Martinis are a classic cocktail that have stood the test of time. This iconic drink has evolved over the years, spawning many tasty variations beyond the original gin and vermouth recipe. From dry and spirit-forward to sweet and fruity, there’s a martini for every taste preference.
You can find 17 different types of martinis to try, each with its own unique flavor profile and ingredients. Some stick close to tradition, while others push the boundaries with creative twists. Whether you prefer vodka or gin, olives or citrus, you’re sure to discover a new favorite martini to enjoy.
The classic martini is a timeless cocktail. It’s made with gin and dry vermouth. You can adjust the ratio to your taste.
For a drier martini, use less vermouth. A “wet” martini has more vermouth. Stir the ingredients with ice, then strain into a chilled glass.
Garnish with an olive or lemon twist. Some prefer their martini “dirty” with a splash of olive brine. You can also ask for it “perfect” with equal parts dry and sweet vermouth.
Experiment to find your ideal martini. Try different gins and vermouths to discover your favorite combination.
The dirty martini adds a savory twist to the classic cocktail. You’ll find olive brine mixed in with gin or vodka and dry vermouth. This gives it a salty, briny flavor.
To make one, start with 2 ounces of gin or vodka in a mixing glass. Add 1/2 ounce of dry vermouth and 1/2 ounce of olive brine. Fill with ice and stir until chilled.
Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a few olives on a cocktail pick. You can adjust the amount of olive brine to make it more or less “dirty” to your taste.
The dirty martini is perfect if you enjoy bold, salty flavors. It’s a popular choice for those who find regular martinis too strong or plain.
The Gibson Martini is a classic variation of the traditional martini. It swaps out the usual olive or lemon twist garnish for a pickled onion.
To make a Gibson, you’ll need gin or vodka, dry vermouth, and cocktail onions. Mix the spirits with ice, strain into a chilled glass, and add the onion garnish.
The Gibson offers a slightly savory twist on the martini’s crisp flavor. Its unique garnish gives it a distinct look and taste that sets it apart from other martini styles.
You can adjust the ratio of gin to vermouth to suit your taste. A drier Gibson uses less vermouth, while a wetter one includes more.
The dry martini is a classic cocktail that embodies simplicity and sophistication. It’s made with gin and a small amount of dry vermouth. The ratio of gin to vermouth can vary based on personal preference.
To make a dry martini, you’ll need to chill a martini glass. Fill a mixing glass with ice and add gin and vermouth. Stir gently for about 30 seconds to chill and combine the ingredients.
Strain the mixture into your chilled glass. You can garnish with a lemon twist or olive. Some people prefer their martini extra dry, using just a splash of vermouth or none at all.
The 50/50 Martini is a simple twist on the classic cocktail. It uses equal parts gin or vodka and vermouth.
This balanced mix creates a smoother, less strong drink than a traditional martini. It’s great if you want something easier to sip.
You can add a dash of bitters for extra flavor. Garnish with a lemon twist or olive to finish it off.
The 50/50 Martini is also called a “Perfect Martini” or “Halfsies” by some bartenders. It’s a good choice if you like vermouth but find regular martinis too strong.
The Perfect Martini is a balanced twist on the classic cocktail. It uses equal parts dry and sweet vermouth instead of just dry vermouth.
To make one, mix gin with equal amounts of dry and sweet vermouth. Stir with ice and strain into a chilled martini glass.
Garnish with a lemon twist or olive. The Perfect Martini offers a slightly sweeter taste than a dry martini. It’s great for those who find traditional martinis too strong or dry.
You can adjust the ratios to your liking. Try different gins to find your favorite combination. The Perfect Martini is an elegant choice for sipping before dinner.
The Vesper Martini gained fame as James Bond’s signature drink. You’ll find it’s a strong cocktail with a unique blend of spirits.
To make a Vesper, you’ll need gin, vodka, and Lillet Blanc. Combine 3 ounces of gin, 1 ounce of vodka, and 1/2 ounce of Lillet Blanc in a shaker with ice.
Shake the mixture well and strain it into a chilled martini glass. For a finishing touch, add a twist of lemon peel as garnish.
This drink offers a crisp, slightly bitter taste with hints of citrus. You might enjoy it as a pre-dinner cocktail or for special occasions.
The Espresso Martini is a bold and energizing cocktail that blends coffee and alcohol. It’s perfect for those who want a pick-me-up with their drink.
To make one, you’ll need vodka, coffee liqueur, fresh espresso, and simple syrup. Shake these ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled martini glass.
The result is a creamy, frothy drink with a rich coffee flavor. It’s often garnished with coffee beans for an extra touch of sophistication.
This cocktail is great for after-dinner drinks or as a tasty alternative to dessert. It’s become popular in bars and restaurants, loved by both coffee enthusiasts and cocktail fans alike.
The French Martini is a delightful twist on the classic cocktail. This drink blends vodka, pineapple juice, and raspberry liqueur for a fruity and elegant sip.
To make one, you’ll need 2 ounces of vodka, 1 ounce of pineapple juice, and 1/2 ounce of Chambord (raspberry liqueur). Shake these ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled martini glass.
The French Martini has a beautiful pink hue and a creamy texture. Its taste is sweet and tangy, with the pineapple and raspberry flavors complementing each other nicely.
You can garnish your French Martini with a raspberry or a lemon twist for extra flair.
The Apple Martini, or Appletini, is a sweet and tangy cocktail. You’ll love its bright green color and fruity flavor.
To make one, mix vodka with apple schnapps and a splash of lemon juice. Shake the ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled martini glass.
For extra flair, garnish your drink with a thin slice of green apple. Some bartenders add a touch of simple syrup to balance the tartness.
The Appletini became popular in the 1990s and remains a fun choice for those who prefer sweeter drinks. It’s a great option when you want something fruity but still sophisticated.
The chocolate martini is a sweet treat in a glass. It blends vodka with chocolate liqueur for a delicious dessert-like cocktail.
To make one, mix vodka, chocolate liqueur, and crème de cacao in a shaker with ice. Strain into a chilled martini glass.
For extra flair, rim the glass with chocolate syrup and cocoa powder. You can also add a splash of cream for a richer texture.
Garnish with chocolate shavings or a chocolate-covered strawberry. This indulgent drink is perfect for chocolate lovers looking for a boozy twist on their favorite flavor.
The pomegranate martini is a fruity twist on the classic cocktail. It combines vodka with tangy pomegranate juice for a vibrant red drink.
To make one, mix vodka, pomegranate juice, and orange liqueur in a shaker with ice. Add a splash of fresh lemon juice for extra zing. Shake well and strain into a chilled martini glass.
You can garnish your pomegranate martini with a lemon twist or a few pomegranate seeds. This cocktail is perfect for holiday parties or anytime you want a tart, refreshing drink.
The sweet-tart flavor of pomegranate pairs nicely with the smooth vodka. It’s a balanced cocktail that’s not too sweet. Try one at your next gathering for a fun, colorful drink option.
The Lemon Drop Martini is a sweet and tangy cocktail that’s perfect for a refreshing drink. It combines vodka, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup for a balanced flavor.
To make this drink, you’ll need a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Add vodka, lemon juice, and simple syrup, then shake well. Strain into a sugar-rimmed martini glass for extra sweetness.
For the best taste, use freshly squeezed lemon juice. You can also add a splash of Cointreau to enhance the citrus flavor. Garnish with a lemon twist or slice to make it look fancy.
This martini is great for parties or a night in. It’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
The Blood Orange Martini adds a vibrant twist to the classic cocktail. This drink combines the tartness of blood oranges with the kick of vodka or gin.
To make one, mix blood orange juice, vodka, Cointreau, and a splash of lime juice in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a chilled martini glass.
For extra flair, garnish with a blood orange wedge or twist. The deep red color makes this martini visually striking.
You can adjust the sweetness by adding simple syrup to taste. Some recipes also include a dash of bitters for complexity.
This cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy fruity flavors but still want a strong drink. It’s a great choice for special occasions or when you’re craving something different.
The Blueberry Martini offers a fruity twist on the classic cocktail. This vibrant drink combines blueberry vodka with fresh blueberries for a burst of flavor.
To make one, muddle fresh blueberries in a shaker. Add blueberry vodka, triple sec, and a splash of lemon juice. Shake well with ice and strain into a chilled martini glass.
For extra flair, garnish your Blueberry Martini with a few whole blueberries or a lemon twist. The deep purple hue makes for an eye-catching presentation.
This refreshing cocktail is perfect for summer gatherings or anytime you want a fruity, sophisticated drink. Its balanced sweetness and tang will please your taste buds.
The Cucumber Martini offers a cool, refreshing twist on the classic cocktail. To make one, muddle cucumber slices in a shaker to release their juice.
Add vodka, dry vermouth, and ice. Shake well for about 15 seconds until chilled. Strain the mixture into a martini glass.
You can garnish your drink with a cucumber slice or twist. Some recipes include a splash of St. Germain liqueur for added flavor.
This light, crisp martini is perfect for warm summer evenings. Its subtle vegetal notes pair well with seafood dishes or light appetizers.
History of the Martini
The martini’s story spans over a century, marked by changes in ingredients and styles. Its exact origins are debated, but it has evolved from a sweeter drink to the dry cocktail we know today.
Origins
The martini’s birth is shrouded in mystery. Some say it started in Martinez, California in the 1860s. Others claim it came from New York’s Knickerbocker Hotel. Early versions used sweet vermouth and Old Tom gin. They also had added flavors like maraschino liqueur or curaçao.
By the 1880s, two key recipes emerged. Jerry Thomas called it a Martinez in his 1887 guide. Harry Johnson named it a Martini in his 1888 manual. Both used Old Tom gin and vermouth, but had different extra ingredients.
Evolution Over Time
The martini changed a lot over the years. In the early 1900s, London Dry Gin replaced Old Tom. Dry vermouth took over for sweet. These shifts made the drink less sweet and more crisp.
World War II brought a new twist: vodka martinis. They grew popular in the 1950s and 60s. James Bond helped make them famous with his “shaken, not stirred” line.
Ratios also shifted. Early martinis had equal parts gin and vermouth. Over time, less vermouth was used. Some even just rinse the glass with it. Today, you can find many styles, from very dry to dirty (with olive brine) to perfect (equal parts dry and sweet vermouth).
Different Styles of Martinis
Martinis come in several classic styles. Each has its own unique mix of ingredients and flavors. Let’s look at three popular types.
Classic Martini
The classic martini is a timeless cocktail. It mixes gin and dry vermouth. The ratio is often 2:1 or 3:1 gin to vermouth. Some like it even drier.
To make a classic martini:
Fill a mixing glass with ice
Add gin and vermouth
Stir for about 30 seconds
Strain into a chilled martini glass
Garnish with an olive or lemon twist. The olive adds a salty touch. A twist gives a hint of citrus.
Many bartenders chill the glass first. This keeps the drink cold longer. You can also order it “up” or “on the rocks.”
Dry Martini
A dry martini uses less vermouth than the classic version. It has a stronger gin flavor. Some people like their martinis very dry.
To order a dry martini, ask for:
“Dry”: Less vermouth than usual
“Extra dry”: Just a splash of vermouth
“Bone dry”: No vermouth at all
Winston Churchill liked his martinis so dry, he just looked at the vermouth bottle. This style lets the gin shine. It’s crisp and bold.
Dry martinis often use a lemon twist instead of an olive. The citrus oils complement the gin’s botanicals.
Dirty Martini
A dirty martini adds olive brine to the mix. This gives it a salty, savory taste. It’s perfect if you like olives.
To make a dirty martini:
Start with a classic martini recipe
Add a splash of olive brine
Garnish with extra olives
The amount of brine can vary. A little makes it “dirty.” A lot makes it “filthy.” Some bars use blue cheese-stuffed olives for extra flavor.
Dirty martinis are often made with vodka instead of gin. This lets the olive flavor stand out more.
Ingredients and Mixology
Making a great martini requires the right ingredients and techniques. You’ll need to know the key components, how to mix them properly, and how to present your drink with style.
Essential Ingredients
Gin or vodka forms the base of most martinis. You’ll want to choose a high-quality spirit for the best taste. Vermouth, a fortified wine, is another key ingredient. Dry vermouth is used in classic martinis, while sweet vermouth appears in some variations.
Ice is crucial for chilling and diluting the drink. Use large, clean ice cubes for best results.
For flavored martinis, you might need fruit juices, liqueurs, or syrups. Always opt for fresh ingredients when possible.
Bitters can add depth to your martini. Just a dash or two can make a big difference.
Mixing Techniques
Shaking and stirring are the main methods for mixing martinis. Each technique affects the drink differently.
Shaking:
Chills the drink quickly
Creates a frothy texture
Best for fruity or creamy martinis
Stirring:
Produces a silky, clear drink
Preserves the spirits’ flavors
Ideal for classic gin martinis
To shake, add ingredients to a shaker with ice. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds. Strain into a chilled glass.
To stir, use a mixing glass and bar spoon. Stir gently for 30 seconds to chill and dilute the drink properly.
Garnishes and Presentation
The right garnish can elevate your martini from good to great. Common garnishes include:
Olives (green or stuffed)
Lemon twists
Cocktail onions
Fruit slices
To make a lemon twist, use a peeler to remove a strip of zest. Twist it over the drink to release oils, then drop it in.
Serve your martini in a chilled glass. The classic V-shaped martini glass is traditional, but a coupe glass works well too.
For a professional touch, chill your glass in the freezer before serving. This keeps your drink cold longer.
Remember, presentation matters. A well-garnished martini in a frosted glass looks and tastes better than a sloppy pour.
Martini Glassware
Martini glasses come in different shapes and sizes. The right glass can enhance your drinking experience. It affects how the drink looks and tastes.
Traditional Glasses
The classic V-shaped martini glass is an icon. Its wide rim lets you smell the drink’s aroma. The long stem keeps your hand from warming the drink. This glass holds about 4 to 8 ounces.
You’ll often see olives or lemon twists as garnishes in these glasses. The shape also helps show off the drink’s clarity and color.
Some bartenders chill the glass before serving. This keeps your martini cold longer.
Modern Alternatives
Coupe glasses are gaining popularity for martinis. They have a rounded bowl on a stem. This shape is less likely to spill than the V-shaped glass.
Nick and Nora glasses are another option. They’re smaller and more delicate. These glasses hold about 5 to 6 ounces.
Some bars use stemless martini glasses. These are easier to store and less likely to break. But they may warm your drink faster as you hold them.
No matter which glass you choose, make sure it’s clean and dry. This will give you the best martini experience.
Cassie brings decades of experience to the Kitchen Community. She is a noted chef and avid gardener. Her new book "Healthy Eating Through the Garden" will be released shortly. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Cassie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea.
