Martinis Galore: 26 of the Best Recipes to Make at Home (2024)

Martinis Galore: 26 of the Best Recipes to Make at Home (1)

Whether you take yours with gin or vodka, extra-dirty or garnished with an edible flower, here are enough martini recipes to tide you over for our era's obsession with this classic co*cktail.

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1

Pin this article for later!

Martinis Galore: 26 of the Best Recipes to Make at Home (3)

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White Cosmopolitan Martini

Martinis Galore: 26 of the Best Recipes to Make at Home (5)

Ingredients

2 oz vodka

1 orchid or other edible flower as garnish

1 oz. white cranberry juice

1 oz lime juice

1 oz St Germain elderflower liqueur

Instructions

Shake all the ingredients together with ice and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish an ice ball with an orchid or other edible flower frozen in its center.

From db Bistro Moderne Miami

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Julia Child

Martinis Galore: 26 of the Best Recipes to Make at Home (7)

Ingredients

1 oz Perry’s Tot Navy Strength Gin

2 oz Fino Sherry

1 dash celery bitters

Olive

Instructions

Stir ingredients with ice. Strain into a Nick and Nora glass. Garnish with an olive.

Created by Jim Kearns for Slowly Shirley in New York City

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Tuxedo #2

Martinis Galore: 26 of the Best Recipes to Make at Home (9)

Ingredients

2.25 oz Plymouth gin

.5 oz Dolin Blanc vermouth

.25 oz maraschino liqueur

2 dashes orange bitters

Rinse absinthe

Orange twist expressed and rolled on skewer with a brandied cherry for garnish

Instructions

Stir with ice and strain into an absinthe rinsed Nick and Nora glass. Garnish as described above.

From Flora Bar in New York City

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Third Degree

Martinis Galore: 26 of the Best Recipes to Make at Home (11)

Ingredients

2 oz Tanqueray No. Ten gin

1 oz vermouth

Several dashes orange bitters

Absinthe rinse

Instructions

Stir ingredients with cracked ice. Strain into chilled Nick and Nora glass. Garnish with lemon twist.

Created by Tommy Warren for Bedford & Co, New York City

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The Porchlight Gibson

Martinis Galore: 26 of the Best Recipes to Make at Home (13)

Ingredients

2 oz Plymouth Gin

.75 oz Dry Vermouth

.25 oz Onion Brine

4 drops Saline Solution

Onions (Porchlight spikes them using a sherry vinegar brine with basil, thyme, allspice, lemon peel, black pepper, mustard seed, and sugar)

Instructions

Build the ingredients in a mixing glass and stir with ice until properly chilled. Strain into a co*cktail coupe and garnish with a co*cktail onion.

"The Gibson was inspired by the classic recipe. We had fun playing around with the flavors when making the onions that we were going to use in them. I wanted onions that would also reflect other gin co*cktails, like the Tuxedo or a Gin and Tonic."

Created by Nick Bennett at Porchlight in New York City

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7

Alaska

Martinis Galore: 26 of the Best Recipes to Make at Home (15)

Ingredients

1 dash cucumber bitters

.5 tsp Saler’s Gentiane

1 tsp Yellow Chartreuse

1 tsp kaffir simple syrup

.75 oz Dolin Blanc vermouth

1.5 oz honeydew melon and cucumber-infused Botanist Gin

Instructions

Stir ingredients with ice and strain into a rocks glass with a large ice cube. Garnish with a lemon twist.

"The Alaska was inspired by the classic co*cktail of the same name. We kept the yellow chartreuse, gin, and vermouth aspects of the drinks. Then added a cucumber melon infusion to the gin, which was inspired by a co*cktail at The Dead Rabbit from a year and a half ago using the infusion."

Created by Jesse Vida at BlackTail, New York City

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8

"Clean" Martini

Martinis Galore: 26 of the Best Recipes to Make at Home (17)

Ingredients

1.5 oz ESP Smoked Gin

1 oz Alessio Bianco

.50 oz Chenin blanc

.25 oz Domaine de Canton Ginger Liqueur

3 drops of Cedronella Elixar

3 drops of extra virgin olive oil

Instructions

Add all the ingredients into a mixing glass except olive oil. Stir vigorously and strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with 3 drops of extra virgin olive oil.

"This co*cktail is inspired by the ever-popular Dirty Martini. I wanted to take this classic a step further. There is nothing 'clean' about this co*cktail; it is vibrant, lively, and complex. I chose ESP Smoked Gin because of its unique flavors, with hints of peppercorn and caraway. It makes it more approachable with the olive oil as a supporting flavor."

Created by Shawn Chen of RedFarm, New York City

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9

Green Intensity

Martinis Galore: 26 of the Best Recipes to Make at Home (19)

Ingredients

2.5 oz Absolut Elyx vodka

.5 oz simple syrup

.5 oz lime juice

4 basil leaves

1 slice jalapeno

Instructions

Place all ingredients into a shaker, then shake and strain into a freshly chilled martini glass. Garnish with thin slice of jalapeno.

From STK, multiple locations

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Persea Martini

Martinis Galore: 26 of the Best Recipes to Make at Home (21)

Ingredients

1 spoon of avocado

.75 oz simple syrup

.75 oz lemon juice

1 oz pineapple juice

1.5oz Baron Silver Tequila

Fresh black pepper

Instructions

Add all ingredients in the order listed above into the shaker on the rocks. Shake vigorously until the avocado liquefies. Pour mix into a martini glass. Garnish with fresh black pepper.

Created by Attila Kocsis at Seaspice in Miami

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11

Lemon Drop Martini

Martinis Galore: 26 of the Best Recipes to Make at Home (23)

Ingredients

1.5 parts DeKuyper Triple Sec Liqueur

.5 part Pinnacle Original Vodka

.5 part lemon juice

1 sugar cube

1 lemon

Instructions

Combine ingredients into an ice-filled shaker. Shake until sugar is dissolved, then strain into a martini glass. Garnish with lemon twists.

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12

Cucumber-Basil Martini

Martinis Galore: 26 of the Best Recipes to Make at Home (25)

Ingredients

4 cucumber slices for garnish

1.5 oz Bulldog Gin

1 oz Caravella Limoncello

4 dashes cucumber bitters

.5 oz lemon juice

3 basil leaves

2 cucumber slices for garnish

Instructions

In a mixing glass, muddle the four cucumber slices. Add gin, limoncello, cucumber bitters, lemon juice, and basil leaves. Shake and double strain into co*cktail coupe. Garnish with two cucumber slices.

Created by Ryan Kelimoff at Mercato della Pescheria at Venetian Las Vegas

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13

Lychee and Rose Petal Martini

Martinis Galore: 26 of the Best Recipes to Make at Home (27)

Ingredients

1.75 oz vodka or gin

2 oz lychee purée

.75 oz lemon juice

.5 oz rose syrup

1 pinch salt

1 rose petal

Instructions

Combine vodka or gin, lychee puree, lemon juice, rose syrup, and salt in a co*cktail shaker. Shake and double strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a rose petal.

From Zuma Las Vegas at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas

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Undeniable Truth

Martinis Galore: 26 of the Best Recipes to Make at Home (29)

Ingredients

2 oz Ford's gin

1 oz Miro dry vermouth

2 dashes Regans' orange bitters

1 tsp extra-virgin olive oil

Instructions

Stir all ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled co*cktail glass. Garnish with olive oil.

Created by Greg Best at Ticonderoga Club in Atlanta

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15

Betting on the Muse

Martinis Galore: 26 of the Best Recipes to Make at Home (31)

Ingredients

2 oz Aylesbury Duck vodka

.5 oz Dolin Dry Vermouth

.5 oz Cocchi Americano Rosa

.25 oz St. Germain elderflower liqueur

1 dash Scrappy's Grapefruit Bitters

Instructions

Stir all ingredients with ice. Strain up into a co*cktail glass. Express and discard a lemon peel over the co*cktail Garnish with violets.

Created by Kellie Thorn at Empire State South in Atlanta

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16

Ducati

Martinis Galore: 26 of the Best Recipes to Make at Home (33)

Ingredients

1.5 Fords Gin

1 Aylesbury Duck Vodka

.75 Carpano Bianco vermouth

.5 oz Cointreau

Instructions

Stir with ice and strain. Serve in a chilled martini glass. Use a dehydrated orange as a garnish.

Created by Nate Mason at Poca Lola in the soon-to-open Maven Hotel in Denver

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17

Vespa

Martinis Galore: 26 of the Best Recipes to Make at Home (35)

Ingredients

1.5 oz extra-virgin olive oil-washed Martin Miller's Gin

1 oz CH Vodka

.5 oz Lillet Blanc

Instructions

Stir and strain into coupe. Garnish with drops of olive oil and an olive. To make the olive-oil washed gin, combine 1 liter of gin with 7 oz extra virgin olive oil (Monteverde uses Aristaeus). Let sit for four days at room temp. Place in freezer and pour off gin when the oil solidifies.

Created by Justin Kadarabek at Monteverde Restaurant & Pastificio in Chicago

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18

Maison Martini

Martinis Galore: 26 of the Best Recipes to Make at Home (37)

Ingredients

2 oz Fords Gin

2 oz Noilly Prat Dry Vermouth

.25 oz Jacob’s Pickle Brine

2 dashes Orange Citrate

Instructions

Stir and strain into a sidecar carafe and a Nick and Nora glass. Garnish with 4 pickled peppers.

Created by Maison Pickle in New York City

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19

50/50 Martini

Martinis Galore: 26 of the Best Recipes to Make at Home (39)

Ingredients

1.5 oz Fords Gin

1.5 oz Dolin Dry vermouth

1 dash orange bitters

Lemon

Instructions

Combine gin, vermouth and bitters into mixing glass. Add large ice cubes and stir until well-chilled. Strain into a chilled coupe. Garnish with a lemon twist.

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20

Reginal Martini

Martinis Galore: 26 of the Best Recipes to Make at Home (41)

Ingredients

2 oz Fords Gin

1 oz Manzanilla Sherry

.25 oz grapefruit juice

1 barspoon dried Marjoram

Lime Zest Garnish

Instructions

Combine all ingredients in a tin with ice and shake for only three to 4 seconds; then allow mix to sit in the tin on ice for about 10 seconds. This will allow the marjoram to express its aroma and flavor into the drink. Double strain the mixture with a tea strainer into a large coupe with a nice big ice cube. Garnish with a lime zest by squeezing the zest side over the drink and placing it on the rim.

Created by Topher Hartfield at RiNo Yacht Club in Denver

Martinis Galore: 26 of the Best Recipes to Make at Home (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret to a good martini? ›

7 Tips From Bartenders on How to Make a Better Martini
  • SAY NO TO VODKA. ...
  • VERMOUTH IS A MUST. ...
  • BALANCE YOUR FLAVORS. ...
  • DON'T OMIT ORANGE BITTERS. ...
  • STIR, DON'T SHAKE. ...
  • ADD LEMON INSTEAD OF OLIVES. ...
  • SERVE IT IN STYLE.
Jun 19, 2016

What is the formula for a dirty martini? ›

A classic dirty martini can be made, depending on drinker's preference, with all gin or all vodka, but using half gin, half vodka — with some vermouth and brine — results in a drink that leans a bit fresher and cleaner.

What does dirty mean in a martini? ›

DIRTY. For those who like their co*cktails to have a savoury edge, the Dirty Martini is a delicious, slightly salty, choice. The term 'dirty' means that olive brine, usually from a jar of co*cktail olives, has been added to the drink.

What are the most ordered 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.

What is the best vermouth for a martini? ›

Best Overall: Dolin Dry Vermouth de Chambery

“London dry-style gins need bigger, bolder vermouths,” he says. Kotsiras agrees. “If you're after a classic gin Martini with London dry gin, I'm always reaching for Dolin,” he says. “It's flavorful enough and plays a great supporting role while letting your gin shine.”

What is the best vermouth for dirty martini? ›

Dolin Vermouth De Chambery Dry

The benchmark for martinis comes from Chambéry-based Dolin.

What is a martini without vermouth called? ›

Desert Martini or a Churchill Martini

No vermouth is used. This is essentially straight gin diluted with ice and garnished with either a lemon twist or olives.

What is a martini without olives called? ›

A Gibson is simply a Martini garnished with a co*cktail onion, rather than an olive or lemon twist. It will likely be made according to the same specs as a standard Martini, so if you'd like further tweaks, make sure to specify according to your preferred Martini ratios and style.

What is a martini with an olive called? ›

First made by muddling the olive into the drink, and later by adding a splash of olive brine, the Dirty Martini took decades to reach a wide fan base.

Is Tito's vodka good for martinis? ›

Tito's Handmade Vodka makes for an incredible martini. Tito's is the original no-frills, all-flavor vodka. There are no gimmicks with Tito's, what you see is what you get. And what you see when you look at a bottle of Tito's is extraordinary vodka.

What is the best cheap vodka for martinis? ›

The 13 Best Cheap Vodkas to Drink in 2022
  • Best Overall: Reyka Vodka at Drizly ($36) ...
  • Best for Martinis: Hangar 1 Vodka at Drizly ($17) ...
  • Best Potato: Woody Creek Distillers at Drizly ($19) ...
  • Best Russian: Beluga Noble at Drizly ($10) ...
  • Best for Bloody Marys: ...
  • Best Cucumber: ...
  • Best American: ...
  • Best Bison Grass:

Is gin or vodka better for martinis? ›

Gin is the way to go if you prefer tart and flavorful martini beverages. Vodka may be a clear choice if you want something smoother and more classic. While this debate is likely to be never-ending, this also means that neither choice is going anywhere anytime soon. The best gin martini is botanical, earthy, and sweet.

What makes a martini dry vs dirty? ›

A dry martini means that it is less sweet, containing less dry vermouth (which is called dry itself as it is less sweet than its red counterpart). A wet martini will have a higher amount of vermouth in the mix and a dirty martini means the addition of brine.

What makes a martini not dirty? ›

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 are the three types of martini? ›

There are three main types of Martini: wet, dry and perfect. Vermouth is a fortified wine flavoured with botanicals, and it makes a Martini either sweet or dry, depending how much vermouth is used in the recipe. Wet means the drink is sweeter, so the ratio is normally 3:1.

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