For decades, the quest for the perfect martini has been a contentious one, a seemingly endless debate fueled by countless variations, wildly differing ratios of gin to vermouth, and personal preferences that often defy logic. The drink itself – a seemingly simple blend of spirit and fortified wine – has become a battleground for cocktail enthusiasts, each vying to establish their own ‘definitive’ recipe. But Esquire has finally settled the score, declaring a surprisingly intense and understated champion for the best martini in America – and it’s a testament to the enduring power of simplicity.
The Winner: The Cloak Room’s Surprisingly Intense Martini
Esquire’s recent deep dive into the nation’s best martinis, a meticulously researched exploration of the country’s finest cocktail bars, identified The Cloak Room in New York City as the gold standard. What’s remarkable, and frankly, somewhat surprising, is that their winning martini isn’t a complex, multi-layered creation, brimming with exotic liqueurs or infused syrups. Instead, it’s a classic dry martini – a testament to the foundational elements of the drink – crafted with Plymouth gin, dry vermouth, and a crucial, almost deceptively simple, step: a thorough rinse with an eggshell. This understated approach highlights that sometimes, the most effective cocktails are built not on extravagance, but on a foundation of expertly executed fundamentals.
Why This Martini Matters
The martini is more than just a drink; it’s a cornerstone of any respectable cocktail bar, a symbol of sophistication and precision. It’s a drink steeped in history, evolving from its 19th-century origins to its modern iterations. Knowing what constitutes a ‘proper’ martini – its proportions, its execution – is crucial for navigating the often-confusing landscape of the bar scene. Beyond the taste, the martini represents a skill, a dedication to technique. As Difford’s Guide eloquently puts it, “A truly well-made martini is a masterclass in balance – a testament to the art of distilling and vermouth reduction.” The drink is a reminder that meticulous technique, the attention to even the smallest detail, can elevate even the most familiar ingredients into something truly exceptional. It’s a drink that demands respect for the craft.
The Details: Plymouth Gin & Perfect Dilution
The Cloak Room’s winning martini utilizes Plymouth gin, which offers a sharper, more bracing character compared to the more commonly used London Dry gin. While London Dry gins are known for their juniper-forward profiles, Plymouth gin’s added botanicals – including coriander, angelica, and citrus – create a subtly complex and intensely aromatic base. The key to their success appears to be the careful execution of the shake – a brief, controlled movement to chill the ingredients without excessive dilution – followed by a significant focus on dilution. This is where the art truly lies.
Esquire emphasizes the importance of properly chilled glassware, a detail often overlooked by even experienced bartenders. A chilled coupe or martini glass is essential to maintain the drink’s temperature and prevent excessive dilution. And, echoing recommendations from Imbibe Magazine, the use of large, cold, and sparingly used ice is paramount. "The key to a perfect martini is the ice – it must be large, cold, and used sparingly,” Imbibe Magazine asserts. Small, crushed ice will melt far too quickly, overwhelming the delicate flavors of the gin and vermouth. The size and quantity of ice directly impact the drink’s final balance.
Furthermore, the Cloak Room employs a technique known as the “egg shell rinse.” Before pouring in the gin and vermouth, the chilled glass is briefly rinsed with a discarded eggshell. This seemingly minor step is said to impart a subtle, silky texture to the martini, contributing to its overall smoothness and elegance.
The Takeaway
Esquire’s selection serves as a powerful reminder: a truly exceptional martini doesn’t require extravagant ingredients or elaborate preparation. It’s about respecting the tradition, understanding the nuances of the ingredients – particularly the selection of gin – and executing the techniques with precision. Next time you’re ordering a martini, consider a simple dry martini with Plymouth gin, a precisely measured ratio of gin to dry vermouth (typically 6:1 or 5:1, depending on preference), and a careful execution of the shake and dilution. You might just discover the best one in America, and perhaps, a newfound appreciation for the understated elegance of a perfectly crafted cocktail. The Cloak Room’s martini is a masterclass in simplicity, demonstrating that the pursuit of perfection doesn’t always require complexity.
Source: https://www.esquire.com/food-drink/bars/a69688793/best-martinis-in-america-2025/
