A 'tini look into some of the best martinis in town

You might remember from my top crab creations column that I always wanted an older brother. Well, friends, I left out a small detail: I met him almost seven years ago and he’s accepted the role. Now, it’s officially in print, so there’s no backing out.

Before you ask, no, this isn’t a juicy long-lost sibling saga.

My newfound bro is a dear friend who showed up early to my dad’s celebration of life, stayed late at my birthday party and continues to call me out on my nonsense — whether I deserve it or not. As with any good sibling relationship, we bond over the cards life has dealt us and have constantly disagree.

However, one thing we'll always agree on is how a stiff post-work cocktail can solve almost any problem. While I don't join often join him in the land of dirty martinis (sorry, olive lovers), I respect a timeless drink.

So whether you like your martinis shaken, stirred, extra dirty, or dream of being the next James Bond, here’s a toast to my “big brother.” After all, he's one of my biggest cheerleaders — the least I can do is point him in the right direction to get a "tini" bit buzzed. 

Bar Italia

6568 University Parkway, Lakewood Ranch; 863-354-1479; BarItalia.com

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Shake it Up: The price is right on hump day at Bar Italia! Say hello to $8 martini Wednesdays, where you can choose from five tempting creations to make your night a "tini" bit better! My bro would pick the Paul "A," a classic vodka martini with blue-cheese olives that’s perfectly suave. Me? I'm diving into the Manhattan, a blend of Buffalo Trace bourbon, sweet vermouth, Luxardo cherries and a dash of bitters.

Olive Another: Other martinis on offer include the Capri cosmo, Limonata martini and the tramonto rosa topped with blood orange ginger beer. But when you go for happy hour( 3-6 p.m. Monday through Friday), diners and drinkers alike can choose from an array of appetizers like the 12-month prosciutto with ricotta ($8).

Connors Steak & Seafood

3501 S. Tamiami Trail, No. 1165, Sarasota; 941-260-3232; ConnorsRestaurant.com

Shake it Up: I'd be remiss to not mention my "work mother," who has raved about Connors' martinis since the first day we met. Diamonds might be some girls' best friends, but I think hers might be olives. So brother, mother knows best and Connors has balanced perfection when it comes to your cocktail of choice. Chilled, clean and classically boozy, this martini is sure to get the job done.

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Olive Another: Classy and elegant, just like my work mother, this martini moment calls for a duo. Order the Blue Point oysters ($18/$34) to accompany your martini — freshly shucked on the half shell and perfect for an evening of treating yourself.

Arts & Central

611 Central Ave., Sarasota; 941-306-2356; ArtsAndCentral.com

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Shake it Up: I've been dishing out the classics and while Arts & Central serves one, there are also three other martinis to choose from: espresso, toasted almond (made with Tito's, Kahlua, Amaretto and heavy cream) and matcha green tea (360 vanilla vodka, creme de cacao, house-made match, simple oat milk). I can already hear my brother after he reads this, demanding the scoop on the dirty version. Guess what? He’s just going to have to join me at happy hour to taste it for himself!

Olive Another: If you're more of a spritz fan like myself, there are six cocktails served with Soligo prosecco and a splash of soda water that will bring any sibling rivalry to an end. I sip on the Hugo spritz ($12) while I snack on whipped feta ($16) made with ricotta and goat cheese, fermented honey, candied fruit and house pita.

Libby's Neighborhood Brasserie

1917 S. Osprey Ave., 941-236-5826; 8445 Lorraine Road, Lakewood Ranch; 941-357-1570; LibbysNeighborhoodBrasserie.com.

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Shake it Up: After a long day, there's no better reward than a perfectly poured martini for just $7 during happy hour at Libby’s. Running from 2-6 p.m., this is your golden ticket to shake off the day and stir up some fun. Honestly, even the photo of these beauties makes me wish I was more of an olive person. This smooth, sophisticated and silky cocktail is as decadently dirty as it is crisp and clean.

Olive Another: Not feeling the martini vibe? No worries — this happy hour's got something for everyone! Sip on $2-off Libby's signature cocktails, enjoy $3-off drafts and munch on $7 bar bites that are just as drool-worthy as the drinks. I can't leave Libby's without ordering avocado eggrolls ($14.50).

Bridge Street Bistro

111 Gulf Drive, Bradenton Beach; 941-782-1122; BridgeStreetBistroOnline.com

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Shake it Up: Weekday happy hours might be out of the question for my brother and me given the time slot at this eatery (12-4 p.m. daily), but come the weekend? Fuh-get-about-it! He’s all about the $6 Skyy martini — whether that means sipping one or going for the hat trick during the happiest of hours. Me? I’ll be right next to him, raising a $6 cosmo to toast working and playing hard.

Olive Another: While the hurricane season might have changed the restaurant's hours, there is still time to enjoy this staple spot. The plan of action is to reopen seven days a week right before Christmas. So check their website, claim your spot and support this Bradenton Beach bistro with a martini and friend — in my case, my brother — in hand.