Our Best Martinis
From Classic Vermouth to Cachaça, we have a martini for you
Martinis are a classic that are here to stay for a reason. While the origin of the martini may be unclear, we know for sure that Lettuce’s creative cocktail masterminds love shaking things up when it comes to making them. Here are some of our favorites to add to your must-try list.
Planning a group outing and looking for more than martinis? Check out our group drinks guide!
Looking for Happy Hour specials near you? View our Happy Hour guide.
Beatrix Espresso Martini at Beatrix
Ceres Vodka, Beatrix Coffee Roasters Voyager Espresso, Coffee Liqueur, Licor 43, Demerara
The Espresso Martini at Beatrix features pulls of Voyager Espresso Roast by Beatrix Coffee Roasters, Beatrix’s own in-house coffee line, as well as Ceres Vodka, a locally produced, 100% Illinois yellow corn vodka sourced from Chicago Distilling Co, a women-owned & family operated producer. Additionally, the use of Licor 43 adds notes of vanilla and orange zest, which provide a beautiful, creamy sensation without the addition of dairy.
Make a reservation at the Beatrix location nearest you
“La Gilda” Martini at Lil’Ba-Ba-Reeba!
Rives Dry Gin, white vermouth, orange bitters, La Gilda garnish
For classic martini lovers who enjoy a good garnish, this one is for you. Lil’ Ba-Ba-Reeba! adds a pintxo (bar snack) to this drink in the form of La Gilda, a famous pintxo from San Sebastian, Spain. Consisting of a gordal olive, piparra pepper and Cantabrian anchovy this pintxo is salty and pickled, the perfect savory bite.
Make a reservation at Lil’ Ba-Ba-Reeba!
House Martini at Miru
Ki No Bi Dry Gin, Oka Kura Bermutto Sake Vermouth, St. Germain, Lemon
Miru’s martini stands out from the rest as it’s made with rice-based sake vermouth, which along with the other ingredients gives this martini a botanical, floral and citrus-forward flavor profile.
Black Velvet Martini at Mon Ami Gabi – Lincoln Park
Vodka or Mezcal, Espresso, Mr. Black Coffee Liqueur, Demerara, Crème de Cacao
Mon Ami Gabi uses fresh espresso to keep its Black Velvet Martini from tasting bitter. The Mr. Black Coffee Liqueur is made with cold brew coffee which gives a powerful punch to the clean smoky flavor that comes from the demerara. Choose to mix it up with either vodka or mezcal, for a smokier variation.
Make a reservation at Mon Ami Gabi
Lychee-tini at Ramen-san
Roku Gin, Dolin Blanc, Colorful Shochu, lychee
The Lychee-Tini at Ramen-san is a must-try. It elevates the classic martini with a tropical twist. Served in a chilled martini glass and garnished with a succulent lychee, it’s the perfect blend of tradition and exotic flair.
Make a reservation at the Ramen-san location nearest you
Olive Oil Martini at RPM Seafood and RPM Italian
Infused Ketel One, Thyme, Rosemary, Marinated Olives
This martini is made with premium Ketel One Vodka infused with the 2022 Primolio Giachi first press olive oil imported from Florence. It is then infused with rosemary and thyme and served with a side of marinated Italian olives.
Make a reservation at RPM Seafood or RPM Italian
Tini for Two at RPM Steak
Dirty, Espresso or Lemon Drop
During happy hour (Monday – Friday, 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM), snag a seat at RPM Steak’s show-stopping bar and order the Tini for Two for $18, available in Dirty, Espresso or Lemon Drop fashion. Pile on even more fun by ordering the Petite Ember-Roasted Seafood Tower complete with wild blue prawns, manilla clams, oysters and Maryland Blue Crab for $35, plus select other bar snacks starting at $10. Available at the bar only.
Make a reservation at RPM Steak
Classic Martini at Shaw’s Crab House
Grey Goose Vodka or Beefeater Gin, Carpano Bianco Vermouth, Olives or Lemon Peel
This classic cocktail allows you to personalize your martini to suit your tastes.
Make a reservation at Shaw’s Crab House – Chicago
Make a reservation at Shaw’s Crab House – Schaumburg
Try it at home! Our bartenders share Shaw’s martini recipes for you to try. Give the Shaw’s Classic Martini or Shaw’s Espresso Martini a shake at home.
Tropical Dreams Martini at Summer House Restaurants
Sunny Vodka, Pamplemousse Liqueur, Habanero Honey
This martini is an irresistible journey to paradise. The blend of bittersweet pamplemousse liqueur, coupled with a fiery habanero kick, promises to transport your taste buds on a distinctive and flavorful adventure.
Make a reservation at the Summer House location nearest you
Don’t miss Martini Hour at Summer House – Lincoln Park, Mondays – Fridays from 4:00 – 6:00 PM (at the bar only)!
Colorful Cosmo at Sushi-san – River North & Lincoln Park
Colorful Sweet Potato Shochu, Cointreau Noir, vodka, cranberry, lime
This cocktail shakes up tradition by swapping vodka for shochu crafted from black koji rice and Miyazaki Beni sweet potatoes, infusing the classic cosmo with Japanese ingredients.
Make a reservation at the Sushi-san location nearest you
Olive Oil Martini at The Oakville Grill & Cellar
Infused Ketel One, Meyer Lemon, Rosemary, Thyme, Marinated Olives
Ketel One Vodka is infused with olive oil, rosemary and thyme and served with a side of marinated olives.
Make a reservation at The Oakville Grill & Cellar
Tre Martini at Bar Tre Dita and Tre Dita
Piucinque Italian gin, Contratto bianco, Lorenzo inga gavi di gavi grappa, lemon
Tre Dita, Italian for “three fingers”—a nod to the precise thickness of an authentic Bistecca All Fiorentina steak—is a love letter to Italy. Bar Tre Dita’s signature Tre, is an Italian spin on a martini that features, fittingly, three parts: Italian gin, bianca vermouth and grappa, a palate-pleasing brandy.
Make a reservation at Bar Tre Dita
Enjoy this Tuscan tipple at home with the recipe for the Tre Martini.
Wild Raspberry Cosmo at Wildfire – Oak Brook, Lincolnshire, Schaumburg, Glenview, Eden Prairie, MN and Tysons, VA
New Amsterdam Red Berry Vodka, Dekuyper Triple Sec, Cranberry, Raspberry Syrup
Along with its Espresso Tini, Wildfire offers two fruit-forward twists on the classic Cosmo with its Wild Raspberry Cosmo and the Mango Tini, made with Pinnacle vodka, mango liqueur and purée, and cranberry and pineapple juices.
Make a reservation at the Wildfire location nearest you.
Bellinitini at Di Pescara
Peach Liqueur, Peach Purée, Moscato
The Bellinitini was made for peach lovers. Each sip is packed with the aroma and sweet juiciness of peaches.
