New York City Martinis, by the Numbers
Briefly

In the fast-paced cocktail scene of New York City, the Martini remains a stalwart favorite, reflecting a shift toward sophistication. From classic establishments like Bemelmans to trendy bars like Le Dive, the demand remains high, with weekend sales reaching as many as 1,000 drinks. The dirty Martini has solidified its status as the most popular choice, despite an emerging appreciation for variations like espresso Martinis and historic versions. The diverse crowd showcases preferences across the spectrum of vodka and gin, maintaining the cocktail's renowned status while showcasing individualistic twists in ordering.
At Le Dive, a bustling Dimes Square establishment popular among the under-30 crowd, "someone drank two extra-dirty vodka Martinis with one olive before moving onto two filthy vodka Martinis with three olives each," the team reports. This highlights a trend where younger drinkers are choosing increasingly dirtier versions of the traditional drink.
During one Saturday night service at Hawksmoor, every single classic Martini was served dirty. This showcases the dominance of the dirty Martini among the city's cocktail preferences.
Interestingly, drinkers seem to be split relatively evenly between vodka and gin, revealing a divided palate among New Yorkers when it comes to their classic cocktails.
While the dirty Martini reigns supreme, the espresso-spiked iteration continues to be a favorite among the evening crowd, indicating evolving tastes even among traditionalists.
Read at PUNCH
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