While they aren’t at all a new cocktail, in fact they’ve been around for well over 100 years, it’s tough to deny that martinis are having a moment. For those who want to seriously indulge in this booze-forward beverage, there are plenty of opportunities — some more way luxurious than others.
Looking for the ultimate treat-yourself martini? Head over to Cote Miami, America’s first and only Michelin-starred Korean Steakhouse, who has teamed up with Chopin Vodka, the always original super-premium Polish vodka brand, to create an exclusive martini offering.
The aptly named Vintage Vault Martini is made with Chopin’s newest expression in honor of their 30th anniversary — Chopin Vintage Vault. This vintage potato vodka is from the brand’s first release exactly three decades ago. This special release can only be purchased by invitation and is priced at $3k per bottle and it appears Cote Miami certainly got the invite.
Sondre Kasin, Director of Bars at Cote, says the partnership with Chopin came about quite organically. “Chopin has always been our go-to vodka for martinis, and once we learned more about the brand’s rich history and the passion behind it, deepening the relationship felt like a natural next step,” says Kasin. “We always prioritize quality, and Chopin aligns perfectly with our goal of offering guests the very best.”
Anyone who has visited one of Cote’s several restaurants (or sister restaurants like Undercote and Coqodaq) knows Kasin pours as much passion into the beverage program as Simon Kim, Founder CEO of Gracious Hospitality Management does into the company’s restaurants throughout Miami, New York, and Singapore — with more locations on the way.
“After Simon [Kim] and I visited the distillery in 2024, we gained a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship and precision that goes into producing each bottle,” says Kasin. “It made it even more exciting to bring that story to life and showcase such a special reserve through this collaboration.”
This martini is made for those who truly love and appreciate a martini. There’s no vermouth used at all, just a tiny dash of orange bitters to enhance and highlight the aromatics. It’s also paired with caviar to make it extra special. “Petrossian is our caviar of choice for this martini,” says Kasin. “It’s rich and delicious, yet subtle enough not to overpower the elegance of the vodka.”
The Vintage Vault Martini comes at a time where luxury martinis are definitely trending across the U.S., with bars elevating the classic cocktail through high-end ingredients and striking presentations. If you’re looking to partake in these delicious concoctions, you can find others in NYC at The Gold Room, which is serving a $250 martini with $700 Nolet’s Reserve Gin, or atSan Francisco’s Empress by Boon, where the menu feature saffron-infused martinis for $150.
While there’s no set end date to this Vintage Vault Martini offering, it won’t be around forever. “We’re happy to feature it on the menu for now,” says Kasin. “In the future, we might switch things up and do something different and fun with another Chopin product.”