Sip in Style: The Martini Comeback Takes Off in Pensacola

Vodka or gin? Shaken or stirred? Martinis… They are so back. With a renewed interest in classic cocktails, people are drawn to the elegance and timelessness of this iconic drink. A martini is technically defined as “A cocktail made of gin and dry vermouth.”

That might be the original recipe, but the martini has taken on quite a few variations throughout the decades. Bartenders and mixologists are reinventing the martini, making this classic cocktail more exciting and approachable. Let’s bar-hop around Pensacola to see who’s stirring (or shaking) up martinis in new and exciting ways.

Downtown Pensacola

Quickly becoming a cult classic in Pensacola, the Chef George Martini at Pearl & Horn should be at the top of your “Martinis to Try” list in Pensacola. Made with your choice of gin or vodka, Chef George’s homemade brine blend, Disco Inferno bitters, and atomized Carpano Dry Vermouth, you’ll be salivating by the time it arrives at your table. The best part? It’s served with a pickled amuse-bouche (homemade pickles, olives, and okra on the side.) It’s ice cold, salty, a bit spicy, and pairs great with just about anything on the menu.

Pictured | Pearl & Horn

On Tuesdays, head over to McGuire’s Irish Pub for $4.99 double shot martini day. “The biggest martinis in town!” as they claim. McGuire’s has almost a dozen different martinis to choose from, including the James Bond Martini. It includes Beefeater dry gin, vodka, Kina Lillet vermouth and a lemon twist. This martini is, in fact, shaken, not stirred.

The Kennedy is a great spot if you’re looking for late-night cocktails and bites. Enter the Lunchbox Martini. It’s made with their house-made olive brine and served alongside various cheeses and pickles. Snacks included with cocktails? Yes, please!

Jackson’s Steakhouse has been a Pensacola staple for over 20 years. Its swanky but hospitable atmosphere will have you returning time and time again. You’ll want to stick with the classics here: gin martini with a twist, dirty martini, or a Cosmopolitan. Although you won’t find a signature martini on Jackson’s written menu, you can order what the locals call “The Ro Ro,” made with vodka, sour mix, muddled blueberries, simple syrup, and finished off with a sugar rim.

Pictured | Jackson's Steakhouse

Pensacola Beach/Perdido Key

If you’re in the Perdido Key area, the Jellyfish Bar is definitely the place to go for martinis–they have over a dozen to choose from! Check out the Perdido-tini, which is made with vodka, melon, watermelon liqueur, sour mix, and pineapple juice for a refreshing twist.

Are you a blue cheese-stuffed olive type of person? If you’re a fan of this combination, you’ll want to order the Dirty Blue martini at The Grand Marlin on Pensacola Beach. It’s made with vodka, Lillet Blanc, a splash of olive brine, and delicious blue cheese-stuffed olives—the perfect drink to start a fantastic seafood meal.

Pictured | The Grand Marlin

Espresso Yourself

Health. Wealth. Happiness. That’s what those three little espresso beans symbolize on the top of your espresso martini. The latest in the cocktail craze, the espresso martini, has taken Pensacola by storm, and you can order one at just about any cocktail bar and restaurant. So where is the best?

Restaurant IRON is known for making exceptional cocktails, and their take on the espresso martini will leave you certainly impressed. Made with extra care, this martini is crafted with Alla Prima 'Iron Blend' City Roast infused spirit, roasted chicory, heirloom pineapple amaro, and cream—the perfect after-dinner cocktail.

Pictured | Restaurant IRON

Espresso martinis are typically made with vodka, but at Union Public House, you can ask for your martini to be made with their specially made dark rum, which lends an unexpectedly rich, caramelly note. Paired with Cuban espresso, it’s a match made in heaven.

Pictured | Union Public House

Transport yourself back in time at Sister Hen, the first and only speakeasy in Pensacola. Although tiny and dimly lit by candlelight, their cocktail menu will certainly impress you. Their espresso martini is made with a blend of vodka, dark rum, vanilla, and Counter Culture Coffee real espresso.

Down at The Well, you can order a Cold Brew Martini, made with local Mrs. Jones Coffee cold brew, demerara sugar, and blanco tequila. Best part? They’re $6 every Wednesday night!

Pictured | The Well

Thanks to a combination of nostalgia, craft cocktail culture, and modern twists, it’s safe to say that the martini has made a strong comeback. If you’re looking for something classic or something more experimental, Pensacola is here to serve up a martini you’re sure to enjoy. So, where are you starting first?

Author

Blake Howerton

Social Media & Content Associate, Visit Pensacola

Blake Howerton joined Visit Pensacola in 2022 as the social media and content associate and is responsible for planning, creating, and implementing social media content across eight platforms. Off the clock, Blake enjoys photography, cooking, watching the sunset on the beach with his friends, and dining at Pensacola’s many restaurants. He is actively involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida serving on the Big Gala Committee.

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