New York Martini Week

Thrillist’s 2^nd Annual Martini Week started on April 4^th runs until the 17^th (I love that ‘week’ now means 2 weeks!).  Sixteen restaurants and bars  located in Midtown and sprinkled throughout the Village & Tribeca are participating.

Vodka or Gin? They’ve got you covered.  All the participating bars and restaurants offer special martinis created for Martini week using Grey Goose vodka or Bombay Sapphire gin. I’m a vodka girl and I am so looking forward to sipping on the “G Cocktail” (Grey Goose La Poire Flavored Vodka, Aperol, Anjou Pear Juice, Lemon Juice and Pink Peppercorn Syrup) served at Rayuela and “The Tanuki” (Grey Goose, Lychee Puree and Sour Mix) on Tao’s menu.

But the point is I like martinis and I don’t discriminate; I have my eye on the “Volstead Negroni” (Bombay Sapphire Gin, Sweet Vermouth, Campari, Pomegranate and Pineapple) at The Voldstead, Abe & Arthur’s “Pearl Flush” (Bombay Sapphire Gin, St-Germain and Moscato d’Asti) and “Bombs Away” at Revel (Bombay Sapphire Gin, Lime Juice, Simple Syrup, Strawberry Puree, Sprite).  I have a sweet tooth which carries over into my drink preferences but there’s plenty of ginger, cucumber, mint, club soda and grapefruit in other martinis that will be served up during Martini Week.

Some of the bars are close enough to each other that you can make a few stops during the “happy hour” ranging from 5:30 to 10:00pm.  Check the Martini Week website for the exact hours for each location. Funding this bar hopping experience is another story. Martinis cost $8, $11 or $14 during Martini Week. Ladies, if you find a James Bond-type you might get your drinks paid for.

- Abigail Ekue