The martini has the most versatility of any drink. People have been drinking this drink for over a century and it’s one of the most popular ones with so many different variations. A dry martini is the original and a classic martini has gin and vermouth. Sweet vodka martinis include vodka and feature a range of flavors.
If you want to be the hostess with the mostess, try these unique martini recipes at your next dinner party!
Classic Martini Recipe
A classic dry martini uses gin. The flavor is botanical and intriguing and balances out the tang of dry vermouth. Many believe that a dry martini should be stirred instead of shaken. Shaking a drink that only contains alcohol will dilute the drink with melting ice. Instead, shaking should mainly be used for sour cocktails. Dry martinis should be served ice cold, but not served with ice, so you can serve it in a chilled glass.
There are two typical garnish options for a classic martini: either a lemon twist or an olive. The lemon peel will add a citrus zing that just gives the right amount of flavor. When you want to serve a dirty martini, use an olive. The briny tang can help round out the flavor.
Peppermint Martini
You don’t need to wait until wintertime to try out this easy-to-mix martini. Combine vodka with peppermint schnapps and use sugar and a lime wedge for the garnish. Another variation is a mint chocolate swirly martini.
Lemon Martini
Lemons are sometimes underrated and using lemon in a martini brings out a hint of sour. A lemon martini uses lemon vodka, simple syrup, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Make sure to have a lemon twist, lemon wedge, and sugar for the garnish.
Pineapple Martini
For those who want a tropical flavor but still want a martini, this is a good option. The pineapple martini brings a great tropical taste through this popular drink. This recipe uses vodka, pineapple juice, and simple syrup, and you can also add an optional splash of coconut rum for even more island flavor.
Pornstar Martini
A pornstar martini uses vanilla vodka, passion fruit puree, and vanilla syrup. Garnish with passion fruit and serve with a shot of champagne for an extra twist. This drink will make a great summer cocktail, just like the pineapple martini, but it can be served anytime, especially with its fun name. I mean, who doesn’t want to order up a pornstar martini, huh?
Cucumber Martini
A cucumber martini is a crisp, cool take on the classic martini and uses vodka, cucumber, and floral notes of St. Germain. It’s got just the right amount of cucumber and still is fresh, floral, and dry. It’s also a great summer drink but can be served anytime.
Pomegranate Martini
A pomegranate martini can be used as the signature drink for your next event or gathering. It’s light, fruity, and sweet. It resembles a Cosmo more than a classic martini. Instead of using cherry juice as you would in a Cosmo, it has pomegranate juice instead.
Vanilla Martini
This martini variation has a hint of flavor without being too overpowering. A vanilla martini uses just two ingredients: vanilla vodka and white crème de cacao.
Espresso Martini
The coffee trend isn’t going anywhere, so why not make it into a martini? An espresso martini calls for vodka, Kahlua, heavy cream, and espresso beans for garnish.
Rose Martini
A rose martini can be a great signature drink to prepare for a bridal shower or an afternoon tea-themed party, since it combines vodka with floral botanicals of the rose flower to create an airy and light martini. Combine vodka, rose water, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker in order to make this unique drink.
Using Unique Garnishes for Martinis
When it comes to spins on vodka martinis, the possibilities are almost endless. You can likely find a recipe for any sort of fruity drink and the options for garnishing martinis give you even more choices to play with. You can also add salt or sugar to the glass rim for a garnish. Use fruit on the edge or inside for different colors. Use edible flowers to create a spring-like drink.
Add a swizzle stick to complement the theme of an event to make the martini your signature drink. For any variations on dessert martinis, use chocolate shavings. You can also add some spice to many variations with a dash of your favorite spice to finish off the drink. These martini recipes are sure to impress your guests!
