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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.
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!
At the top of the list of the best types of martinis: the Classic Dry Martini! With one sip it announces itself: crisp, cool, searing, and spirit-forward. It’s seeped in tradition, and there’s no cocktail that has the amount of variations: shaken or stirred, gin or vodka, straight or on the rocks. But here’s how to make a classic dry martini…the best way. (Though we like ours dirty too…)
How to make the classic martini even more perfect? Make the Dirty Martini! Add a splash of olive juice to your martini, and the way it rounds out the flavor is true perfection. It’s tangy, salty, briny and complex. The martini is seeped in tradition, and as you might expect: we have our own opinion on how to make it perfectly.
Here’s a type of martini invented by a fictional character that went on to become a classic. Meet the Vesper martini! Yes, James Bond created this drink in the 1953 book Casino Royale, and it lives on today. The magic ingredient is Lillet blanc, a lightly sweet, vaguely floral fortified wine that brings life and personality into this drink. Here’s more about it and why you should try a Bond martini…stat.
Calling all martini lovers! Have you met the Gibson cocktail? This classic gin drink is essentially a martini with an onion garnish. This switch up on the classic “lemon or olive” garnish brings a savory element that makes it an altogether new drink. The Gibson is crisp, cool, searing, and spirit-forward, punctuated by the pungent onion garnish.
Let's move to the sweet types of martinis! Here’s a sophisticated vodka martini that’s calling your name: the French martini. This martini is hardly related to the classic dry martini at all. It’s a fruity and balanced, featuring a fancy French black raspberry liqueur and pineapple juice. Each sip is so intriguing and nuanced, it’s hard to put the glass down! This one’s become a favorite over here.
This zingy type of martini is perfectly balanced and refreshingly tart, served with a sugar rim and a lemon twist. It looks so festive that it’s great for celebrations of all kinds. Whatever the occasion: this martini delivers! You'll be surprised by the crisp, clean flavor and the sophisticated vibe. It’s now solidly a part of our cocktail repertoire.
This type of martini is as refreshing as it is sophisticated: the Cucumber Martini! It’s a cool, crisp take on the classic martini starring cucumber, vodka, and the floral notes of St Germain. Take one sip and your palate will be amazed: it’s fresh, dry, and floral, with just the right scent of cucumber. It’s great for summer, but it works anytime.
Looking for a fun type of martini as a signature drink for your next gathering? Try a Pomegranate Martini! Crisp, sweet tart, fruity, and light: it’s much closer to a Cosmo than the classic martini. But instead of cranberry juice like the Cosmopolitan, it’s made with pomegranate juice instead. Serve it up in a martini glass and you’ve got a sophisticated cocktail that’s refreshing and easy to drink.
There’s nothing quite like the Apple Martini, aka Appletini, with its liquid sour candy flavor and 1990’s charm. This sweet tart vodka martini is charming and hard to resist. Our spin on it adds a little sophistication with a hint of orange liqueur and fresh lemon juice to boost its Jolly Rancher flavor.
Here’s a type of martini that’s full of big fruity flavor: the Watermelon Martini! This vodka martini is all about the watermelon, with a pure, refreshing flavor. It’s just sweet enough to let the fruit shine through, and it goes down pretty easy. Add that watermelon wedge garnish and it’s a great signature drink for summer.
Here’s a tasty, sweet tart spin on the vodka martini that you’ve got to try: the Cranberry Martini! It’s refreshing, zingy and perfectly balanced, starring Cointreau orange liqueur and fresh lemon juice. If you think this drink bears a striking resemblance to the classic cocktail the Cosmopolitan, you’re right! Prepare to be impressed with this one.
Coffee lovers, here’s the cocktail for you! Meet the Espresso Martini. This one is an ideal pick-me-up for a lazy afternoon or an after dinner drink…it even doubles as dessert! Bittersweet coffee pairs perfectly with the rich sweetness of Kahlua. Add vodka and the trio makes a full-flavored sophisticated drink that tastes like much more than the sum of its parts. It’s cool, frothy, and just sweet enough. Watch out: these go down easy.
Here's another sweet, dessert-like martini: the chocolate martini! It's rich and creamy, basically a dessert in a glass! It’s got Irish cream and creme de cacao for maximum flavor, like the liquid version of your favorite chocolate bar. Mix this up for special occasions like a romantic dinner…or just anytime you need a sweet treat in cocktail form.
Here’s a zingy cocktail that makes the most of this unique citrus fruit: a Blood Orange Martini! Why not grab a bunch to mix up deliciously sweet tart cocktails? You can also use bottled blood orange juice. This drink matches the floral citrus from the blood orange with the tang of lime juice, making a balanced, drinkable flavor.
Try this sweet tart red martini is beautifully fruity: the Raspberry Martini! This drink is stunning and full of bright berry flavor: from first sip, you’ll be sold! The sweet tart, lightly floral flavor of raspberry is beautifully pure, thanks to homemade raspberry syrup.
Here’s a drink that blew us away with its nuanced, rich flavor: the Key Lime Martini! It’s made with this incredible Spanish vanilla liqueur that makes anything taste delightful. Add to that tart key lime juice and a graham cracker drink rim, and well: it’s not overly sweet or one note like you might expect. It’s full of complexity and nuance…and completely irresistible.
Last up in our types of martinis: the Mexican martini! This recipe takes the best of a classic martini and a classic margarita in the same glass! Like a good margarita, it’s seriously tangy, not too sweet and citrusy. Then it’s got a hint of dry vermouth like a martini, and it’s garnished with an olive. And don’t forget that salt rim! It’s the perfect unique cocktail to impress a load of guests, or down as you inhale a basket of chips.
Here’s a unique cocktail with an impressive sweet flavor: the Pear Martini! This drink is great for fall and winter entertaining, and to be honest: it caught us off guard with its delicate, sweet flavor. Pear comes in two waves: a muddled fresh pear brings brightness, and pear vodka infuses a strong fruity aroma.
Looking for a fall-themed martini? Look no further than this Apple Cider Martini! It’s tangy and balanced, with just the right interplay between sweet tart cider and citrusy orange liqueur. It’s got a hint of cinnamon on the finish and beware: it’s very drinkable.
Are you mango obsessed? Try this Mango Martini! This tropical fruit is one of the best ways to mix up your cocktail game, from the Daiquiri to the Mimosa. It’s absolute perfection in this martini recipe, bringing a tropical flair to this sweet tart drink. Add a crunchy sugar rim, and it’s the ideal cocktail for a happy hour or dinner party.
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!
20 Types of Martinis!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 drink 1x
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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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:
- Sour Cocktails All the very best sours: Whiskey Sour, Sidecar, Mojito and more.
- Amaretto Cocktails From the Amaretto Sour to the
- Vodka Cocktails Try the greats like the Gimlet and Mule.
- Highball Cocktails Easy to drink and even easier to make!
- Cointreau Cocktails All the great drinks using this orange liqueur.
- Wine Cocktails Wine is great for making cocktails, too.
- Champagne Cocktails These cocktails are light and bubbly! Perfect for celebration.
- Gin Cocktails All the classics: Gin Fizz, Tom Collins, Gin & Tonic, etc.
- Bourbon Cocktails Try these bourbon greats, like the Old Fashioned and Manhattan.
- Campari Cocktails Brilliant red cocktails starring this bitter liqueur.
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.
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.