National Martini Day: Where to Sip in Franklin, Williamson County, and Nashville, TN
Ludlow and Prime
National Martini Day, celebrated on June 19th, is a chance to enjoy one of the most enduring cocktails in the world. From its roots in 19th-century bartending to its place on modern menus, the martini has remained a symbol of simplicity, elegance, and personal taste. Traditionally made with gin and vermouth and garnished with an olive or lemon twist, it has since inspired countless variations, including espresso, citrus, savory, dessert-style, and even zero-proof.
Bars and restaurants across Middle Tennessee continue to honor the classic while putting their own spin on it. Whether you’re a fan of the original or curious to try something new, here’s a little history and where to enjoy a martini in Franklin, Brentwood, and Nashville, Tennessee.
A Brief History of the Martini
The martini’s exact origin is debated, but most theories trace it to the mid-to-late 1800s. It likely evolved from the Martinez, a cocktail made with gin, sweet vermouth, and bitters, first mixed in California. Others suggest the name came from the Italian vermouth brand Martini & Rossi or a bartender named Martini di Arma di Taggia in early 20th-century New York.
Originally sweet and complex, the martini shifted toward a drier, more streamlined version by the early 1900s. Over the years, it gained prestige through public figures like Franklin Roosevelt and James Bond, later giving rise to variations like the vodka martini, dirty martini, and the now-popular espresso martini.
Despite its murky beginnings, the martini remains one of the most recognizable and customizable cocktails in the world.
Jasper’s Frozen Espresso Martini (credit: Mayter Scott)
Coffee-Infused & Espresso Martinis
Caffeinated cocktails are a staple on many local menus, and the espresso martini remains a crowd favorite.
The Skylight Bar: Located in the Grand Hall at The Factory at Franklin, The Skylight Bar serves an elegant Espresso Martini with Corsair vanilla vodka, cold brew coffee, and coffee liqueur. It’s a solid choice whether you’re starting the evening or stopping in after a show at the Turner Theater.
Frothy Monkey: Known for coffee by day and cocktails by night, Frothy Monkey’s Howler Espresso Martini is made with Heroes Vodka, espresso, Combier, house-made vanilla, and cream. The result is a rich, mellow drink with just a little bit of a kick. Enjoy a martini at Frothy Monkey in downtown Franklin, Nashville’s 12 South neighborhood or in east or downtown Nashville.
Vintage Vine 100: Vintage Vine 100 offers a relaxed wine and cocktail bar atmosphere in Franklin. Guests can enjoy an Espresso Martini, perfect for sipping while listening to live music or pairing with delicious small plates.
Del Frisco’s Grille: Located in Brentwood, Del Frisco’s Grille offers the Hazelnut Espresso Martini, which combines Ketel One vodka, Caffè Borghetti, espresso, and hazelnut for a rich, nutty profile.
The Rutledge: The Rutledge in Franklin offers an Espresso Martini that combines vanilla vodka, local espresso, and coffee liqueur for a rich, energizing option.
Karrington Rowe: In Brentwood, Karrington Rowe features its own Espresso Martini, offering a smooth, coffee-forward profile.
Park Cafe: Park Cafe in Nashville’s West End has the Jumbo Espresso Martini, served in a 44 oz. glass and designed for sharing. Made with vodka, coffee liqueur, and cold brew, it’s a large take on the classic espresso martini.
Jasper’s: Jasper’s in Nashville offers a Frozen Espresso Martini that blends espresso vodka, dark roast rum, chocolate, and cold brew. Served frozen, it’s an option that puts a twist on the classic coffee cocktail.
etch: With locations in both Franklin and Nashville, etch includes both traditional and alcohol-free options on its cocktail menu. The “Wake Up Call” is a zero-proof espresso martini made with Lyre’s Coffee, Lyre’s White Cane, demerara, and espresso. For a more classic drink, the Etchspresso Martini combines Ketel One vodka, Licor 43, espresso, and Kapali.
Stable Reserve: This Franklin cocktail bar offers a few creative espresso martinis, including The Original, made with bourbon coffee cream, vodka, and fresh espresso, also available frozen, and the Black Tie, a smoother take with vodka, demerara, and fresh espresso.
Del Frisco’s Grille
Bright, Citrusy, and Fruity Martinis
If you lean toward lighter, fruit-forward flavors, several local spots offer citrusy spins on the martini. These options are perfect for warm evenings or a mid-afternoon cocktail.
JJ’s Wine Bar: JJ’s in downtown Franklin offers a cozy patio and an extensive drink list, including martini options like the Flirtini, which is fruity and flirty, and the Lemon Drop Martini, a tart, refreshing choice. It’s a great spot to sip and unwind in one of Franklin’s most relaxed wine and cocktail settings.
Mere Bulles: This Brentwood favorite brings Southern charm and a refined cocktail program. Try the Lavender Lemon Drop Martini, made with Wheatley vodka, lavender lemon shrub, and a lavender sugar rim. Light, floral, and flavorful.
Del Frisco’s Grille: Del Frisco’s Grille in Brentwood offers a Passion Star Martini, which blends Absolut Vanilla, Passoã passionfruit liqueur, and pineapple-lime Barmalade, offering a tropical twist.
Pastis Nashville
Bold & Creative Martinis
Prefer your martinis salty, spicy, or briny? Middle Tennessee has options for that, too. Each brings a distinct profile to the table, great for pairing with food or sipping slowly.
Karrington Rowe: In addition to their espresso martini, this Brentwood restaurant offers the Hot & Dirty, featuring vodka mixed with pepperoncini and olive brine for a savory kick. A great choice for anyone craving something with a bit of edge.
The Rutledge: The Rutledge in Franklin keeps it creative with The Cucumbetini, featuring vodka or gin with lemon, simple syrup, mint, and cucumber, offering a fresh, crisp alternative.
Sho Pizza Bar: Sho Pizza Bar in East Nashville serves the Neapolitan Martini, a savory cocktail made with gin, dry vermouth, mozzarella whey, basil-infused olive oil, and caper brine. It’s a culinary-style martini that offers a distinctive flavor.
Pastis Nashville: Pastis Nashville in Wedgewood-Houston serves Le Petit Pickle, a martini made with vodka, house pickle brine, and pickled vegetables. Served in a French brasserie setting, it offers a savory and crisp finish.
Tailor Nashville Chaitini (credit: Minnie Morklithavong)
Dessert & Indulgent Martinis
Martinis aren’t just for pre-dinner. These rich, dessert-style versions are a sweet way to wrap up an evening.
The White Alligator: The White Alligator in The Factory at Franklin offers a dessert martini lineup that reads like a dessert menu. Options include the Banana Fosters, made with Bumbu rum, amaretto, Licor 43, and cream; the Key Lime Pie, featuring Wheatley vodka, lime, and cream; and the Praline, which combines Buffalo Trace bourbon, praline liqueur, brown sugar syrup, and chocolate bitters. These indulgent martinis are perfect for ending a meal or pairing with sweets.
Tailor: Tailor restaurant in Germantown features the Chaitini, a chai-infused cocktail made with Buffalo Trace, Licor 43, cream sherry, and black tea. This one leans warm and spiced, offering a different kind of martini experience.
Carne Mare: Carne Mare in The Gulch offers Tini Trios + Caviar, a tasting flight of three mini martinis with the option to add caviar bumps. It’s a high-end presentation for those who want to indulge.
Amendment 18 Cocktail Club
Classic Martinis
Sometimes, the original is all you need, clean, crisp, and perfectly balanced. For those who appreciate the straightforward elegance of a traditional martini, several local spots keep it classic.
Ludlow & Prime: Known for its upscale steakhouse setting, Franklin’s Ludlow & Prime also offers a well-crafted classic martini. Whether you prefer gin or vodka, their take stays true to tradition: simple, balanced, and expertly mixed.
O’ Be Joyful: Located in downtown Franklin, O’ Be Joyful delivers a well-made classic martini. With gin or vodka, dry or dirty, this spot keeps it traditional.
Vintage Vine 100: In the Berry Farms area of Franklin, Vintage Vine 100 serves a Dirty Martini made with vodka or gin and a splash of olive brine. The flavor is straightforward and savory, a great match with the bar’s shareable plates.
JJ’s Wine Bar: In addition to its fruit-forward options, JJ’s offers traditional martinis for those who want a timeless cocktail in a historical downtown Franklin setting.
Amendment 18 Cocktail Club, Gray’s on Main, 1799 Kitchen & Bar Room, and Red Pony: These well-known Franklin bars and restaurants also feature house or rotating martinis, offering classic flavors with subtle house twists. Ideal for those who want to keep it familiar while trying something slightly new.
etch Wake Up Call Martini (credit: Mayter Scott)
How to Order a Martini
If you’ve ever hesitated to order a martini because you’re unsure how to ask for it, you’re not alone. The drink’s simplicity allows for a lot of customization and a little lingo. Here’s what to know:
- Base Spirit: Choose between gin or vodka. Gin offers more botanical notes, while vodka is smoother and more neutral.
- Dry or Wet: A dry martini has less vermouth, while a wet martini includes more. You can also request a 50/50 ratio for equal parts spirit and vermouth.
- Dirty: Adding olive brine makes it a “dirty” martini. The more brine, the dirtier it is.
- Shaken or Stirred: James Bond famously preferred his martinis shaken. Traditionalists often go for stirred, which results in a smoother texture.
- Garnish: Common options include a lemon twist, olive, or cocktail onion (the last makes it a Gibson).
If you’re unsure, most bartenders and restaurants will guide you through your choices or serve their house version as a starting point.
Park Cafe Nashville
Final Sip
From spirit-free to spirit-forward, from dessert-style to dirty, martinis continue to evolve, and National Martini Day offers a great excuse to try something new. Whether you’re celebrating close to home in Franklin or venturing into Nashville for something different, Middle Tennessee’s martini scene offers more than a few reasons to raise a glass on June 19th. Cheers!
