21+ Martini Recipes

Whether you serve them at a dinner party or just need a pick me up after dinner at home, these best martini recipes are for you! From fruity to creamy and everything in between, you’re sure to find something you love for any occasion.

collage of martini recipes


 

I don’t know about you, but every time I think about a martini, I think of good old James Bond saying, “Shaken, not stirred.” Just me?

A good classic martini recipe is something that every home entertainer should have up their sleeve. It can be as simple as a plain vodka martini, or something that requires a few more ingredients.

Looking to fully stock your home bar for whatever occasion may arise? Here are some helpful ingredients to have on hand for any martini order that is thrown at you.

  • A nice vodka – Many classic cocktail recipes use a high quality vodka. Of course, you can always use your favorite, but Belvedere or Grey Goose are great.
  • Dry gin – A classic gin martini really only has gin and dry vermouth, so use a high quality gin here too. Hendrick’s and Bombay Sapphire are my favorites.
  • Sweet vermouth – This is what’s used in what’s known as “The Original Martini” or “Traditional Martini” along with orange bitters. Not ordered much anymore, but still a classic. Plus you can also use this to make Manhattans.
  • Orange liqueur – I prefer Cointreau or Gran Marnier, but you can go as simple or as basic as Triple Sec if you’d like to.
  • Flavored vodka – Something like pear vodka might not be used but a few times, but vanilla vodka is used in many martinis and other cocktails for that matter.
  • Fun liqueur – It’s always nice to have something fun and unique to be able to throw into a martini. A great example would be elderflower liqueur or creme de cacao.
  • Juice – I always prefer to make my cocktails with fresh juices. Fresh lemon juice, cranberry juice, orange juice, olive juice and lime juice are all great to have on hand.
  • Garnishes – Of course having wedges of citrus is great, but take it up a notch by making a lemon twist from a lemon peel or some green olives stuffed with blue cheese. We also love a nice sugared rim or even this Chamoy Rim Paste!

Besides ingredients, here are a few other things that are helpful to have on hand when making martinis for special occasions: cocktail shaker, mixing glass, chilled martini glass, rocks glass and a large ice cube mold.

Best Martini Recipes

straight on shot of two espresso martinis

Best Espresso Martini Recipe

With only 5 simple ingredients, you can have this Espresso Martini ready in only 5 minutes. The perfect after-dinner dessert cocktail!
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head on white chocolate martini in a short martini glass

White Chocolate Martini

Need the perfect festive cocktail to serve this holiday season? A White Chocolate Martini, rimmed with candy canes is the perfect holiday dessert drink! Learn how to make this simple cocktail recipe for easy entertaining and more!
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angled shot of martini with chocolate

Chocolate Martini

This EASY Chocolate Martini recipe is the perfect after dinner drink! It's creamy, indulgent and only requires 5 ingredients to make!
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overhead of lemon drop martini

Lemon Drop Martini Recipe

A Lemon Drop Martini is the perfect balance of sweet and tart. Calling for just four ingredients, these easy to make martinis are easy to sip and include a lemon sugar rim.
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french martinis with ingredients

French Martini Cocktail

This classic French Martini recipe is a timeless cocktail perfect all year long with flavors of pineapple juice and raspberry liquor! So easy!
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angled shot of spiced truffle martinis

Spiced Truffle Martini

A Spiced Truffle Martini is the one cocktail every dark chocolate lover needs to indulge in for cocktail hour. The spirit-forward drink finishes with a rich blend of warming spices, making it the ideal nightcap. 
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two bikini martinis

Bikini Martini

This bikini martini is a tropical mix of vodka, coconut rum, pineapple juice, and an eye-catching layer of grenadine. A sweet, easy drink with no alcohol burn
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two breakfast martinis on a tray

Breakfast Martini

This Breakfast Martini is the perfect sipping cocktail that’s sweet and citrusy while also being beautiful balanced and flavorful!
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sunset martini on cutting board

Clearwater Sunset Martini

With only 4 ingredients, this Clearwater Sunset Martini is perfectly refreshing and great for a warm afternoon!
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tiramisu martini topped with cookie

Tiramisu Martini

End a special dinner with a Tiramisu Martini. It tastes just like the classic Italian dessert in liquid form, without all the effort!
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straight on shot of pumpkin pie martini

Pumpkin Pie Martini

A Pumpkin Pie Martini is a slice of pumpkin pie, made for your cocktail glass! The rich and creamy cocktail is just the right balance of sweet, boozy, pumpkin spice, and pure pumpkin.
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straight on shot of sapphire martini

Sapphire Martini

Known for its vibrant blue color, this sapphire martini is a bright, citrusy drink made from a mix of Bombay Sapphire Gin, blue curacao, and dry vermouth!
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angled shot of apple cider martini

Apple Cider Martini

Sip on this Apple Cider Martini that combines cider and vodka in a glass with a caramel-coated rim that’s dipped in brown sugar!
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straight on shot of cosmo martini on fire pit ledge

Cosmopolitan Martini

With the fresh flavors of cranberry and lime, this classic Cosmopolitan Martini is the ultimate warm weather sipper!
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ginger drop martini in copper cup

Ginger Martini with Drunken Cranberries

Tis the season for holiday cocktails and an Ginger Martini with Drunken Cranberries is just the spicy, slightly sweet, and boozy drink you need to be whipping up!
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straight on shot of sugar cookie martini

Sugar Cookie Martini

Deck the halls with a Sugar Cookie Martini in hand! Serve up this festive dessert martini cocktail for holiday parties, while decorating cookies or while simply sitting by the fire for some true holiday cheer.
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angled shot of chocolate cream pie martinis

Chocolate Cream Pie Martini

If you love the cream pie, this drink is for you! A rich chocolate martini with whipped topping and just enough boozy burn to warm up your holiday.
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angled shot of easter bunny martini

Drunk Bunny Martini

This Easter Bunny Martini has a chocolate drizzled glass that’s filled with a smooth, rich cocktail and garnished with a chocolate bunny! Ready to enjoy in 5 minutes or less!
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straight on shot of blueberry lemon martini

Blueberry Lemon Martini

You only need three simple ingredients to make this delicious Blueberry Lemon Martini! Perfect for a warm summer day!
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angled shot of ginger pomegranate martinis

Ginger Pomegranate Martini

Add something new to your Valentine's Day dinner menu with this seductively delicious Ginger Pomegranate Martini!
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two white chocolate peppermint martinis

Peppermint White Chocolate Martini

This Peppermint White Chocolate Martini is a lovely after-dinner sipper for the holidays!
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More Fun Cocktails

Jessica Formicola in her ktichen

About the Author

Chef Jessica Anne Formicola

Jessica the mom, wife and chef behind Savory Experiments. You might see her on the Emmy- nominated TV show Plate It! or on bookshelves as a cookbook author. Jessica is a Le Cordon Bleu certified recipe developer and regularly contributed to Parade, Better Homes & Gardens, The Daily Meal, Mashed and more!

Read More About Jessica

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