31 Martini Recipes That Will Make You Think About The Classic co*cktail In A Whole New Way (2024)

31 Martini Recipes That Will Make You Think About The Classic co*cktail In A Whole New Way (1)

If you've ever wondered what exactly a martini is, you're not alone. These old-school co*cktails definitely have some mystery to them. Are they pretty much straight liquor in a glass, or a more complicated fruity drink that packs a punch? What exactly was James Bond drinking? Whether you’ve got a fully stocked at-home bar or are looking for inspiration for what to order when you go out, we’ve got some answers (and 31 martini recipes!) for you.

At its most basic, a martini is gin or vodka and dry vermouth in certain proportions (usually 2 ½ oz. alcohol to ½ oz. vermouth), with an olive or lemon peel for garnish. Though it’s a super simple recipe, there are some adjustments you can make. Making a martini “dry” means using less vermouth and more vodka (“wet” means the opposite, though is less popular), and “dirty” adding a splash of olive juice with your olives. “Perfect” means using an equal amount of both, and “neat” means using room temperature ingredients, rather than ones shaken or stirred over ice. No matter which way you go at home, the most important thing is to start with good ingredients, since they’re the stars of the show.

Have some… shall we say, less than desirable vodka or gin? That’s where martini’s sweet alter ego comes in to save the day. More guilty pleasure dessert drinks than liquor-forward sippers, “-tinis” (as they were coined in the ‘90s and 00s), are sweet, often creamy, co*cktails that come in every flavor you can think of. Try our lemon drop or appletini if you like things tart, or our sugar cookie martini or crème brûlée martini if you want something sweeter. Though they might not seem it, these babies are STRONG. Some of them taste like a milkshake, but they all pack a punch, so drink responsibly.

Want more liquor inspiration? Check out our list of our top vodka drinks and bourbon co*cktails. Have more of a sweet tooth? Try our Baileys Irish Creme co*cktails—they’re pretty much dessert in a glass.

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1

Pomegranate Martini

31 Martini Recipes That Will Make You Think About The Classic co*cktail In A Whole New Way (3)

More like a cosmopolitan than a classic martini, this recipe replaces the cosmo’s traditional cranberry juice with pomegranate. Garnish with a sugar rim and a fresh rosemary sprig for the perfect drink to serve at all your winter gatherings.

Get the Pomegranate Martini recipe.

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2

Classic Vodka Martini

31 Martini Recipes That Will Make You Think About The Classic co*cktail In A Whole New Way (5)

Before you start, make sure your vodka and vermouth are quality—since they make up the drink, the cheap stuff just won't do. Whether you go shaken or stirred, you'll feel on top of the world after your first sip.

Get the Classic Vodka Martini recipe.

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3

Espresso Martini

31 Martini Recipes That Will Make You Think About The Classic co*cktail In A Whole New Way (7)

Curious how to achieve this impressive garnish? Cover half the glass with a napkin or paper towel then dust the rest with either cocoa or espresso powder. Top the other side with coffee beans and voila! You have a drink that's not only delicious but also looks stunning.

Get the Espresso Martini recipe.

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4

Chocolate Martini

31 Martini Recipes That Will Make You Think About The Classic co*cktail In A Whole New Way (9)

We love topping ours with shaved chocolate or a pinch of cocoa powder, but feel free to get creative on the garnishes! Try adding a strawberry or a spring of mint, or even adding crushed Oreos to the rim.

Get the Chocolate Martini recipe.

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5

Crème Brûlée Martini

31 Martini Recipes That Will Make You Think About The Classic co*cktail In A Whole New Way (11)

These martinis taste just like a crème brûlée with very little effort. Be sure to keep the caramel in the freezer until you are ready to serve. The caramel will eventually melt into your drink making it extra indulgent.

Get the Crème Brûlée Martini recipe.

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6

Peppermintinis

31 Martini Recipes That Will Make You Think About The Classic co*cktail In A Whole New Way (13)

To make these peppermint-bark-inspired drinks, you'll combine white chocolate liqueur, vodka, peppermint schnapps, and heavy cream in a co*cktail shaker with ice, before serving these shaken—not stirred—martinis with a homemade chocolate and peppermint rim. We're feeling festive already!

Get the Peppermintinis recipe.

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7

Appletini

31 Martini Recipes That Will Make You Think About The Classic co*cktail In A Whole New Way (15)

These babies are tart, bright green, and quite strong. Enjoy with caution 😈.

Get the Best-Ever Appletini recipe.

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8

Dalgona Martini

31 Martini Recipes That Will Make You Think About The Classic co*cktail In A Whole New Way (17)

Dalgona, or whipped coffee, is now the coolest thing to top all of your drinks with. Try it on top of this simple Baileys martini for an instant trendy pick me up.

Get the Dalgona Martini recipe.

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9

Pecan Pie Martini

31 Martini Recipes That Will Make You Think About The Classic co*cktail In A Whole New Way (19)

Rumchata, creme de cocoa, and bourbon come together to make this drinkable version of pecan pie. These martinis might look cute and innocent, but trust us, they're STRONG.

Get the Pecan Pie Martini recipe.

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10

Sugar Cookie Martinis

Love Christmas sugar cookies? Us too, so we made this festive co*cktail inspired by them. Baileys, vanilla vodka, and Amaretto give it that cookie-vibe, and the tiny candy cane-shaped sugar cookie hanging off the sprinkle-covered rim make it extra adorable—use seasonal favorites to enjoy this year-round!

Get the Sugar Cookie Martinis recipe.

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11

Bikini Martini

31 Martini Recipes That Will Make You Think About The Classic co*cktail In A Whole New Way (23)

🎶Put the rum in the coconut and shake it all up 🎶Not a fan of coconut? Regular rum works just fine here too.

Get the Bikini Martini recipe.

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12

Cadbury Creme Martini

31 Martini Recipes That Will Make You Think About The Classic co*cktail In A Whole New Way (25)

Cadbury Creme Egg lovers, we made this drink just for you. Not unlike the candy, these martinis are VERY sweet. If you'd like to tone down the sweetness, we'd suggest omitting the sweetened condensed milk. (Even though it looks so darn cute at the bottom of these!)

Get the Cadbury Creme Martini recipe.

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13

Key Lime Pie Martini

31 Martini Recipes That Will Make You Think About The Classic co*cktail In A Whole New Way (27)

This co*cktail is modeled after our favorite key lime pie, without any of the hassle of baking! It manages to be both tart and creamy, and is the perfect summer drink.

Get the Key Lime Pie Martini recipe.

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14

Banana Cream Pie Martini

31 Martini Recipes That Will Make You Think About The Classic co*cktail In A Whole New Way (29)

Part dessert, part co*cktail, this drink is seriously indulgent. The flavor of banana pudding, one of our very favorite desserts, comes from the combination of vanilla vodka, Baileys, and banana liqueur, and whipped cream. We know it sounds like a lot, but trust us, it's the real deal.

Get the Banana Cream Pie Martini recipe.

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15

S'mores Martini

31 Martini Recipes That Will Make You Think About The Classic co*cktail In A Whole New Way (31)

No campfire? No problem! We roasted our marshmallows over our oven burners. It's a totally optional step, but we think it really drives the s'mores flavor home.

Get the S'mores Martini recipe.

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16

Drunken Peanut Butter Cups

31 Martini Recipes That Will Make You Think About The Classic co*cktail In A Whole New Way (33)

These martinis use Reese's Pieces to infuse the vodka so that they taste just like your favorite peanut butter cup. This takes a chocolate martini to a whole new level. The Reese's and peanut butter rim isn't technically necessary, but it makes these extra delightful.

Get the Drunken Peanut Butter Cups recipe.

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17

Almond Joy Martini

31 Martini Recipes That Will Make You Think About The Classic co*cktail In A Whole New Way (35)

If Almond Joys are your favorite candy bar, then you need to give this martini a try. Coconut rum, chocolate syrup, creme de coconut, Amaretto, and half and half make this super decadent co*cktail fit for dessert.

Get the Almond Joy Martini recipe.

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18

Apple Cider Martini

31 Martini Recipes That Will Make You Think About The Classic co*cktail In A Whole New Way (37)

Caramel and cinnamon sugar rim the glass of this apple cider co*cktail. The butterscotch schnapps really puts this over the edge, so we recommend seeking it out!

Get the Apple Cider Martini recipe.

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19

Samoa Martini

31 Martini Recipes That Will Make You Think About The Classic co*cktail In A Whole New Way (39)

Arguably the best Girl Scout cookie of all gets a boozy makeover here with this easy and delicious martini. Want even more Samoa flavor? Try our Samoa dessert lasagna or frozen Samoa pie.

Get the Samoa Martini recipe.

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20

Gingerbread Espresso Martini

31 Martini Recipes That Will Make You Think About The Classic co*cktail In A Whole New Way (41)

Spice up the espresso martini trend with this gingerbread version that takes the co*cktail to new heights. An aromatic simple syrup made with molasses, ginger, and warming spices is the perfect foil for Kahlúa’s robust coffee flavor. It’s a festive co*cktail guaranteed to give you a pleasant buzz and get you in the holiday spirit.

Get the Gingerbread Espresso Martini recipe.

31 Martini Recipes That Will Make You Think About The Classic co*cktail In A Whole New Way (2024)

FAQs

What is the most popular martini? ›

The Most Popular Martini Flavor in the U.S.

Pineapple martinis are sweet, delicious, and straightforward, making them a popular choice among patrons all over the nation. All you need to make one of these martinis for yourself is pineapple juice, vodka, and fresh-squeezed lime juice.

How many types of classic martinis are there? ›

Dry, Perfect, or Wet

A classic martini, or a wet martini, is when you prefer an equal ratio of gin and dry vermouth. A “perfect” martini on the other hand is made with equal parts dry and sweet vermouth and then mixed with vodka or gin.

What are three questions for a martini? ›

Ask four questions:
  • Vodka or gin?
  • Up (martini glass) or on the rocks (rocks glass)?
  • How dry do you want it? -Not dry- 1 count dry vermouth. -Dry- 2-5 drops dry vermouth. - Extra dry- 1 drop dry vermouth. - in and out- swich around dry vermouth in glass and throw it away.
  • Garnish with oliver (1 or 3) or lemon twist?

What was in the original martini? ›

Then in the second edition of his Bartender Manual (1888) Harry Johnson included the first known recipe for a "Martini" listing its ingredients as old tom gin, sweet vermouth, orange curacao, gum, Boker's bitters and a lemon twist.

What makes the best martini? ›

Perfect Martini

Calls for 2 ounces gin, 1 ounce dry vermouth, 1 ounce sweet vermouth, ½ ounce Luxardo maraschino liqueur, and 2 dashes Angostura Bitters. Serve with a lemon twist.

What's a martini without vermouth called? ›

There is one other way to drink a martini without vermouth, and that's to just drop it entirely with no replacement. It's called the Churchill martini, which Drizly notes was named after Winston Churchill's purported preference for nothing but gin stirred with ice and an olive.

What is a dirty or classic martini? ›

A dirty martini means that olive juice or olive brine is mixed in. This can be on its own, or in addition to “with a twist” for a lemon brine or “with an olive”. A clean martini refers to a martini served without a garnish.

What is the olive rule for martinis? ›

For such a simple garnish, the olive is subject to one simple rule: The olives topping Martinis must always be in groups of three or singular. An unspoken superstition deems an even number of olives bad luck.

What does ordering a martini say about you? ›

Classic gin martini drinkers are also mysterious, clever, and know how to get your attention. These party animals like to dive straight in, and they don't mess around when it comes to having serious fun. These are the people who constantly want the music louder so they can dance on the tables.

What is the two martini rule? ›

Once you have consumed two, you must move on to a soft drink, such as wine or a gin and tonic. The reasons for this are obvious and I try to adhere to this rule at home. The rule is defended most enduringly (and elegantly) at Duke's Bar in Central London, where years of experience … Continue reading.

Who was the 1st martini made for? ›

Others believe it was invented in 1911 at the Knickerbocker Hotel in New York by bartender Martini di Taggia, served to billionaire John D. Rockerfeller with equal parts London dry gin and dry vermouth. However, recipes for the drink were published as early as 1862, in Jerry Thomas's Bartenders' Guide.

Why is a Dirty Martini called that? ›

However, when you add a splash of olive juice, it adds a cloudy appearance and interesting character to the drink that disrupts the clean flavors but still tastes great. The result is that you've dirtied the martini, thus the name, dirty martini.

What martini was made popular by Sean Connery? ›

Sean Connery – Classic Stirred Vodka Martini

Pour vodka, then dry vermouth into a co*cktail shaker over ice. Stir gently for 40-60 seconds, then strain out into a clean martini glass (chill the glass prior if desired). Garnish with a sprig of no more than three olives.

What is the most luxury martini? ›

The Ritz-Carlton Tokyo's Diamonds Are Forever Martini holds the title as the most expensive co*cktail at 2,000,000 Yen (nearly $19k USD). The decadent drink is made with chilled Absolut Elyx vodka, a hint of fresh lime juice, stirred or shaken, and sparkling with a one-carat diamond at the bottom of the glass.

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