Behind the Bar: Meet Our Most Popular Martinis at Velvet Buffalo

A great martini is more than a cocktail. It sets the tone for the evening.

At Velvet Buffalo Modern Italian, our cocktail menu brings the same thoughtful approach to the bar that we bring to the kitchen. Premium spirits, fresh ingredients, balanced flavors, and a little creativity come together in every glass. From bright citrus and fresh espresso to savory olive brine, our martinis offer something for nearly every kind of cocktail drinker.

Whether you're joining us for dinner, meeting friends for cocktails, celebrating something special, or simply settling into a seat at the bar, these guest-favorite martinis are always a good place to start.

Limoncello Drop

Ketel One Citroen, limoncello, fresh lemon juice

Bright, refreshing, and unmistakably Italian-inspired, the Limoncello Drop Martini is made for anyone who likes their cocktails crisp and citrus-forward.

Ketel One Citroen creates a smooth foundation, while limoncello adds a vibrant lemon character and subtle sweetness. Fresh lemon juice brings everything into balance with just the right amount of acidity. The result is light, lively, and incredibly easy to sip.

It's an ideal cocktail to begin your evening and a natural match for the fresh, seasonal flavors you'll find throughout our modern Italian menu.

French Martini

Vodka, Chambord, Lillet Blanc, pineapple, Prosecco

Elegant without taking itself too seriously, our French Martini layers fruit, citrus, and bubbles into one beautifully balanced cocktail.

Vodka provides a clean base while Chambord brings notes of rich raspberry. Lillet Blanc adds delicate citrus and floral character, and pineapple rounds everything out with a touch of tropical sweetness. A splash of Prosecco gives the cocktail a crisp, sparkling finish.

It's sophisticated, refreshing, and just unexpected enough to keep things interesting.

Espresso Martini

Vanilla vodka, Kahlúa, fresh espresso

There are after-dinner drinks, and then there's the Espresso Martini.

Our version combines vanilla vodka, Kahlúa, and fresh espresso for a cocktail that's rich, smooth, and full of coffee flavor. Vanilla softens the espresso's natural bitterness, while Kahlúa adds depth and just enough sweetness to bring it all together.

Enjoy one after dinner, alongside dessert, or whenever the evening calls for a little extra energy. It's a modern classic for good reason.

Budino Martini

Vanilla vodka, butterscotch schnapps, cream, sea salt

Dessert in a glass? We're not opposed.

Inspired by budino, the classic Italian pudding, our Budino Martini combines vanilla vodka, butterscotch schnapps, and cream for a rich, velvety cocktail. A touch of sea salt cuts through the sweetness and gives every sip a beautifully balanced finish.

It's creamy, buttery, indulgent, and particularly satisfying at the end of a meal. Pair it with dessert if you're feeling decadent, or let the martini handle dessert all on its own.

Classic Dirty Martini

Vodka, dry vermouth, olive brine

Some things don't need reinventing.

Our Classic Dirty Martini keeps it simple with chilled vodka, dry vermouth, and olive brine. Clean, savory, and wonderfully smooth, it's the kind of cocktail that never goes out of style.

For guests who prefer something less sweet and more spirit-forward, this is the move. No fuss. No unnecessary extras. Just a timeless martini made with care.

Find Your Favorite Martini at Velvet Buffalo

The best martini ultimately comes down to the one you want to order again.

Maybe that's the bright citrus of a Limoncello Drop, the bubbles of a French Martini, the rich finish of an Espresso Martini, or the savory simplicity of a Classic Dirty. And if you're in the mood for something indulgent, the Budino Martini is waiting.

Celebrations, after-work drinks, date nights, or dinner with friends all have one thing in common: they’re better with a great martini in hand.

Pull up a seat at the bar at Velvet Buffalo Modern Italian and discover your new favorite martini.

FAQs

What are the best martinis at Velvet Buffalo Modern Italian?

Velvet Buffalo’s guest-favorite martinis include the bright Limoncello Drop, sparkling French Martini, rich Espresso Martini, indulgent Budino Martini, and timeless Classic Dirty Martini. Each is thoughtfully crafted with premium spirits, fresh ingredients, and balanced flavors.

Does Velvet Buffalo have an espresso martini?

Yes. Velvet Buffalo’s Espresso Martini combines vanilla vodka, Kahlúa, and fresh espresso for a smooth, coffee-forward cocktail with just the right touch of sweetness. It’s an easy choice after dinner, alongside dessert, or whenever the evening deserves a little extra energy.

Where can I get a good martini in Beloit, Wisconsin?

Velvet Buffalo Modern Italian, located inside Hotel Goodwin in downtown Beloit, serves a selection of handcrafted martinis ranging from citrus-forward and sparkling to creamy, savory, and spirit-forward. Pull up a seat at the bar, pair one with dinner, or make martinis the occasion.