By Cleo Kanter By Cleo Kanter | July 19, 2022 | Food & Drink,
Whether you prefer them shaken or stirred, here's our guide to the best martinis in Orange County.
The Classic Martini at Mastro's Restaurants
This world-renowned steak and seafood brand—with a steakhouse in Costa Mesa and an Ocean Club location in Newport Beach—is home to the Mastro Classic Martini, a mix of fresh lime juice, Grand Marnier and Don Julio Anejo tequila. For those looking to enjoy prime cuts of meat, seafood dishes and more in an upscale environment, this hot spot offers sophisticated dishes and drinks for all. mastrosrestaurants.com
This speakeasy-style dining and drinking destination is a hidden gem with an ultimate cocktail menu. Filled with bartender Andrew Winter’s personal takes on classic mixes, the menu stars his own take on a martini—combining some parts gin, sweet vermouth and campari. theblindrabbit.com
An essential restaurant of the River Jetty Group, this local spot offers a special dining and drinks experience for locals and tourists alike. In addition to Chef Gomez’ seasonally curated food menu, there are a plethora of martini options that include variations such as an Espresso Martini, Whisky Rebellion, a Bee’s Knee or a Classic Dirty Martini. riverjettyrg.com/a-restaurant
Located on the Pacific Coast Highway in a historic 1934 home, this steakhouse offers an abundance of dining atmospheres that range from The Loft upstairs dining area, the bistro-style Wine Library, the Tavern or outside on the Sunset Terrace or Veranda. In all of these gorgeous locations, guests can enjoy a few of the different seasonal artisan martinis on the drink menu that include flavors such as a hibiscus, pear vodka and strawberry vanilla. selannesteaktavern.com
Born in Cairo, Egypt and raised in Ellensburg, Washington, chef Michael Mina has taken a classic steakhouse menu and put his own worldly spin on it. In additional to its reputation for having some of the best steak, seafood and wine selections in Dana Point, the menu includes a tableside martini cart which allows guests the opportunity to drink with leisure, ease and convenience. michaelmina.net
This local San Clemente cocktail bar includes top-notch beverages and artisan cocktails in an intimate and classy setting. Along with the option of ordering small cocktail plates and sitting alongside friends and local neighbors, Jane offers visitors a few unique martinis that incorporate a range of ingredients—such as peach, citrus, lime, pink peppercorns, elderflower and creme de violet. bar-jane.com
The Guild Club is a hidden speakeasy-style nightlife destination offering specialty cocktails and an unparalleled bar scene where guests can socialize and enjoy a night out. Along with an assortment of small bites that include olives, shrimp, sausage, Scottie’s nuggets and more, the drink menu features a small selection of classic cocktails and includes a Czar Martini made of beluga vodka, rombauer wash and a lemon twist! theguildclub.com
Served with vodka, moscato d’asti and fresh blood orange, CdM’s Blood Orange Martini is a special and authentic cocktail mix for a perfect date night or dinner with friends and family. The fresh and seasonal ingredients used in both food and drinks showcase CdM’s use of distinct and indelible flavors you won't forget. riverjettyrg.com/cdm/
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