Overview: The martini remains an iconic glass, yet variety seekers now explore unique versions beyond the usual offerings. Published in the November 2026 issue of Columbus Monthly, this feature highlights must-try martinis throughout Columbus alongside instructions for crafting a special martini at home.
The Full Story
For a long time, the iconic glass was the only thing you could count on with a martini—until everyone started serving the drink in elegant little coupes. Satisfy your hunger for food news by exploring these local options. The Holy Tea Martini created by Ari Stewart at Cordial Cocktail Club & Bottle Shop features three types of basil, Lillet, and notes of lilac and jasmine tea.
This interesting vodka martini with a basil garnish was created as part of the Mumbai Masala menu. The Grilled Olive at Amara doubles and triples down on the olive profile with olive vermouth and a single olive that’s been bathed in olive oil and lightly charred in the restaurant’s fires. At I Like It Like That, the Gin Tini pairs blended vermouth and Bombay London Dry with celery bitters for floral, evergreen notes.
Service Bar offers the Girl Dinner using OYO Vodka washed with crème fraiche and peppercorn, joined by dill-infused dry vermouth. The Modista Martini at Speck includes a prosecco side car. A recipe for a Clarified Bloody Mary Martini involves infusing vodka with fresh horseradish and adding absinthe to the glass.
Production & Profile
Technical details highlight specific ingredients like Vim & Petal gin at Amara, where the Grilled Olive creates a rounder, sweeter profile. At I Like It Like That, the Gin Tini offers a simple cocktail from the classics menu with just the perfect balance of blended vermouth and Bombay London Dry.
The Girl Dinner martini glass sports a black truffle-sea salt rim and is topped with the “dinner”—a variety of garnishes including bleu cheese stuffed olive, cocktail onion, cornichon and pepperoncino. The Holy Tea Martini brings together three types of basil with Lillet and notes of lilac and jasmine tea.
Consumer Takeaway
These options offer the drinker specific flavor profiles ranging from savory cocktails with an element of familiarity to floral gin pairings. The collection includes options like the Grilled Olive at Amara, which is not called a martini but definitely is one, and the Holy Tea Martini at Cordial. Drinkers can also utilize the provided recipes for clarified bloody mary mix and horseradish vodka to craft a special martini at home.
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