With a Twist: The Top 5 Martini Menus in Moscow

Vodka-martini mix became popular in the mid- to late-20th century. Ian Fleming, author of the series of books about James Bond, mentioned this drink in his first novel about famous agent. Up until now vodka-martini remains one of the most popular cocktails. While finding high-quality vodka in Russia never was a problem, Haute Living shows you the top places in Moscow with the best martini lists.

Help Bar

You might get a headache simply reading the martini list here. Apart from classic dry (sweet, perfect) martini, the menu also features the following beverages: breakfast martini, vice apple martini, azure martini, blush martini, melon martini, nutty martini, summer martini, martini geisha, style martini, cream brulle martini and even chocolate martini. All the beverages, prepared in this cozy bar boast high quality and come at surprisingly low prices. No wonder that Help Bar was voted the best bar in Moscow by TimeOut Magazine in 2009.

Tverskaya-Yamskaya street, 27/1, +7 495 9955395, www.helpbar.ru.

Simachev Bar

If you’re going to choose to sip martinis, you may as well do it in style. Groovy Simachev Bar, opened by the famous Russian fashion designer (and named after him) gathers a very trendy crowd. The head barman has whipped up a truly unique array of cocktails for this bar, and his martinis are no different.

Denis Simachev, Stoleshnikov pereulok, 12, www.denissimachev.com.

Bar Strelka

A former Soviet chocolate factory has become a modern bar with a great view on the Moscow River. During the day, Bar Strelka offers a relaxed lunch spot; by night, however, it’s a prime spot to catch some of the most interesting musicians and deejays and join your friends for the best martini menu in town in a sophisticated setting.

Bar Strelka, Bersenevskaya embankment, 14, +7 495 771 74 17, www.strelkainstitute.com/en/projects/bar.

Tatler Club

Lavish restaurant Tatler Club is the center of gravity of the freshest trends in food, cocktails and music. It is designed for those who like being in a spotlight. Tatler Club and Martini brand collaborated on few projects and constantly organize join cocktail parties. Come here to sip Martini Royale (Martini Vermute, Martini prosecco, creme de Cassis and poured all with blackberries on the top) or Martini Di Bacche (a spicy cocktail based on Martini Rosso with the addition of pomegranate seeds, berries, blueberry, cranberry and cherry juice).

Tatler Club, Kutuzovsky prospect, 2/1, +7 495 229 83 05.

Imperia Lounge

Imperia Lounge project epitomizes affluence and luxury. Featuring two lavish bars and a dance club with the walls living their lives and displaying a variety of visual surprises. It’s not magic: the dance floor is surrounded by floor-to-ceiling screens projecting extravagant graphics and videos. In addition, Imperia guests could sample Martini Gold by Dolce & Gabbana here, an exclusive new martini drink, before its official launch.

Imperia Lounge, Mantulinskaya Street, 5, build 7.