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Martini, Mocktail, and Craft Cocktail Ideas for Your Next Night Out

There's something magical about a well-crafted cocktail. The clink of ice, the careful pour, the first sip that makes you close your eyes and think, yes, this is exactly what I needed. Whether you're a die-hard martini enthusiast, someone exploring the world of zero-proof mocktails, or a curious sipper looking to expand your palate, your next night out in Uptown Minneapolis deserves drinks that match the vibe.

At Uptown Lobby, we take our cocktails seriously: but not too seriously. We're a vibrant restaurant and craft cocktail bar nestled in the heart of Uptown, and we believe every drink should tell a story. So grab a seat, get comfortable, and let's talk about what you should be ordering on your next visit.

The Timeless Martini: Where It All Begins

Let's start with the icon. The martini has been the gold standard of cocktail culture for over a century, and honestly? It's earned that reputation.

A traditional martini is beautifully simple: gin or vodka paired with dry vermouth, typically in a 5:1 ratio, stirred (not shaken, despite what a certain spy might tell you) until perfectly chilled. Strain it into a frosted glass, add a lemon twist or olives, and you've got elegance in liquid form.

But here's where it gets fun. How do you take yours?

Dirty or Clean? A dirty martini adds a splash of olive brine, giving you that briny, savory kick that pairs ridiculously well with our scratch-made tapas. The salt plays off the botanicals in the gin, creating something that feels indulgent without being heavy.

Dry or Wet? Going "dry" means less vermouth, letting the spirit shine. "Wet" means more vermouth, which softens the edges and adds herbal complexity. Neither is wrong: it's all about what makes your taste buds happy.

Gin or Vodka? Purists will tell you gin is the only way. We say drink what you love. Vodka martinis are cleaner and more neutral, while gin brings those botanical notes: juniper, citrus, herbs: that add layers of flavor.

Creative Martinis That Push the Boundaries

Now, if you're the type who sees a classic martini and thinks, "That's nice, but what else you got?": we see you. The martini template is one of the most versatile foundations in mixology, and bartenders have been having a field day with it for decades.

Here are some crowd-pleasers worth exploring:

The Espresso Martini : Coffee lovers, this one's for you. Vodka, fresh espresso, coffee liqueur, and a touch of simple syrup shaken until frothy. It's the drink that says, "I want to stay out late, but I also need to stay awake." Some spots even serve it frozen with spiked whipped cream on top. Dangerous? Maybe. Delicious? Absolutely.

The Porn Star Martini : Don't let the name throw you off. This passion fruit-forward beauty made with vanilla vodka, passion fruit purée, and a side of Prosecco is basically summer in a coupe glass. Sweet, tangy, and undeniably fun.

The Lemon Drop Martini : Bright, citrusy, and refreshing. It's got that perfect balance of sweet and tart that makes it dangerously easy to drink. Some variations add dragon fruit for a gorgeous pink hue and subtle tropical twist.

Dessert-Style Martinis : Think chocolate martinis topped with shaved cocoa, peanut butter cup-inspired concoctions, or lemon meringue pie martinis that taste exactly like the dessert. Are they sweet? Yes. Are they a legitimate dinner substitute? Probably not. Are they worth ordering anyway? One hundred percent.

The beauty of craft cocktails is that they're meant to be explored. Don't be afraid to ask your bartender what's new or what they recommend. That's half the fun.

Mocktails: Because Everyone Deserves a Great Drink

Here's something we feel strongly about: you shouldn't need alcohol to enjoy a sophisticated, beautifully crafted drink. The mocktail movement has exploded in recent years, and for good reason. Whether you're the designated driver, taking a break from booze, or simply prefer to skip the spirits, mocktails deserve just as much attention as their boozy counterparts.

A great mocktail isn't just juice in a fancy glass. It's balanced, complex, and satisfying.

Take the Passion Fruit Mock-tini: all the tropical, tangy goodness of a porn star martini without the alcohol. Passion fruit juice, vanilla simple syrup, a squeeze of fresh lime, and club soda for that effervescent finish. It's refreshing, it's gorgeous, and it absolutely holds its own on any menu.

Other mocktail ideas that hit just right:

• Cucumber Mint Cooler : Clean, crisp, and perfect for sipping slowly
• Spiced Apple Spritz : Warm cinnamon notes with sparkling apple cider
• Berry Basil Smash : Fresh muddled berries, basil, and a splash of lemon

At Uptown Lobby, inclusivity matters. We want everyone at your table to feel like they're part of the experience, no matter what's in their glass.

Beyond the Martini: Craft Cocktails Worth Ordering

Martinis are iconic, but they're just one chapter in the craft cocktail story. If you're branching out, here are a few styles and flavors that are trending right now:

The Lavender French 75 : This floral twist on the classic French 75 combines gin, fresh lemon juice, lavender simple syrup, and champagne. It's light, sparkling, and ridiculously photogenic. Perfect for celebrations or when you just want something that feels special.

The Strawberry Basil Smash : Fresh strawberries, muddled basil, gin, and a touch of honey. It's fruity without being overly sweet, herbaceous without being weird. The kind of drink that makes you wonder why you ever ordered anything else.

Old Fashioneds with a Twist : The old fashioned never goes out of style, but creative bartenders are playing with smoked elements, maple syrups, and unexpected bitters to keep things interesting.

Seasonal Creations : This is where things get really exciting. Cocktails that change with the seasons, featuring fresh ingredients at their peak. At Uptown Lobby, our cocktail menu evolves to reflect what's fresh and flavorful right now.

Pair Your Drinks with Something Delicious

Here's a pro tip: great cocktails deserve great food. And we're not talking about sad bar snacks. Our scratch kitchen builds every dish from the ground up using fresh, seasonal, and humanely raised ingredients. We're talking housemade pastas, tapas meant for sharing, and flavors that actually complement what you're drinking.

A dirty martini with briny olives alongside some charcuterie? Chef's kiss. An espresso martini after a rich pasta dish? Now you're thinking.

Planning Something Bigger? We've Got You Covered

Maybe you're not just planning a night out: maybe you're planning the night out. A birthday, an engagement party, a corporate event, or just an excuse to gather your favorite people in one stunning space.

Uptown Lobby and the Granada Theater offer an all-inclusive event venue experience with three flexible rental options: the Lobby and patio only, the Theater only, or the full venue for those go-big-or-go-home moments. Our private events team handles the details so you can focus on enjoying yourself.

And if you need us to come to you? Our sister company offers offsite catering, bringing the Uptown Lobby experience wherever your event takes you.

A Little Sneak Peek: Month of Love is Coming

February is almost here, and we're rolling out something special. Our Month of Love specials are coming soon: think romantic prix fixe menus, cocktail pairings designed for two, and an atmosphere that sets the mood just right. Whether you're celebrating with a partner, your best friends, or treating yourself (because self-love counts), you'll want to keep an eye on our events page for all the details.

Your Next Night Out Starts Here

So, what's it going to be? A classic gin martini stirred to perfection? A passion fruit mocktail that proves you don't need alcohol to have a good time? Maybe something seasonal and unexpected that you've never tried before?

Whatever you're in the mood for, Uptown Lobby is ready. Stop by our craft cocktail bar in Uptown Minneapolis, pull up a seat, and let us pour you something memorable. Check out our full cocktail menu, make a reservation, or just swing by: we'll be here.

Cheers to your next night out. Make it a good one. 🥂