A Taste of What’s in Store
From mixers to dinners to seminars—find out what’s in store at the 2026 Martini Expo in Chicago
Martini Dinner Series
Experience the best of Chicago diningChicago has long been one of America's greatest restaurant cities. Its classic dining rooms have hosted legends, brokered deals, sparked romances, and set the standard for what a truly great night out can be.
The Martini Expo Dinner Series is a collection of intimate, individually curated dining experiences set in some of Chicago's most storied and celebrated restaurants. Each dinner in the series will be thoughtfully designed in collaboration with the host restaurant to create a cohesive, memorable evening.
Venue announcements coming soon—but expect nothing less than Chicago's finest.
Martini Mixer
Cocktail Party
Featuring The Martini MastersHosted at Hawksmoor Chicago
The Martini Mixer is the main event at the Martini Expo—a spectacular, one-night cocktail experience that brings together the best bartending talent in the country, an indulgent spread of the finest food and drink, and an atmosphere that is equal parts sophistication and fun.
At the heart of the Martini Mixer is our roster of Martini Masters—a handpicked collection of some of the most talented, creative, and celebrated bartenders from Chicago and beyond. Each Martini Master will present their own signature Martini variation, pushing the boundaries of what this iconic cocktail can be while honoring the traditions that make it timeless. Guests will move through the event, exploring each bartender's unique interpretation, tasting, discovering, and debating which Martini reigns supreme.
Check out our Talent page for the most up to date lineup of Martini Masters.
Martini Education
Seminars, Panels & Hands-On WorkshopsHosted at Salon 61, Gus' Sip & Dip and Kitty's Cosmopolitan Club
Capping off the Martini Expo week, the Education Program will feature a dynamic lineup of seminars, panels, and hands-on workshops curated by Robert Simonson and led by some of the most knowledgeable, opinionated, and entertaining voices in the world of cocktails. Our talent will be drawn from Chicago's vibrant bartending community and from the broader national and international spirits world.
There will be a carefully curated pop-up bookshop operating throughout the Educational Programming, stocked with essential titles for cocktail enthusiasts and industry professionals alike. The Book Store will also host a rotating series of author appearances and book signing sessions featuring notable voices from the world of cocktail writing and spirits history.
Throughout the afternoon, attendees will be able to enjoy a catered walkaround Three-Martini Lunch, with hearty Windy City staples accompanied by miniature Martini variations. The Educational Programming will be capped off by a fun and festive Happy Hour, where our attendees will close out The Martini Expo in style..
