Where to find Auckland's best martinis

Classic, dirty, espresso, sweet – the humble martini has evolved into its own subcategory, and we’re loving it. Remix has rounded up Auckland’s best martinis in every iteration for your sipping pleasure. 

Via @tempero.akl

Horchata Espresso Martini - Tempero

Karangahape Road’s hottest eatery has injected our favourite caffeinated cocktail with a Latin twist. Lauded for their horchata and espresso martinis, the team at Tempero smartly thought to marry the two, and greatness was born. Boasting creamy rice milk and a touch of sweet cinnamon, get ready for a blend of exciting new flavours.

Via @littleculprit

All the Martinis - Little Culprit 

One of Auckland’s best kept fine dining secrets isn’t a restaurant – it’s a bar and lounge. Right across the street from Culprit, baby brother Little Culprit takes just as much care with their mixology as their cuisine. The team is serious about their martinis, with a dedicated section of the menu just for them. Give any of them a spin for guaranteed satisfaction; the Dirté on the rocks with Rutte celery gin and a pickle ice cube; the Espresso with Supreme coffee and sweet golden brown brandy; the Martinezzz with beeswax gin and a Maraschino cherry; or the Flawless, their ‘perfect’ martini with No.10 Tanqueray gin, vermouth and two olives to top it off.

Via @otto_krd

Tiramisu Martini - Otto

We’ve seen espresso martinis and sweet martinis – Otto says, why not both? The modern Italian spot combines our favourite dessert and drink for an absolute delight. Rum, coffee liqueur, Bailey’s and smooth espresso equals the perfect post-dinner pick-me-up to keep the night going.

Via @giltbrasserie

Martini Mondays - Gilt Brassiere 

Josh Emett’s inner-city brassiere Gilt is a celebration of understated luxury, so it’s no wonder their martinis have a dedicated weekday special. From 11.30 am til late every Monday, their bartenders are shaking and stirring martinis for only $15. Pick your style – classic, French, vesper, or dirty – and spirit – Roots Marlborough Dry Gin or Belvedere Vodka – and consider midday, afternoon and post-work drinks sorted. 

Via @lilian.akl

Smoked Shiitake Mezcal Martini - Lillian

Tucked away in Grey Lynn, the in-the-know of Auckland recognise Lillan as well worth the trip into suburbia. Their European fare’s a longtime hit, but what’s going on behind the bar is just as exciting; Enter their Japanese-Mexican-Spanish love-child of the classic martini. Made with mezcal (tequila’s older sister), Manzanilla (a dry, savoury Spanish wine), shiitake dashi (an umami, mushroomy broth), shio koji (a Japanese rice marinade) and Houjicha (a roasted green tea – matcha’s cousin), the Smoked Shiitake Mezcal Martini ticks every flavour profile box in exquisite form. 

Via @we_are_panacea

One Shot Martini - Panacea 

Since arriving on the cocktail scene two years ago, Panacea has quickly become renowned for their impressive approach to cocktail-making. Focusing on unique flavour combinations and championing the method behind their mixology, their small batch approach and expertise extends well into their martini offering. The One Shot Martini is exactly what it sounds like – a shot with Hedricks gin, Reyka vodka and dry vermouth, starting your night strong before exploring their extensive cocktail menu. 

Via @soulbarandbistro

Pornstar Martini - SOUL Bar & Bistro

Where better to get an iconic martini style than an iconic Auckland establishment? SOUL Bar & Bistro is the go-to spot for unrivalled harbourside views with beautiful food and drinks to accompany, and honestly, where’s a better place to indulge in a Pornstar Martini? Made with vanilla vodka, passionfruit, pineapple, lime and paired with a shot of bubbles, SOUL executes our favourite fruity variant at the highest level. No need to stop there – their classic SOUL Martini and French Martini (citrusy cognac, raspberry and egg white) are also worthy contenders.

Via @bivacco_nz

Espresso Martini - Bivacco 

We couldn’t make a list of martinis and not include the most popular adaptation of the drink! Bivacco nails the caffeinated classic with premium Stolichnaya vodka, Australian cold-brewed Broken Bean coffee liqueur, a sugar blend, and of course, coffee – the perfect pairing for their iconic long weekend lunches.

Via @gemmayze_st

Orange Blossom Martini -  Gemmayze Street

Excellence at award-winning Lebanese restaurant Gemmayze Street doesn’t stop at the kitchen – their cocktails are to die for. Using their Middle Eastern lens to reinterpret classics has brought hits like the Orange Blossom Martini to the menu. With orange vodka, vermouth and Cointreau, this citrusy, tart sip is a refreshing and bold take on a beloved classic.

Via @elmosnz

Miso White Chocolate Martini - Elmo’s

For a snow-white chocolate treat, Elmo’s is shaking up the most decadent martini of them all. With vodka, miso, Frangelico, white Crème De Cacao liquor and shaved Whittaker’s white chocolate to top it off, it’s only natural the indulgent drink remains a staple of the iconic Ponsonby establishment. 

Via @jacquelinexiii

Lychee Martini - Jacuzzi

Ponsonby Road’s buzziest new opening has no shortage of sumptuous drinks, and no lack of iconic martinis either. Our pick? The Lychee Martini, another fruit-forward, sweet and floral version with an Asian flair. Made with premium Stolichnaya classic and vanilla vodka, lychee, and agave, it’s the perfect sweet treat to finish your meal with - or get your weekend started!