The best martinis in Shanghai

Dirty Martini, Abbey Road

Martini sessions don’t always have to involve leather armchairs, suits and dark walls. It’s a versatile cocktail that suits any occasion, even the ones when you want to get down and dirty on the cheap. That’s where Abbey Road comes in (literally) as the brine on these muddy the usual crystal gaze of your chosen spirit (gin or vodka) to great effect. Don’t underestimate their strength. One, maybe two… three for the wild ones. Stop there. 45RMB.

Absinthe Martini, Ars & Delecto

If a classic martini wasn’t already potent enough for you, the absinthe variation at Ars & Delecto will surely do the trick. Safe drink it is not. Bartender Ray Shih combines five drops of absinthe with China’s own Peddlers Barrel Aged Gin for a fiery but pleasant result. The absinthe doesn’t overpower and the barrel-aged gin gives it a darker colouring. Expect to grow more than a few hairs on your chest after finishing this. 100RMB.

Smoky Martini, Bar No. 3

This high-percentage take at Bar No. 3 ditches the vermouth in favour of Scotch and Drambuie liqueur meaning it’s – unsurprisingly – a damn hefty drink. The oaky vibes are really amped up by a burned cinnamon stick pressed down the middle of the glass, combining fire, spirits and smoke for a flavour that’s both wild and adventurous. Your uncle who never leaves his vintage 1899 antique chair would love this. 99RMB.

Vesper Martini, Sir Elly's

Channel 007 with this suave martini at The Peninsula Shanghai's rooftop bar Sir Elly's. Pitch up by the bar with the Pearl Tower in sight and order it off-menu just like Bond would. Here, they’ll add the customary lemon peel along with liberal dosings of both spirits. Certainly a powerful combination that’ll take the edge off after an arduous day in the office (or, yaknow, chasing spies). Tuxedos are optional. From 130RMB.

Sorbetini, M on the Bund

A little taste of summer, you'll want to be leaning back on a comfy chair somewhere on M on the Bund’s quaint terrace with the city’s skyline in full view for this one. The Sorbetini sees a scoop of house-made sorbet nestled invitingly beneath a mix of Finlandia vodka and sparkling wine for the ultimate sunshine sip. Once the booze has been put away, the sorbet – now soaked with said booze – is also a delightfully frozen treat to finish on. 108RMB.

Pandan-tini, Pierogi Ladies

Ice-cool and garnished with a pandan leaf, this exotic number at Pierogi Ladies is another that works well when Shanghai’s scorching heat is beating down on you come mid-July – but we'll drink 'em anytime. A blend of pandan-infused vodka, homemade pandan syrup, kiwi syrup and fresh lime juice, it might not be a martini in the traditional sense but we let that slide as it's just too darn refreshing and delicious to pass up. Plus, they're buy-one-get-one-free on Thursdays from 6-10pm. 70RMB.

Gin Martini, Avenue Joffre

If you’re seeking the stereotypical martini experience, Avenue Joffre has it in spades. Bartenders in white double-breasted dinner jackets? Check. A living room-esque den worthy of hosting Roger Sterling’s next lunchtime tipple? Check. We could go on, but like the drink itself, we’ll keep it simple. The two key ingredients – Tanqueray gin and dry vermouth – strained well, served with olives and packing in enough gusto that you’ll forget it’s only one in the afternoon. 108MB.

Wasabi Martini, Suzu

Suzu probably boasts the most enviable martini menu in the city with a selection that arguably deserves its own article. There's apple, lychee, chocolate and so on, all of which are great, but taking things to the next level is the wasabi for which suited bartenders delicately grate fresh wasabi over the hard stuff (Gordon's gin and Mancino Vermouth), before stirring it up to create a delightfully sharp sensation for both mouth and nose. 110RMB.

Mortini, Morton’s

The Mortinis at Morton's aren’t just dirty, they’re downright filthy. The olives here are filled with blue cheese (killer idea) and they don’t use vermouth, instead you pick your poison – and that’s based on how far you’re willing to extend your wallet. The real trick is to come during Power Hour (weekdays from 5-7pm) where they are a dangerous 45RMB. With a soundtrack heavy on Frank Sinatra, you won’t end your week on a classier note. From 92RMB.

Oriental Martini, Sober Company

Hakkatini, Hakkasan

A martini that screams ‘Look at me, I’m fancy!’, the Hakkatini at Hakkasan is well known (and well drunk) all over the world. Grey Goose L’Orange Vodka, Grand Marnier, an orange zest twist… It’s a very orange drink that tastes just as good as it looks with a profile that’s predictably bittersweet. It also pairs nicely with the restaurant's Cantonese dishes. 90RMB.

Suze & Cheese Martini, Café Gray Deluxe

This inventive riff at Café Gray Deluxe has origins that trace back to head bartender Gary Hu’s leftovers in the fridge (cookies and cheddar cheese to be exact). It might not please all the purists out there, but for the free-spirited it hits all the right spots as the unlikely team of cheddar cheese-infused gin, hazelnut and Suze – garnished with olive oil and chocolate bitters – prove to be a satisfyingly rich winner. 98RMB.