The Martini. This classic cocktail has changed over the years, and new and surprising varieties have come into creation. While purists consider the martini to be only gin and vermouth, modern mixologists will tell you that what makes a martini a Martini is the ratio of the alcohol, anywhere from 2:1 to 6:1. So although most modern martinis contain vodka and a liqueur, they are still martinis because of the ratio. The new ViewHouse Centennial wants to be your martini headquarters, and to prove, it they have a variety of martinis to enjoy. 

According to Bar Manager Mark Ross, the Pear Martini is the bar’s most popular and is also one of his personal favorites. The Pear Martini is made with Grey Goose La Poire Vodka, St. Germain, sweet and sour, champagne and simple syrup with a lemon twist. The drink is served in a champagne flute and looks like a glass of bubbly. The sweet of the pear is subtle and blends perfectly with the champagne. To keep the drink from getting too sweet, Ross uses just a touch of sour. The cocktail paired perfectly with the seared Ahi Tataki from the dinner menu.

The Bombay Martini is made with Bombay Sapphire Gin, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, Chambord, with fresh blackberries and lemon garnish. Before sipping, catch the scent of the berry and lemon, then taste the sour and gin at the front with the berry coming through at the finish. Those who favor the classic martini will like this blend.

For a sweet treat the Strawberry Stiletto Martini uses Ketel One Vodka, fresh strawberries, Triple Sec, fresh oranges, simple syrup and cranberry juice. Ross does not fine-strain the cocktail, so the fruit flavors come through, and you can see a few fruity chunks in the glass. This cocktail is a summery blend of strawberry and lemon with a hint of cranberry at the finish.

The ViewHouse’s Apple Martini is not to be confused with the “Appletini” of television sitcoms, which usually feature some strange green syrupy liqueur that comes from a plastic bottle. The ViewHouse Apple Martini uses Grey Goose Vodka, apple schnapps, lemon juice and simple syrup and has a natural apple-cream color and is garnished with a bright red cherry on the bottom. Not only does the drink look cool, it tastes delicious with the apple and lemon blended together.

The Raspberry Martini uses Raspberry-infused Ciroc Vodka, cranberry juice, fresh lime juice and simple syrup. With a lighter pink color than the Bombay Martini, the taste of this cocktail leans more toward the lime and cranberry, making for a bit of a surprise. The raspberry is so slight it comes through in the scent of the garnish rather than in the cocktail itself. 

If the evening’s meal is filled with spicy chicken wings or tangy BBQ ribs, then get a Chocolate Martini for dessert. Chocolate is drizzled on the inside of the glass for extra decadence. The concoction is made with Grey Goose Vodka, Godiva Milk Chocolate Liqueur, cream and simple syrup. There is nothing skinny about this drink. A tiny hint of hazelnut shines through in the taste even though it isn’t used in the recipe.

The martinis on the cocktail menu run from $10 to $12, however, during happy hour the Apple, Chocolate, Pear and Strawberry Stiletto are only $7. Happy hour at the ViewHouse Centennial is from 3 to 6 PM daily and features a variety of Colorado craft beers served on 32 taps and a tasty menu of small bites like Beef Sliders and Pigs in a Blanket for only $3. The appetizers from the dinner menu serve two comfortably and feature Crab Cakes, BBQ Baby Back Ribs and Buffalo Wings. 

Photos by Carrie Dow