Tiny Martinis Are a Three-Sip Wonder
Think of them as liquid tapas with a twist
Though I am usually an equal opportunity imbiber, there’s nothing like an ice-cold martini to set the tone of an evening: A martini is meant to be sipped and savored. It’s not the drink for picnics or dive bars. It’s a drink that starts an evening filled with promise.
That first sip of the martini might be one of the most satisfying moments of a week. That first moment — when the martini is cold and fresh is the best. And, while a traditional gin martini is still the classic, bartenders have gotten creative with the martini, giving us delicious iterations from James Bond’s Vesper to the espresso martini, making choosing a monumental task.
Some bars are now offering tiny martinis — a four-sip solution to all your martini problems. Think of it as a “small plate” or “tapas” option for ordering a full martini. These libations served in scaled-down martini glasses, are the perfect way to try several martinis in one evening, enjoy the ritual and flavor of a cocktail without the commitment of a larger-format drink, or simply have a fresh martini after a few sips.
I first encountered the tiny martini at Pastis, where they serve Le Petit Pickle, a three-sip martini made with vodka, house brine, and pickled vegetables. It’s the perfect order while you’re perusing the menu.
Chelsea’s Bar Bonobo has doubled down on the tiny martini trend. The Chelsea bar, which is celebrating its first anniversary next month, offers ten-dollar tiny martinis on its Golden Hours menu from 3 to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday (with a potential all-day golden hour in the works for Sundays).
Bar Bonobo’s beverage director Patricia Verdesoto explains the appeal of the tiny martini. “We have cocktails that have really interesting ingredients and people might not be 100 percent willing to try something new. These tiny martinis allow people to have a little taste and, hopefully, fall in love.”
Verdesoto says the tiny martini is also the perfect way to learn more about the martinis they like. “I’m always so shocked that so many people have never had a martini. A tiny martini is a good way to try a dirty or a vodka martini and discover the flavor profiles.”
Bar Bonobo offers six different tiny martinis including a classic Cosmopolitan, a Bonobo (gin, vodka, Lillet Blanc, and Grand Marnier), the classic Cold A$$ Martini (gin or vodka and dry vermouth), a spicy and briny Hot ‘N Dirty with pepperoncini-infused vodka, olive brine, and a spritz of dry vermouth), an espresso martini, and the Chelsea (fin, pisco, lemon, and strawberry, rhubarb, and orange bitters). Can’t decide? That’s the beauty of the tiny martini: pick a few or order a flight of three for $30.
On my visit to Bar Bonobo, I ordered the Cosmo, the Chelsea, and the Hot ‘N Dirty. First off, if you haven’t had a well-made Cosmo, go and find one immediately. However, the Hot ‘N Dirty is the standout of the crowd. A spicier and fresher take on the dirty martini, it’s my new favorite cocktail.
Verdesoto says she’s seeing a trend among bars to offer cocktail flights. “We’ve seen beer flights and mezcal flights, now cocktails. You can’t offer full cocktails, but you can offer low-ABV versions or minis. I do think of it like tapas. There’s a bar called Romeo’s on the Lower East Side that offers mini cocktails paired with little snacks and I think that’s cool.”
The bar manager says the “teeny ‘tini” speaks to how people are drinking these days. “Happy hour isn’t as big as it used to be. People are taking it easier, especially during the week. With a tiny martini, you can have a little taste and it’s not a commitment.”