When it comes to a person’s martini preference, it tends to depend on the ratios, leaving little room for improvisation. So we set out to find Coastal Bend bars and restaurants using inventive techniques and recipes to truly elevate the classic cocktail. Here are ten of the best martinis in Corpus Christi to try.
Thai-Tini
BKK thai kitchen + bar
Inspired by flavors from Southeast Asia, the Thai-tini beautifully combines gin, fresh grapefruit and lemon juice, St. Germain, ginger and mint, and is sure to have your taste buds singing. 3850 S Alameda St UNIT 27
Geisha Martini
Dokyo Dauntaun
The smoke bubble invading locals’ Instagram stories for the last couple of years sits atop the Geisha Martini. Expertly crafted with gin, elderflower, lychee, grapefruit, lemon and vanilla, this cocktail is a highlight of Dokyo’s happy hour hidden menu on weekdays from 5-7 p.m. 424 N. Chaparral St.
Bad Company Martini
Rock & Rolls Sushi Lounge
This choose-your-own-adventure cocktail begins with a question: cucumber or watermelon? The Bad Company Martini features your flavor of choice plus 1876 vodka, lemon juice and a chili salt rim. Sub for Ketel One Cucumber & Mint or Grey Goose Watermelon & Basil for an extra $2. 15121 S. Padre Island Drive #101
Delano Martini
Lisabella’s
A simple yet delicious twist to the classic vodka martini, Lisabella’s Delano is crafted with Texas’ own Dripping Spring’s vodka, balanced perfectly with Cointreau and fresh lime juice and sweetened with guava nectar. 5009 TX-361, Port Aransas
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Spicy Watermelon Martini
The Annex
Pucker up! The cocktail on everyone’s lips is the newest addition to The Annex’s weekly specials, the spicy watermelon martini. A Wednesday feature, this mouth-watering cocktail is the perfect balance of heat and sweetness. 312 S. Chaparral St.
Green Tea-ni
Prime Steakhouse & Whiskey Bar
It may not be easy being green, but it is delicious. This cocktail is the perfect hybrid of two iconic drinks, perfectly mixed with Still Austin Gin, house-made green tea syrup, strawberries and lime juice. 3801 S. Staples St.
Thunderstruck Jalapeno Mexican Martini
Rock & Rolls Sushi Lounge
Kick up the heat with this twist on the Mexican Martini. This spicy libation is a crowd favorite crafted with Tanteo Jalapeno or Habanero Tequila, Cointreau, lime juice, agave and olive juice. Upgrade your drink with feta jalapeño stuffed olives for only $2. 15121 S. Padre Island Drive #101
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Nitro Espresso Martini
The Mariner
Looking for a little pick-me-up on a night out? Dive into the Nitro Espresso Martini from The Mariner. Crafted with Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Mr. Black coffee liqueur, Borghetti liqueur and Texas pecan cold brew made in-house, it’s the perfect drink to start the night. 108 Peoples St. T-Head
Lemon Drop Martini
Roosevelt’s
A sweet and sour adventure featuring Western Son lemon, this martini is spiked with Limoncello and house-made simple syrup, served chilled and finished with a sugar rim and a twist. 200 E. Cotter Ave., Port Aransas
Hemingway Martini
The Angry Marlin
A Coastal Bend favorite, Vida Cana is the star player of the Hemingway Martini. Starting with Vida Cana’s 2-year USVI and American Craft Rum, this martini adds lime and grapefruit juice with maraschino liqueur to create a delicious tropical drink. Who knows, maybe it’ll inspire you to write that novel you’ve been putting off. 15605 S. Padre Island Drive
