The second annual Martini Expo, presented by The Mix with Robert Simonson, ran September 13–20, 2026 in Chicago, growing from a sold-out debut in Brooklyn into a full week of martini events. The expansion reflects how much interest the classic cocktail has right now, a trend that is carrying over into at-home holiday entertaining.
Most cocktails get a trend piece. The martini got a convention, and now a whole week. Martini Expo 2026 just wrapped in Chicago, and its rapid growth is one more sign that the martini is the drink of the moment heading into holiday party season.
What's trending
The Martini Expo, presented by The Mix with cocktail writer Robert Simonson, returned for its second edition in Chicago from September 13 to 20, 2026, according to the organizers' event guide. The first edition, held in Brooklyn last year, was billed as "the first-of-its-kind convention dedicated to the culture, craft, and legacy of the Martini," and BARTENDER.com reported that it sold out.
This year's version grew considerably. Participating bars around the city ran a Martini Expo Week, followed by a Martini Mixer at Hawksmoor Chicago on September 19 and a seminar day on September 20 across Salon 61, Gus' Sip & Dip and Kitty's Cosmopolitan Club. That day covered gin, vermouth and martini history, plus a pop-up bookshop and, fittingly, a three-martini lunch.
The lineup drew well-known names from the bar world, including Charles Joly, Julia Momose, Katie Renshaw and Toby Cecchini. Brand partners included Fords Gin, Grey Goose, Bombay Sapphire and Hayman's Gin, per BARTENDER.com.
As the organizers put it: "If ever a single cocktail could support an entire confab, it's the Martini."
Why it's resonating
A dedicated martini event doubling in scope in its second year says a lot about where drinking culture is. The martini sits at the crossroads of several things people want right now: a sense of occasion, a nod to classic glamour, and a drink that's endlessly customizable, from bone-dry gin to dirty to espresso to dessert-style.
It's also a cocktail people like to talk about. Gin or vodka, shaken or stirred, olive or twist: every guest has an opinion, which makes it a natural centerpiece for a social evening.
From expo to living room
That enthusiasm is showing up at home, especially around the holidays. The martini party has become a popular alternative to the traditional Christmas open house. It's smaller, dressier and easier to plan, because the menu is built around one glass.
Hosts planning one tend to keep it simple: two or three signature martinis, a small bites board, and some festive styling to match. The invitation often sets the theme before anyone arrives. Soft pink and glam designs are especially popular this season, like this editable pink Christmas martini party invitation, which comes with headlines such as "Shaken, Stirred & Merry" and a matching martini menu sign for the bar cart.
A few ideas borrowed from the expo's spirit that translate well to a home party:
- Offer a "build your own" choice: gin or vodka, dirty or dry, olive or twist
- Add one seasonal signature: a cranberry, peppermint or gingerbread martini
- Chill the glasses: the single easiest upgrade any host can make
The bottom line
When a single cocktail can fill a week of events in Chicago, it's safe to say the martini's comeback is more than a passing fad. Expect that energy to carry straight into December, with fewer sprawling open houses and more shaken, stirred and very merry martini nights at home.