Shaken or stirred, these seven Philly favorites mix up martinis with some epic twists. 
Franklin Mortgage & Investments Co.'s The Gibson martini
Aqimero
Latin Limoncello Martini
Upgrade your weekend getaway with a sip in the Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia’s stunning, marble lobby. Here, chef Richard Sandoval is serving up craft cocktails alongside his flavorful Latin cuisine, but we’re all about the martini. Spicing up the typical gin martini, this Latin rendition favors silver tequila, limoncello and bubbly ginger beer. 10 Ave. Of The Arts, 215.523.8200, aqimero.com
Attico
Attico’s Chocolate Martini
Light brown sugar, coco infused vodka and vanilla make this dreamy drink a must-have for cocktail hour sipping. Perched on top of the Cambria Hotel, Attico’s outdoor rooftop lounge promises lively nights with friends alongside glittering nighttime views of downtown Philly. With a snack menu featuring oysters and cacio e pepe arancini, there isn’t much more to ask for underneath their twinkling lights. 219 S Broad St., 267.536.5725, atticorooftop.com
Franklin Mortgage & Investments Co.
The Gibson
Good luck finding this speakeasy-esque cocktail lounge—guests enter through an unmarked door in Rittenhouse Square to find the dimly lit hideaway. While most things at The Franklin are under lock and key, their top tier martini is no secret. The Gibson highlights Gracias a Dios Agave Gin with house onion bine, and dry vermouth. Plus, it's served chilled and stirred with a grapefruit peel for a citrusy finish. 1715 Latimer St., 267.227.9852, thefranklinbar.com
Jean-Georges Philadelphia
Cucumber Mint Martini
With only eight cocktails on the menu, this refreshing martini is crafted with perfection in mind. Finished with a cucumber stick and served in a chilled glass, the muddled mint and lemon juice are shaken with ultra-cold Hendrick’s gin. Enjoy your drink alongside sweeping views of the City of Brotherly Love from the 59 floor of the Four Seasons Hotel––talk about an elevated experience. 1 N. 19th St., 215.419.5057, jean-georgesphiladelphia.com
Kpod
Kimchini
This Seoul-inspired experience’s innovative cocktails do not disappoint—especially the Kimchini. Combining Beefeater Gin, bluecoat barrel finished gin, lo-fi vermouth, kimchi soju and pickled scallion, the Kimchi martini is a must-try. Don’t forget to order the honey butter fries and beef tartare for decadent barbites to snack on as you peruse the rest of their eclectic cocktail combinations. 3636 Sansom St., 215.387.1803, kpodrestaurant.com
R&D
Dirty Martini
If you’re into the classics, R&D has you covered with flawless iterations of the timeless drink. Inside this stylish 70s-chic cocktail bar, the dirty martini––made with olive oil washed vodka––completes ultra retro vibes. What’s the best part of this Fishtown favorite for martini lovers? They also make a mean espresso martini for a post-dinner drink or sweeter nightcap. 1206 Frankford Ave., rdphilly.com
Royal Izakaya
Royal Martini
New for the summer, the Royal Martini features a lightly spiced Tanqueray Malacca gin blended with ginjo sake. The citrusy cocktail is finished with a floating sakura blossom—nearly too beautiful to drink. Pair this drink’s Japanese flavors with rich sashimi and rolls from Izakaya’s renowned chef’s counter. 780 S. 2nd St., 267.909.9002, royalsushiandizakaya.com
Photography by: Stephen Recchia
