If you’re looking for the best martini recipes, you’ve come to the right place. This is a collection of 25 Favorite Martini Recipes, including classic, dirty, fruity, colorful, unique, holiday-themed and dessert martinis.
June 19th is National Martini Day. It’s the perfect day to celebrate with one of your favorite martini recipes. I’m sure you’ll find some new favorites to try in this bunch! Share you martini on social media today using the hashtags #NationalMartiniDay, #MartiniDay and #RecipesForHolidays.
Be sure to follow my June Food Holidays page so you never miss a food holiday in the month of June!
“One martini is all right. Two are too many, and three are not enough.”
-James Thurber
The History of Martinis:
A classic martini is a well-known mixed drink made with gin and vermouth, and it’s garnished with either olives or a lemon twist. The origin of how the martini was invented is debatable.
One theory is that in the 1800’s, a gold miner from the Sierra Nevadas struck it rich and visited a bar in Martinez, CA to celebrate. He tried to order champagne, and the bar didn’t have it. So the bartender whipped up what he had on hand- gin, vermouth, bitters, maraschino liqueur and lemon.
Another theory is that a gold miner ordered a pick-me-up drink in San Francisco on his way to the town of Martinez. And a martini-like cocktail is what the bartender created.
Others say the martini was named after “Martini and Rossi” vermouth.
In any case, this cocktail eventually became known as the “martini.” It was published in the Bartender’s Manual in the 1800’s.
The martini became popular during prohibition (1920-1933) as it was relatively simple to make illegal bathtub gin.
In the 1950’s and 1960’s, having a 3-martini lunch was common practice among business executives (in the Mad Men era!)
In James Bond books and movies of the 50’s and 60’s, he often ordered martinis “shaken, not stirred.” Popularity of martinis soared.
Nowadays, there are so many varieties of martinis (which some claim, aren’t actually martinis at all). In any case, there are a lot of favorite martini recipes out there that are becoming quite mainstream.
Favorite Martini Recipes:
A Gin Martini (by Simple Joy) is a classic cocktail that every at home bartender should know how to make. It’s made with only two ingredients, but the tips this blogger shares for making the best classic martini are top notch!
A Dirty Martini (by Shake Drink Repeat) gives a salty and tangy twist on the traditional martini. Vodka and olive juice pair together perfectly for a straightforward flavor that makes this iconic drink irresistible.
The Watermelon Martini (by A Couple Cooks) tastes like summer! This festive vodka cocktail is easy to make and full of refreshing sweet flavor.
A Sugar Cookie Martini (by Occasional Cocktails) combines the warm tone flavors of vanilla vodka, Bailey’s Irish Cream, and Amaretto to make a delicious cookie flavored cocktail. As if the drink wasn’t tasty enough on its own, there’s a sprinkled vanilla frosting on the rim.
Searching for the perfect summer cocktail? If you love gin, you’re going to love this Strawberry Martini (by Sidewalk Shoes) for summer! It’s delicious and pretty!
The fabulous flavors of pumpkin and spice are for more than just pie! Enjoy them in your fall cocktails, too ~ like this yummy Pumpkin Spice Martini (by The Kitchen is my Playground).
This adaptation of Oprah’s Pomegranate Martini (by FoodieCrush) has a hint of rosemary and real pomegranate seeds for an added dose of festive flavor.
This is a gorgeous and delicious cocktail, which is actually a sparkling pineapple champagne martini! It’s called a Flirtini (by Will Cook for Smiles), and it’s made with vanilla vodka, champagne and pineapple juice.
Here’s a simple and refreshing Pear Martini (by Kitchen Swagger) made with pear vodka, elderflower liqueur, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup.
Peanut Butter Cup Whiskey Martini (by Simply Made Recipes) is a decadent cocktail made with chocolate liqueur, creme de cocoa, peanut butter whiskey and heavy cream. Tastes likes a spiked peanut butter cup!
This Peach Martini (by A Couple Cooks) has the best fruity flavor and smooth finish! It’s made with vodka and peach schnapps, and it can be served in any season!
This is a restaurant remake of a popular cocktail from the Peabody Hotel in Memphis. It’s aptly named Memphis Blues Martini (by Call Me PMc). This martini has vodka, blue curacao, and Blueberry Schnapps. The beautiful color comes from blue curacao.
Didn’t think a Bloody Mary could get any better? Make it a dirty! This Manhattan Dirty Bloody Mary Martini (by We Are Not Martha) includes olive juice to add a little kick to the classic Bloody Mary. Go wild with the garnish to really impress your guests.
Have a Hawaiian Martini (by Crazy for Crust) to feel like you’re at the beach! This martini recipe has all the flavors of Hawaii: pineapple, orange, and coconut!
This green apple martini recipe is bursting with apple flavor and the perfect balance of sweet and tart. If you love apples and fruity martinis, you will love this easy Appletini (by Coastal Wandering)!
Refreshingly tart and delicious, this Grapefruit Cranberry Martini (by Noble Pig) will have you in fun mode in no time. A few sips of this delightful cocktail and you will forget all about any sort of dreary weather.
Perk up any after-dinner party with an Espresso Martini (by Tidy Mom). This dangerously drinkable cold coffee cocktail mixes vodka with espresso and vanilla syrup or Kahlua for the perfect pick-me-up cocktail.
French Martini (by Lemon Blossoms) has the perfect combination of vodka, pineapple juice and a touch of Chambord liqueur that adds a hint of raspberry flavor. This French Martini recipe is smooth, silky and fruity.
This Dill Pickle Vodka Martini (by Platings and Pairings) is a fun twist on the traditional dirty martini. Made with just 3 ingredients – vodka (or gin), pickle juice and dry vermouth.
The iconic Cosmopolitan Martini cocktail (by Lemon Blossoms) is made with only four simple ingredients and makes the most beautiful and delicious drink. It has the perfect balance of fruity, tart and sweet.
The Coconut Pineapple Martini (by Mix That Drink) is a light, refreshing drink with all the flavors of a heavier Pina Colada. When you’re in the mood for something tropical but sharp and vibrant, this is the drink you want.
This Classic Lemon Martini Recipe (by Crazy for Crust) is a lemontini everyone will love. Lemon Drops are made with vodka, lemon, triple sec and simple syrup and are so refreshing. This is a delicious and easy cocktail recipe.
Rich and creamy, this Chocolate Martini (by Garnish with Lemon) is the best “adult” chocolate milk you will ever have! You only need 5 ingredients, a shaker, and 5 minutes to make this fabulous martini that is sure to have everyone asking for the recipe.
This Blood Orange Martini (by Chisel and Fork) made from fresh blood orange juice, vodka and triple sec tastes just as delicious as it looks.
This Candy Cane Martini (by Recipe Girl) is a fun holiday cocktail! It’s lightly flavored with mint, and it has a fun candy cane garnish too.
Fun Facts About Martinis:
- The martini was 007 James Bond’s drink of choice.
- The different between a shaken and a stirred martini: stirring ensures that the drink isn’t too watered down.
- A martini is served in the iconic v-shaped glass, which was actually used for other cocktails before the martini came along.
- When vodka replaces gin in a martini, it’s known as a kangaroo.
- A wet martini contains more vermouth.
- A 50-50 martini contains equal parts of gin and vermouth.
- Dirty martinis have a splash of olive brine and are garnished with green olives.
- A Burnt Martini is one that has a touch of smoky whisky.