Shaken, not stirred. The iconic phrase is a hallmark of the sophisticated world of martinis. But what exactly makes a martini great? Is it the perfect balance of sweet and sour, or the way the glass seems to glow with an inner light when the liquid gold inside catches the eye?
For those who crave the classic cocktail experience, we’ve gathered 19 timeless martini recipes that are sure to transport you to a bygone era of glamour and refinement. From the dry wit of a Gin Martini with a Twist to the sweet indulgence of a Chocolate Martini with Creme de Cacao, each recipe is a masterclass in simplicity and sophistication.
Dry Gin Martini with a Twist
A classic martini gets a twist of citrusy flair in this refreshing cocktail. Perfect for warm evenings or anytime you need a little pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz dry gin
– 1/2 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1 dash orange bitters
– Green Chartreuse liqueur (for the twist)
– Lemon twist or wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Add a dash of orange bitters.
4. Shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds.
5. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
6. Drizzle a small amount (about 1/8 oz) of Green Chartreuse liqueur into the cocktail, allowing it to swirl and create a subtle orange hue.
7. Garnish with a lemon twist or wheel.
Cooking Time: None! This is a cocktail, not a dish.
Vodka Martini with Olive Garnish
Elevate your cocktail game with this timeless recipe that combines the crispness of vodka and the sophistication of a martini. This Vodka Martini with Olive Garnish is a staple for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 ounces (60 ml) vodka
– 1 ounce (30 ml) dry vermouth
– Green olives, pitted
– Lemon twist or cocktail onions (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Pour the vodka and vermouth over the ice.
3. Stir for approximately 30 seconds to chill and dilute the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
5. Garnish with a green olive, either on its own or paired with a lemon twist or cocktail onion.
Cooking Time: None! Just mix, chill, and serve.
Dirty Martini with Blue Cheese Stuffed Olives
This recipe combines the classic Dirty Martini cocktail with a surprising twist – blue cheese stuffed olives that add a pungent and savory flavor profile. This unique combination is sure to impress your friends and elevate your cocktail game.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz gin
– 1/2 oz dry vermouth
– 1/2 oz green olive brine
– Blue cheese crumbles (about 1 tablespoon per serving)
– Green olives, pitted
– Martini glasses
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add gin, vermouth, and olive brine to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
5. Stuff each green olive with blue cheese crumbles.
6. Garnish the martini with the blue cheese stuffed olives.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail recipe!
Espresso Martini with Coffee Liqueur
A rich and decadent cocktail that combines the bold flavors of espresso and coffee liqueur.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 ounces vodka
– 1/2 ounce Kahlúa coffee liqueur
– 1/2 ounce freshly brewed espresso
– 1/2 ounce simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– Ice
– Coffee beans or grinds for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the vodka, Kahlúa, espresso, and simple syrup.
3. Shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
5. Top with heavy cream and garnish with coffee beans or grinds.
Cooking Time: None
French Martini with Chambord and Pineapple Juice
Elevate your cocktail game with this unique take on the classic French Martini. The sweetness of Chambord and pineapple juice adds a new dimension to this timeless drink.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz vodka
– 1/2 oz Chambord raspberry liqueur
– 4 oz pineapple juice
– Splash of grenadine (optional)
– Ice
– Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the vodka and Chambord.
3. Shake well for about 15-20 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
5. Top with pineapple juice.
6. If desired, add a splash of grenadine for an extra pop of flavor.
7. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Cooking Time: None! Just shake and serve.
Gibson Martini with Cocktail Onions
A classic martini recipe that adds a savory twist with the addition of cocktail onions, perfect for those who prefer a bolder flavor profile. This timeless cocktail is sure to satisfy any whiskey lover’s palate.
Ingredients:
• 2 oz (60ml) gin
• 1 oz (30ml) dry vermouth
• 1/2 oz (15ml) green Chartreuse
• 1/2 oz (15ml) sweet vermouth
• 1/4 teaspoon orange bitters
• 1 cocktail onion, thinly sliced
• Lemon twist or orange peel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Pour gin, dry vermouth, green Chartreuse, and sweet vermouth over the ice.
3. Add orange bitters and stir for approximately 30 seconds to chill and dilute the mixture.
4. Strain the martini into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with a lemon twist or orange peel, and top with a thinly sliced cocktail onion.
Cooking Time: None (just mix and serve!)
Appletini with Sour Apple Schnapps
Experience the perfect blend of sweet and sour in this refreshing cocktail recipe.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz Apple-flavored vodka (e.g., Smirnoff Apple)
– 1/2 oz Sour apple schnapps
– 4 oz Cranberry juice
– Splash of lemon-lime soda (optional)
– Ice cubes
– Lemon slice or wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
2. Add the apple-flavored vodka and sour apple schnapps to the shaker.
3. Shake gently for about 15-20 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass or highball glass filled with ice cubes.
5. Top with cranberry juice, leaving about 1/2 inch at the top.
6. If desired, add a splash of lemon-lime soda for extra fizz.
7. Garnish with a lemon slice or wheel.
Cooking Time: None! Just mix and serve.
Chocolate Martini with Creme de Cacao
Elevate your cocktail game with this indulgent blend of dark chocolate and creamy liqueur. Perfect for satisfying any sweet tooth, this martini is sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2 ounces vodka
– 1 ounce Godiva white chocolate liqueur
– 1/2 ounce creme de cacao
– 1/2 ounce heavy cream
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Chocolate shavings or whipped cream for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add vodka, white chocolate liqueur, and creme de cacao to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
5. Top with heavy cream and add a dash of vanilla extract, if desired.
6. Garnish with chocolate shavings or whipped cream, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! Just shake and serve.
Enjoy your rich and decadent Chocolate Martini!
Vesper Martini with Gin, Vodka, and Lillet Blanc
A sophisticated twist on the classic martini, this Vesper recipe combines the smoothness of gin and vodka with the subtle bitterness of Lillet Blanc.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 ounces gin
– 1/2 ounce vodka
– 1/2 ounce Lillet Blanc
– Lemon twist or orange peel for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the gin, vodka, and Lillet Blanc to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
5. Garnish with a lemon twist or orange peel.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready in just a few minutes.
Pomegranate Martini with Fresh Juice
Experience the sweet and tangy combination of pomegranate and vodka in this refreshing martini recipe.
Ingredients:
• 1 1/2 ounces vodka
• 1/2 ounce fresh lime juice
• 1/2 ounce pomegranate juice
• 1/4 ounce triple sec or Cointreau
• 1 tablespoon grenadine syrup (optional)
• Salt, for rimming glass
• Fresh lime wheel and pomegranate seeds, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rim a martini glass with salt.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine vodka, fresh lime juice, pomegranate juice, and triple sec.
3. Add ice to the shaker and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into the prepared martini glass.
5. If desired, add a splash of grenadine syrup and garnish with a fresh lime wheel and pomegranate seeds.
Cooking Time: None
Lemon Drop Martini with Sugar Rim
Brighten up your cocktail hour with this tangy and sweet Lemon Drop Martini. The combination of citrus and sugar creates a refreshing and elegant drink perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz vodka
– 1 oz lemon-flavored liqueur
– 1 oz simple syrup
– Juice of 1/2 lemon
– Sugar, for rimming glass
Instructions:
1. Rim a martini glass with sugar by dipping the rim into a shallow dish of sugar.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine vodka, lemon-flavored liqueur, and simple syrup. Fill the shaker with ice.
3. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into the prepared martini glass.
5. Squeeze in the juice of 1/2 lemon and stir gently.
Cooking Time: None (a quick mix and serve)
Manhattan Martini with Bourbon and Sweet Vermouth
Elevate your cocktail game with this sophisticated twist on the classic Manhattan, substituting bourbon for whiskey and sweet vermouth for a deeper flavor profile.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz bourbon
– 1 oz sweet vermouth
– 2 dashes Angostura bitters
– Cherry garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the bourbon, sweet vermouth, and bitters to the shaker.
3. Stir for approximately 30-45 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or martini glass.
5. Garnish with a cherry, if desired.
Cooking Time: None (just mix and enjoy!)
Smoky Martini with Scotch and Vermouth
Elevate your cocktail game with this rich and complex Smoky Martini, featuring the bold flavors of scotch and vermouth. Perfect for those who appreciate a strong whiskey-based drink.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Scotch whisky (peated or smoky variety)
– 1/2 oz dry vermouth
– 1 dash smoked salt (optional, but recommended)
– Green olive or lemon twist for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Pour the scotch and vermouth over the ice.
3. Add a dash of smoked salt, if using (this will enhance the smoky flavor).
4. Stir gently for approximately 30 seconds to chill and combine the ingredients.
5. Strain the martini into a chilled glass filled with ice.
6. Garnish with a green olive or lemon twist.
Cooking Time: None!
Peach Martini with Peach Schnapps
Peachy Keen Martini: A Refreshing Twist on a Classic Cocktail
Elevate your cocktail game with this sweet and tangy Peach Martini, featuring peach schnapps as the star of the show. Perfect for warm weather or a sophisticated evening out.
Ingredients:
• 2 oz vodka
• 1 oz peach schnapps
• 1 oz peach puree
• 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
• Splash of lemon juice
• Ice
• Fresh peaches slices for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add vodka, peach schnapps, peach puree, and simple syrup.
3. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain into a chilled martini glass.
5. Add a splash of lemon juice for balance.
6. Garnish with fresh peach slices.
Cooking Time: None (ready in minutes!)
Green Tea Martini with Matcha Powder
Elevate your cocktail game with this refreshing green tea martini infused with the bright, grassy flavor of matcha powder. Perfect for warm weather or anytime you need a revitalizing drink.
Ingredients:
– 2 ounces vodka
– 1 ounce green tea liqueur
– 1/2 ounce simple syrup
– 1/2 teaspoon matcha powder
– 1 lime, cut into wedges
– Ice
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add vodka, green tea liqueur, and simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Add matcha powder and shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds to combine and froth.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
5. Garnish with a lime wedge.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail recipe!
Cosmopolitan Martini with Cranberry Juice
Elevate your cocktail game with this refreshing take on the classic Cosmopolitan. By adding cranberry juice, you’ll create a sweet and tangy flavor profile that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz vodka
– 1/2 oz triple sec
– 1/2 oz cranberry juice
– 1/2 oz lime juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice, lime juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain into a chilled martini glass.
5. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready in just a few minutes.
Basil Martini with Fresh Herbs
Elevate your cocktail game with this refreshing twist on the classic martini, featuring basil and fresh herbs.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz gin
– 1 oz dry vermouth
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
– 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
– 1 lime, cut into wedges
– Ice
– Club soda
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, combine gin and vermouth.
2. Add a handful of fresh basil leaves to the shaker and muddle (gently press) them with a muddler or the back of a spoon to release their oils and flavor.
3. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
4. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint and a lime wedge.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail recipe!
Spicy Martini with Jalapeño Infused Vodka
Add a kick to your cocktail hour with this Spicy Martini featuring jalapeño infused vodka. The perfect blend of spicy and sweet, this recipe is sure to tantalize your taste buds.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz jalapeño infused vodka
– 1 oz dry vermouth
– 1/2 oz triple sec
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– Lime wedges, for garnish
– Ice
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the jalapeño infused vodka, dry vermouth, triple sec, and simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
5. Garnish with a lime wedge.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is quick and easy to prepare.
Elderflower Martini with St-Germain
Elderflower Bliss Martini with St-Germain
Experience the sweet and floral combination of elderflower liqueur and St-Germain in this refreshing martini recipe.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz vodka
– 1 oz elderflower liqueur (such as St-Germain)
– 1 oz dry vermouth
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (optional)
– Lemon twist or sprig of mint for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the vodka, elderflower liqueur, and dry vermouth to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the martini into a chilled glass.
5. If desired, add a splash of simple syrup (1:1 sugar and water dissolved) to balance the flavors.
6. Garnish with a lemon twist or sprig of mint.
Cooking Time:
– None required! This recipe is ready in just minutes.
Summary
Get ready to shake things up with these 19 classic martini recipes! From the timeless Dry Gin Martini with a Twist to the bold and spicy Spicy Martini, there’s something for every taste. Sip on a Vodka Martini with Olive Garnish or indulge in a rich Chocolate Martini with Creme de Cacao. For the adventurous, try the Smoky Martini with Scotch and Vermouth or the Green Tea Martini with Matcha Powder. Whether you’re a martini newbie or a seasoned pro, these refreshing recipes are sure to quench your thirst.
