Best Martini Recipes (5 Exciting Alternatives)
Dirty, dry, wet, shaken, stirred? We’re here with our best martini recipes: bold, sweet, and even health-conscious versions of this magical cocktail. Join us as we dive into this simple-yet-fancy, timeless favorite. You’re sipping on sophistication with this beauty, all sexy and perfect in its iconic glass. And with some new recipes in your arsenal, you can keep your martini game strong and interesting.
Best Martini Recipes: A round-up of must-try alternatives
So we all know that a historic martini is based on gin. However, we’ve branched out--mostly because Americans love their vodka. If you’re shooting for complex, bring the gin, right? If you’re looking for smooth and simple, opt for vodka. The traditional recipe calls for five parts gin or vodka, one part vermouth (dry), and most commonly, an olive garnish.
TWO MARTINI RECIPES FOR THOSE WHO LOVE BOLD FLAVOR...
1. SPICY CUCUMBER WASABI MARTINI
Hold onto your sinuses! For real, though. This unconventional martini hails from The Spruce Eats, and we’re excited for you to give it a go. No doubt this one will be an experience!
Spicy Cucumber Wasabi Martini Recipe- 1.5 oz. Gin (Hendrick’s) - 3 Slices cucumber - 1 Pea-sized dollop of wasabi paste - 0.5 oz. Simple syrup - ½ oz. Lemon juice In a cocktail shaker, muddle cucumber slices with wasabi and simple syrup. Fill shaker with ice; add gin and lemon juice. Shake well, and strain into a chilled martini glass. Use a slice of cucumber for garnish. |
2. GRAPEFRUIT GIN MARTINI
We can’t even deal with the greatness here. Grapefruit and gin? Just YES. Talk about packing some complex flavor! This martini isn’t for the weak of palate. Check out Vinepair for more cocktails like this one.
Grapefruit Gin Martini Recipe- 2 oz. Navy Strength Gin - 0.5 oz. Fresh grapefruit juice - 3 Dashes of celery bitters - 1 Cup ice Combine all ingredients and shake gently in a cocktail shaker. Chill, then strain into a martini or coupe glass. Include a grapefruit slice for garnish. |
No judgment if you like it dirty. [Photo cred: Flickr]
TWO MARTINI RECIPES TO SATISFY YOUR SWEET TOOTH...
3. ICE WINE MARTINI
Here’s one for you, wine lovers. It really brings the fruity goodness with pureed grapes and ice wine (sweet wine that’s made from frozen-on-the-vine grapes). Food & Wine offers this memorable martini.
Ice Wine Martini Recipe- 10 Large seedless green grapes - 2 oz. Ice wine - 2 oz. Vodka (Ciroc) - Ice Puree the whole grapes with vodka and ice wine; transfer the puree through a tea strainer into a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake well. Strain once more into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with grape halves. |
4. MINT CHOCOCHATA MARTINI
You guys, in case you didn’t know: dessert martinis are a thing. Skip the blondie or pie at the restaurant and go for a sweet martini instead. And certainly, when you’re at home, have this Spruce Eats hit ready to go after dinner. What a treat! Some dessert martinis come across too heavy and creamy, so we like the way this one keeps things light and smooth with its mint and vodka.
Mint ChocoChata Martini Recipe- 2 Parts RumChata Cream Liqueur - 1 Part chocolate vodka - 0.5 Part green creme de menthe Combine ingredients with ice, then shake well in a cocktail shaker; strain into a chilled martini glass. Include dark chocolate shavings for garnish. |
ONE MARTINI RECIPE FOR THE HEALTH-CONSCIOUS...
5. ORCHARD FLOWERS MARTINI ALTERNATIVE
Say hello to Shape’s flavorful low-cal gin martini alternative. You can down this one with peace of mind (and body). Coming in at just over 130 calories, this gin and hard cider martini could be the treat you’ve been looking for.
Orchard Flowers Martini Recipe- 0.5 oz. dry gin - 0.5 oz. St. Germain - Splash of lime juice - 3 oz. Angry Orchard Traditional Dry Cider Combine everything. Mix with ice and stir until chilled. Strain into a martini glass and add a lime wheel for garnish. |
The Marvelous Martini
We’re claiming to have the “best” martini recipes here. Honestly, though, for a true martini lover--it’s hard to improve on the classic two-ingredient version. But variety, as they say, is the spice of life. So if you’re in the mood to change it up, we hope you’ll enjoy these!
In the mood for bourbon instead of gin? For more cocktail inspiration, check out 5 Bourbon Drink Recipes You Will Love & Crave. And don’t forget to shop our handcrafted decanters and handblown glassware before you go. Our products are as sophisticated as the Martini herself.
Found another martini variation you really love? Share it with the Prestige community below.
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Each decanter is handcrafted and hand-blown, formed into designs limited only by imagination. We never skip steps to cut costs either. Instead, our decanters are made the hard way because quality takes effort and that’s what you deserve. Whether you are looking for a statement piece for your home bar or shopping for something elegant for that special loved one, our decanters are always a timeless gift. If you're searching for style, inspired craftsmanship, and a transformative piece of art that also elevates the flavor profile of your favorite wines and spirits, look no further.