Cocktail Of The Week: The Grand Martiny’s At Martiny’s New York

Photo Credit: 52chefs

Martiny’s, as many before me have ascertained (it was North America’s 50 Best Bars highest climber this year, clocking in at number 4) is a gem. Located in a former 1800s carriage house that later became an artist’s studio, Martiny’s owes its name to sculptor Philip Martiny, who crafted details on the arch in Washington Square Park. Basically, its destiny was always to become a cocktail bar.

Co-founder and beverage director Takuma Watanabe, spent nine years as the head bartender of Angel’s Share — one of New York City’s most iconic and pioneering cocktail spots — and when it closed, the Tokyo-born mixologist ventured out on his own to create something special. He’s done that in spades with Martiny’s, crafting an experience that goes above just outstanding cocktails. Everything is intentional and purposeful, from the hospitality (which is based on omotenashi, the Japanese art of hospitality), to the design elements — original wood and brick work mixed with Japanese sensibilities, to its elevated bar bites, to the tasteful cocktails — one of which we’ve highlighted below (though honestly, you can’t go wrong here — the Mole Poblano in particular is pretty damn delightful).

And so, our cocktail of the week this particular week is the Grand Martiny’s, an elevated take on the traditional martini, created by Watanabe himself, who says of his invention: “Martinis are my favorite cocktails, so I had to put a martini on the menu with a “grand” twist. The Grand Martiny’s is a cocktail that uses sherry, port, and cognac to embrace the natural acidity from grapes. The martini can be interpreted in so many different ways, and I think people have gravitated towards the versatility of the cocktail. I always get excited when I see the customer’s reaction to the Grand Martiny’s, because I think it’s a martini that they’ve likely never experienced before.”

Here is how to make the cocktail yourself at home — if you dare try.

How To Make The Grand Martiny’s

Photo Credit: Joanna Lin 

Bombay Sapphire 40ml
La Cigarrera Manzanilla 40ml
St. Germain 10ml
2016 Porto 5ml
Hine Rare cognac 5ml
Marinated grape for garnish

Directions

To make the marinated grape garnish, soak grapes in olive oil and salt for 24 hours.

To make the Grand Martiny’s, stir all ingredients. Serve in a martini glass and garnish with a marinated grape.

Photo Credit: Todd Coleman

Martiny’s is located at 121 E 17th Street, Gramercy Park, New York, 10003