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The most recognizable cocktail in history is finally being celebrated this month, and it is all going down in Brooklyn.
The first-ever Martini Expo will be held on Friday, September 12 and Saturday, 13 at Sunset Park's Industry City. The weekend will be full of seminars, presentations, tastings, guest bartender appearances and events, all dedicated to the greatest cocktail ever. The expo is hosted by journalist Robert Simonson, who has written extensively about cocktails, spirit and bars for The New York Times and is also behind the Substack newsletter, "The Mix with Robert Simonson."
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The weekend kicks off with the "Ultimate Martini Dinner"—a multi-course dinner at Brooklyn's most exciting new restaurant, Confidant. Enjoy some light canapes, starting with steak tartare crackers and seasonal vegetable tarts alongside welcome aperitifs. Later, you can indulge in a four-course family-style dinner, with options like dry-aged steak, crown of Duck or Caraflex cabbage, plus banana cream pie for dessert. A different Ford Gin martini will accompany each course and the brand's founder, Simon Ford, will also be co-hosting the dinner.
On Saturday, the expo continues with a lineup of different seminars from notable bartenders, industry experts, historians and spirit producers. Panels include "Signature in a Glass: Creating the House Martini" where New York's hottest cocktail spots will discuss what goes into creating a bar's house martini and "Shaken or Stirred?" led by author and longtime cocktail tech innovator, David Arnold. Spirits expert Keli Rivers will host the hands-on session "My Way: Getting Your Perfect Martini Every Time" geared for both gin and vodka lovers. During the informational panels, Confidant will also be hosting a Three Martini Lunch which includes, of course, a trio of different mini martinis.
The day continues on with a book signing, "Burgers and Books." Several cocktail book authors and bartending luminaries will be in attendance, including Dale DeGroff, Julie Reiner and Amanda Schuster. George Motz of Hamburger America will be doling out specialty burgers and light aperitif and spritz-style cocktails will also be on order.
The finale, the "Martini Mixer Cocktail Party," will see a roster of celebrated martini masters mixing up their signature version of the classic quaff. Spirit sponsors like Fords Gin, Farmer's Gin, Sipsmith Gin, Altamura Vodka and Hayman's Gin will be onsite with pours and while food will be provided by Hamburger America, Crif Dogs, The Frying Pan Brooklyn and WakuWaku. For even more indulgence, Tsar Nicoulai Caviar will be providing the caviar, while Chartreuse will be shucking oysters. Paired with music, performances and all sorts of fun throughout the day, this event may just be as iconic as the martini itself.
Tickets range from $132 to $237 per event; you can also purchase ticket bundles starting at $211. View the whole itinerary and purchase tickets here.