A martini does not have to be austere. Our Caprese Martini takes the most beloved plate of an Italian summer — tomato, basil, mozzarella and good olive oil — and pours it into a chilled glass. It is savory, sophisticated and unlike anything else on the cocktail scene in Apex, North Carolina, which is exactly why it has become a conversation starter at the bar.
A savory martini, done seriously
The base is Absolut Elyx vodka infused in-house with ripe tomato, giving the drink a clean, umami-rich body. Dry vermouth keeps it recognizably a martini, a whisper of balsamic vinegar adds brightness and depth, and salt and pepper season it the way you would season the salad itself. Basil brings the garden aroma, and a few drops of extra-virgin olive oil float on top for silk and shine.
A small piece of mozzarella turns the garnish into a bite. The whole thing is designed to taste like the caprese you remember, translated faithfully into liquid form.
Perfect for the curious drinker
This is the cocktail we recommend to guests who tell us they are “bored of the usual.” It rewards people who love savory flavors, dirty martinis, or a good Bloody Mary, and it makes a striking aperitif before a night out in the Triangle.
Pair it with our Hummus Dip or the Charcuterie Board and you have an elegant, Mediterranean-leaning start to the evening that few other bars near Cary or Raleigh can match.
From the kitchen to the shaker
Great savory cocktails borrow from great cooking, and the Caprese Martini is a study in that idea. Infusing Absolut Elyx with ripe tomato takes patience, and getting the balsamic, salt and pepper in balance is closer to seasoning a dish than mixing a drink. The result rewards that effort with genuine depth.
It is proof that a cocktail bar in Apex, NC can think like a restaurant. If the savory profile appeals to you, our small plates were made for exactly this kind of palate — the Mediterranean notes of the Hummus Dip echo the martini beautifully, turning a single drink into a whole experience.
Good to know
- Bar: Apex Aqua Vitae — Liquid Luxury & Bar
- Category: Signature Cocktails
- Where: Apex, North Carolina, in the heart of the Raleigh–Durham–Cary Triangle
- Easy to reach from: Cary, Raleigh, Morrisville and Holly Springs
- Explore or reserve: lightpink-chamois-855074.hostingersite.com/ or call 919-267-4246
- Follow along: Facebook, Instagram and TikTok for new pours and events
Frequently asked questions
What is a Caprese Martini?
It is a savory martini inspired by the caprese salad — tomato-infused Absolut Elyx vodka, dry vermouth, balsamic, basil, mozzarella and olive oil, seasoned with salt and pepper.
Is the Caprese Martini strong?
Yes, it is a spirit-forward martini. The savory ingredients balance the vodka but it drinks like a proper, boozy martini.
Where can I order a Caprese Martini in Apex, NC?
At Apex Aqua Vitae, where it is one of our handcrafted signature cocktails.
Visit Apex Aqua Vitae — Liquid Luxury & Bar in Apex, North Carolina. Explore the full menu at lightpink-chamois-855074.hostingersite.com/ or call 919-267-4246. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
See more inventive builds under Handcrafted Cocktails.