Overview
Ah, the martini. Such a classy yet potent little concoction. Housed (but not for long) in its trademark dainty inverted-cone glass, it is the international symbol of refined drinking. Its origins are debated somewhat, but the cocktail has been a celebrated, debonair crowd-pleaser since before the US Prohibition era. The late, legendary American journalist H.L. Mencken described the martini as "the only American invention as perfect as the sonnet".
Well, we here at Concrete Playground think it's a pretty tasty beverage at least, in all its forms (okay, baring the Scrubs appletini), and we've scouted the speakeasies of Brisbane to to unearth the ten best martinis in town. We still feel it's hard to top a classic, dry (gin, of course) variety, but we've included a few adventurous interpretations of the tipple, and it's not just about what's in the glass but also the ambience and appeal of the venue one is sipping in. Now, let's drink to good health.
THE BOWERY
Our pick: Classic martini
You can't really get more definitive-cocktail-bar than Valley stalwart The Bowery. Taking its name from the famed dive bar/savvy New York street, it is the perfect hub to channel your inner Jay Gatsby or Daisy Buchanan, sip a martini and soak up some fine live jazz, old sport. We couldn't really look much further than a quintessential dry martini with olive garnish. While Winston Churchill preferred merely to "observe the vermouth from across the room while I drink my martini", we do prefer a touch more than that. Whether you're a dry, sweet or dirty type, your order is safe in the virtuosic hands of the Bowery bar staff. Best to start the night here, as the narrow bar can get mighty crowded late at night — for good reason.
676 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley
PUBLIC
Our pick: Vesper
We ascended a sleek, neon blue-lit escalator to one of the city's best cocktail haunts to sample a classic variation under dim lights. The "shaken-not-stirred" Vesper, as immortalised by Ian Fleming in Casino Royale (1953) and named after the duplicitous femme fatale Vesper Lynd, the potent beverage consists of, in 007's words, "three measures of Gordon's, one of vodka, half a measure of Kina Lillet. Shake it very well until it's ice-cold, then add a large thin slice of lemon peel. Got it?" Needless to say, it's a strong 'un, and Public doesn't disappoint. Sure, $19 might seem a bit steep, but it's worth every (Money)penny.
Level 1, 400 George Street, Brisbane
DUTCH COURAGE OFFICER'S MESS
Our pick: Martini-Henry
We went a little off-script at Dutch Courage Officer's Mess, the impressive new colonial-style gin bar on Alfred Street, next to Kwan Brothers and Alfredo's and just around the bend from Alfred & Constance and Limes Hotel. In such a delightfully old-world, gin-touting venue, one would think we'd opt for a conventional martini made from a stiff British gin, but instead we crazy Concreters went right ahead and tried one of the house specials: the Martini-Henry. Named after a rifle, the cocktail is a daring, eclectic gunshot of flavour that pays off, combining Feral Hop Hog IPA (yes, you read correctly: beer in a martini — but it really does work), Bulleit bourbon, maple, chilli, chocolate bitters and Angostura bitters. It's enough to make a martini purist's blood boil. It almost literally does do that, but in a good way. The Martini-Henry is certainly strong, but the maple and chocolate flavours round out a very pleasing drink in a great, new themed nightspot. We dare you to give this creative concoction go.
Ground floor, 51 Alfred Street, Fortitude Valley
FOURTH WALL
Our pick: Classic Martini
Yep, another classic dry — hey, they're just that good. Easily one of Brisbane's coolest urban small bars, Fourth Wall is a must-go destination for lovers of the martini. While the quirkily fitted candlelit bar has earned a reputation as a bespoke cocktail venue, we were simply in the mood for a standard. Fourth Wall expertly stirred Tanqueray, the self-proclaimed "world's finest gin" (though we tend to agree), with just a dash of dry vermouth and a tangy twist of lemon to make a crisp, dry wonder of the drinking world. Whatever your variety, this bar knows its martinis.
743 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley
SLING LOUNGE
Our pick: Martinez
The expert beverage-builders at quirky West End bar Sling Lounge are dab hands at crafting old-timey and new, original cocktails for every tastebud. The venue's list states, "This is a cocktail menu that is as eclectic as the surroundings you have immersed yourself in." Well, there's synthetic grass on the ceiling, so things look pretty good from the outset. Despite myriad modern interpretations listed in their boozy bible, we opted to step back in time and sample the alleged forerunner to the martini, the Martinez. Derived from Jerry Thomas's 1887 recipe, this all-class affair merges gin, sweet vermouth, bitters, maraschino liqueur and a lemon twist as garnish. Sweeter than the average martini, the Sling Martinez is a standout beverage we wholeheartedly recommend.
153 Boundary Street, West End
BREW
Our pick: Espresso Martini
Brew has established itself as one of Brisbane's best laneway bars. A renowned CBD cafe by day, the venue turns its expertise to craft beers, wines and cocktails at nightfall. The espresso martini has taken on a life of its own in the cocktail world and really is the measure of a good mixologist. Brew already has the espresso nous down pat and brings 666 Pure Tasmanian Vodka to the fore to create the ultimate caffeinated, alcoholic wonder. Simply the the tastiest and classiest way to start your night out with a buzz.
Lower Burnett Lane, Brisbane
LARUCHE
Our pick: Sloe Loris
While a mere stumble next door from The Bowery, Laruche is a whole different world. Eschewing retro-chic for a more flamboyant, whimsical-yet-chilled vibe with comfy, gothic chairs and dim lighting, Laruche is a Brisbane cocktail-bar bucket-list must. Come for the crazy chandeliers, zany lounges and good times, stay for the Sloe Loris. Punnily named after the toxin-secreting slow loris primate, this brilliant, fruity variation on the martini is also an deceptively adorable sight; its tart but easy-drinking mix of Absolut Citron, Plymouth Sloe gin, saffron, grapefruit, lemon and orange tends to draw in rather than repel jungle predators. Stuck for Saturday ideas? Let Laruche mesmerise your eyes and tastebuds. (Just to be clear, the martini doesn't contain monkey poison. Cool, back to the bar.)
680 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley
RESERVE RESTAURANT
Our pick: French martini
Away from the inner-city rat race and inside the vintage bar of Reserve Restaurant's majestic, Heritage-listed walls overlooking the river is a truly relaxing and luxurious way to enjoy a martini. Not always a favourite of this Concrete Playgrounder, the French Martini ($17.90) sprung out from the fine-dining establishment's cocktail list and for some reason screamed "when in Milton". And, it must be said, a splendid choice was made — fans of the now famous Francofied answer to the 'tini will not be disappointed in Reserve's handiwork here. This is a sweet, foamy mix of Polish Wyborowa vodka, Chambord, pineapple juice and dried pineapple that is not to be missed.
6/249 Coronation Drive, Milton
LYCHEE LOUNGE
Our pick: Watermelon Martini
Lychee Lounge, which is owned by the same crowd as Laruche, is an established little nook in West End that's been shaking and stirring cocktails long before "small bar" was a Brisbane-nightlife buzz word. Its intimate, east-meets-west decor and art provide the perfect setting for an evening martini — especially if you can nab a spot in the comfy back-corner seating area. Award-winning mix-master Pez Collier has created an impressive list, and we opted for the delightful Watermelon Martini ($15) — a smooth melange of vodka, watermelon, rhubarb and lime. A refreshing, not-too-sweet marvel that gets our thumbs-up.
2/94 Boundary Street, West End
EMPORIUM COCKTAIL BAR
Our pick: Caramel Popcorn Martini
Emporium Cocktail Bar never fail to deliver the goods when it comes to excellent cocktails. Grab a seat at the bar or a set of plush couches with friends and decide on a drink from the seasonally changing menu. The bar staff like to experiment with a range of the local Tambourine Mountain Distillery liqueurs, and the results are good. The Caramel Popcorn Martini is made up of popcorn-infused vodka, Tamborine Mountain caramel butternut liqueur and caramel syrup. It tastes as good as it sounds — salty and sweet, buttery and smooth.
1000 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley