Martinis in Chicago are reaching levels of luxury that James Bond himself might raise an eyebrow at; leading the lavish offerings is Adalina's "Marrow Martini," which comes with a price tag that could make a spy's wallet self-destruct – a staggering $13,000. According to NBC Chicago, this lavish drink includes not just the ingredients for a top-shelf martini but also a 9.00ctw diamond tennis necklace adorned with 150 diamonds set in 14k gold, it's a concoction made by Coin Hofer, the 'Sommelier of the Year' from the 2022 Michelin Guide.
For those seeking a sip of sophistication without the diamond dazzle, Chicago's martini scene is brimming with choices – from Deer Path Inn's inventive spins to Good Fortune's Mediterranean-Midwestern fusion and beyond, each locale boasts its unique twist on the iconic cocktail. According to the report by Eater Chicago, the variations are as creative as they are diverse, offering everything from a martini infused with pine syrup and peppermint to one garnished with latkes and jelly doughnuts.
Meanwhile, Club Lucky has entrenched itself as a staple of Bucktown's drinking culture for over three decades, their menu is an ode to classic concoctions and local legends alike, offering the "Always Lucky," a vermouth-free number that allows patrons to select from garnishes like blue cheese olives or Gibson onions. Over at Sparrow, a trip back to 1930s Havana awaits, where martinis are served amid jazz sounds and tropical décor, their Astoria is a concoction of vermouth, orange bitters, and Old Tom gin.
Not to be outdone, Chicago's venerable Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse pours a mean 10-ounce martini, honoring the tradition of a steakhouse's hefty portions, these martinis cater to the diner's specific preferences with precision; and then there’s the scene at Beauty Bar, blending manicures and martinis where patrons can indulge in both self-care and seven variations of the eponymous cocktail like a "Bed Head," pairing tequila with pineapple, or a "Relaxer," for fans of the dirty martini.
The "Marrow Martini" may be the pinnacle of martini majesty in terms of extravagance and exclusivity, however, the Windy City's spirited establishments offer an array of martinis as diverse and storied as Chicago itself; these establishments ensure that whether your taste leans towards the classic or contemporary, you're sure to find the perfect martini to toast with in the city of broad shoulders.