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.
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.
Popular Martini Recipe 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.
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!
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.
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.
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
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.
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!
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!
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.
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!
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!