6 best martinis in Singapore to celebrate World Martini Day

When you think of martinis, chances are a few iconic characters come to mind. There’s James Bond with his famous “shaken, not stirred” order, Lorelai Gilmore sipping martinis during girls’ nights, and Blake Lively’s Emily Nelson in A Simple Favor, who famously insisted that a real martini should be made with gin.

The cocktail itself has a history that stretches back more than a century. Widely believed to have evolved from the Martinez, a gin based drink that emerged in the late 19th century, the martini has since inspired countless variations, from dry and dirty martinis to vodka martinis and modern interpretations. In celebration of World Martini Day on 20 June, we’ve rounded up six martinis in Singapore that deserve a spot on your must sip list.

Atlas Bar

If you’re looking for a martini that strays from tradition while remaining sophisticated, Atlas Bar’s Foragers Martini is worth seeking out. Made with modern American gin, bianco vermouth, smoked salt, cep and cucumber, the cocktail is rich and savoury with layers of earthy woodland flavours. Deliberately restrained yet deeply expressive, it’s a martini that rewards slow sipping and proves there’s still room for innovation within a classic.

Gibson

The MF Martini at Gibson isn’t just a cocktail, it’s designed with food in mind. Named “Made For Fries”, the drink was specifically created to pair with the bar’s hot, crispy French fries. This wet style martini combines London Dry Gin and Cinzano Dry Vermouth in a two to one ratio, elevated with orange tincture and Cocchi Americano before being force carbonated overnight. The result is crisp, refreshing and subtly effervescent, making it an easy companion for an evening of snacking and sipping.

Morton’s The Steakhouse

If you’re after a martini that’s as bold as the steakhouse itself, order one of Morton’s famous Mortinis. Served in a generous 3 oz pour, the cocktail can be made with either Grey Goose Vodka or Bombay Sapphire Gin and comes garnished with hand stuffed blue cheese olives. Prefer your martini on the savoury side? Ask for it “filthy” for an extra hit of briny goodness. It’s indulgent, unapologetically classic and exactly the kind of drink you’d expect from a legendary steakhouse.

No. 5 Emerald Hill

Sometimes, simplicity is best. No. 5 Emerald Hill’s martini keeps things classic with a dry, dirty and perfectly balanced profile, complete with olives for that signature savoury finish. It’s the kind of martini that appeals to purists who believe the original formula doesn’t need much improvement and a reminder that a well executed classic never goes out of style.

The Last Word

Precision is at the heart of every cocktail at The Last Word, and its martini is no exception. Made with Bombay Premier Cru gin for an extra citrusy lift and paired with the bar’s house blended dry vermouth, this version is bright, elegant and beautifully balanced. The result is a martini that feels familiar yet elevated, showcasing the subtle nuances that make the cocktail such an enduring favourite.

MO BAR

Bond may have preferred his martinis shaken, but MO BAR takes a different approach. Stirred rather than shaken and finished with a citrus twist, this sophisticated rendition balances familiarity with modern flair. Clean, refreshing and effortlessly elegant, it’s the perfect cocktail for those looking to celebrate World Martini Day with a contemporary take on a timeless classic.

Whether you’re a fan of a dirty martini loaded with olives, a citrus forward classic or a more adventurous interpretation, there’s no shortage of excellent options in Singapore. This World Martini Day, raise a glass to one of the world’s most iconic cocktails and discover why the martini continues to captivate drinkers more than a century after its creation.