juice, and it’s a fun take on the classic.
See More: A Guide to Mocktails in North Jersey
Spuntino Wine Bar + Italian Tapas | 70 Kingsland Road, Clifton
Pomegranate + Fig Martini
(Photo credit: @sputinowinebar)
Combining two popular, summer ingredients, Spuntino’s Pomegranate + Fig Martini is a sweet, Italian take on the martini — similar to the drink at Bella Napoli. It is also made with fig vodka, pomegranate juice, and fresh lime juice to balance the sweetness — but it also has pinot noir in it. This is a great spot to indulge in some tapas and this delicious martini on a warm summer night.
Tavern 292 | 292 Passaic Avenue, Fairfield
Salted Caramel Apple Martini
(Photo credit: @tavern292)
The star of Tavern 292’s fall cocktail menu is its Salted Caramel Apple Martini. Made with Ciroc apple vodka, apple cider, cinnamon syrup, and fresh lemon juice, it’s a great mix of warm flavors. Finished off with a salted caramel rim, it’s an enjoyable indulgence for the season.