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Here are all the best types of martinis! Try everything from the classic dry martini to all the fruity flavored vodka spins.

Types of martinis
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There is no cocktail with so many variations…the martini! The martini is one of the most iconic cocktails of all time. People have been drinking it for a century. The thing is: so many different drinks can be called a martini! Here are the two main categories of martinis:

  • Dry martinis: The original! The classic martini is gin and vermouth: searing and spirit forward. There are several types of martinis that vary the basic components in this category.
  • Sweet vodka martinis: It’s a wonder many of these are called martinis at all! Sweet and fruity, they’re made with vodka and range the gamut of flavors.

We’ve got a martini for every drinker and occasion. Ready to get started?

And now…the best types of martinis!

History of the martini

The dry martini is one of the most famous cocktails of all time. The exact origin is unknown, but the most common theory is that it is based on another cocktail from the 1860’s called the Martinez. This cocktail, made with gin, sweet vermouth, and Maraschino liqueur, was likely named after Martinez, California.

The first printed recipe for a martini was in 1888, but it looked more like the Martinez than what it is today. By the 1920’s, the drink reached its current form and it remains iconic to this day! 

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Vesper martini

20 Types of Martinis!


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5 from 2 reviews

  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 1 drink 1x
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Description

Here are all the best types of martinis! Try everything from the classic dry martini to the dirty martini to fruity flavored vodka martinis.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Classic / Dirty Martini

  • 3 ounces (6 tablespoons) gin (or 2 ounces for a Dirty Martini)
  • ½ ounce (1 tablespoon) dry white vermouth
  • ½ ounce olive juice (Dirty Martini only)
  • For the garnish: olive or lemon peel

For the Vesper Martini

  • 3 tablespoons (1 ½ ounces) gin
  • 1 tablespoon (½ ounce) vodka
  • ½ tablespoon (¼ ounce) Lillet Blanc

For the French Martini

  • 2 ounces (4 tablespoons) vodka
  • 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) pineapple juice
  • ½ ounce (1 tablespoon) Chambord or other raspberry liqueur
  • For the garnish: raspberry (optional)

Instructions

  1. For the Classic / Dirty Martini: Combine the gin and vermouth (and olive juice, if using) in a cocktail mixing glass. Fill the mixing glass with 1 handful ice and stir continuously for 30 seconds until very cold. Strain the drink into a cocktail or martini glass (purists chill the glass first). Squeeze a lemon peel into the drink to release the oils. Gently run the peel around the edge of the glass, then place it in the glass and serve. Garnish with a lemon peel or olive. 
  2. For the Vesper Martini: Place the gin, vodka, and Lillet blanc into a cocktail shaker and fill it with ice. Shake until cold. Strain the drink into a cocktail glass. Garnish with the lemon peel as in Step 1. 
  3. For the French Martini: Add the vodka, pineapple juice, and Chambord or raspberry liqueur to a cocktail shaker. Fill it with ice and shake it until cold. Strain into a cocktail glass. If desired, garnish with a raspberry.
  • Category: Drink
  • Method: Shaken
  • Cuisine: Cocktails
  • Diet: Vegan

More types of cocktails

Outside of these types of martinis, there are so many great cocktail recipes to try! Here are some of our best drink collections:

About the authors

Sonja & Alex

Hi, we’re Alex and Sonja Overhiser, married cookbook authors, food bloggers, and recipe developers. We founded A Couple Cooks to share fresh, seasonal recipes and the joy of cooking! Our recipes are made by two real people and work every time.

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2 Comments

  1. Mariam shaw says:

    So lovely and wonderful recipes I would love ❤️ to try some of them this Coming Christmas and my family and friends. Will loved it too.






  2. Hvac Colorado Springs says:

    Great post. I look forward to making the Perfect which I have not had. My usual fav is the Educated Barfly’s modern take on the Vesper with Cocchi Americano and grapefruit bitters. Thanks.