The Best Martinis in Nashville Anytime

From Gin Martinis to the transition to vodka martinis, advertisements and influencers had a hand in making the change many decades ago. While vodka made its way into the United States in the 1930s when Smirnoff built a distillery in Connecticut, it gained some popularity when the Moscow Mule was created in 1941. There was another surge in the early 1950s when Russia and America became allies during World War II, and again when Smirnoff began advertising in the 1960s.

Leave it to advertising folks in the ’60s to know how to influence what Americans drink. While the staff at the Sterling Cooper Advertising Agency on Mad Men were drinking old fashioned drinks on the job, it was the employees at the Madison Avenue advertising agencies in the ’60s and ’70s that were the people behind the term “three martini lunch” when they believed they were more creative after having a few drinks. JFK and Jimmy Carter both condemned this practice as people were writing off these expenses, which affected tax rates. Jimmy Carter is credited with coining the phrase and his opponent,

Gerald Ford, responded in a 1978 speech that “The three-martini lunch is the epitome of American efficiency. Where else can you get an earful, a bellyful and a snootful at the same time?”

With the help of ad agencies, politicians, authors, filmmakers and actors, vodka continued to soar in popularity in the ’60s, especially with the release of the first of 27 James Bond movies, Dr. No, in 1962. The vodka martini in particular saw a rise when men started drinking them “shaken, not stirred”. It was officially called the Vesper Martini and was originally featured in the book, Dr. No, in 1958.

Author Ian Fleming wrote,“Three measures of Gordon’s, one of vodka, half a measure of Kina Lillet [a vermouth-like fortified aromatised wine]. Shake it very well until it’s ice-cold, then add a large thin slice of lemon peel.”

Another author known for his love of (very dry) vodka martinis is Pulitzer Prize winner, Ernest Hemingway, who also had several of his books turned into movies during the vodka boom. However, he was very vocal about not drinking while writing. He wanted his mind to be clear when he wrote, so he drank during his off hours, which allowed him to think about the storylines and make changes the next day.

Hemingway said, “Don’t bother with churches, government buildings or city squares. If you want to know about a culture, spend a night in its bars.”

If you’re looking to experience the culture of Nashville during the day for a classy three martini lunch, you’ll find most of the places that serve the best cocktails in Music City don’t open until 5 pm. However, Earnest Bar and Hideaway, named after Hemingway, serves lunch during the week starting at 11 am Wednesday – Friday, and you won’t be disappointed with the atmosphere, the staff, the food or the drinks!

If you’re heading out after work a little closer to the traditional cocktail hour, there are a lot of cool places that serve up a great martini in Nashville. But in the spirit of the history of the vodka martini, we suggest Sinema because the restaurant is in the old Melrose Theatre that opened in 1942. The staff even plays old movies throughout the restaurant as they keep that historic feel alive while offering craft cocktails that span 150 years of history. The staff at the Sterling Cooper Advertising Agency would love Sinema for after work drinks because of its Whiskey Program that has over 200 selections.

If your idea of enjoying martinis with friends at your short term rental, we’ve got you covered! Just flip on those James Bond movies or binge watch Mad Men on Netflix while the rBAR staff delivers your choice of martinis right to your door.  Of course they will be shaken, not stirred. Leave everything to us while you enjoy time with friends and family during your time in Nashville.

If you need help planning your party, drinks for the night or a night out in Nashville, we are here to help. We bring food and drinks for any size event, and even provide music for select rBAR customers. More info about that coming soon! Plus, follow us on social media and sign up for our email newsletter to get tips on making drinks, planning parties, visiting Nashville and more. Trust us. We’ve been to a lot of parties. We’ve made a lot of drinks.