Easy martini recipes

How do you make a martini?

There are several variations of the classic martini, and also many modern variations.

Dry martini: Ask for a dry martini and expect a drink with very little vermouth – conventionally in a 6:1 ratio or less with the gin.

Dirty martini: ‘Dirty’ will come with a little olive brine stirred into the gin and vermouth, while a Gibson is made with a silverskin onion and Plymouth gin.

Wet martini: Wet means there is a higher percentage of vermouth – typically in a 3:1 gin to vermouth ratio.

Which gin do you use to make a martini?

London dry gin is the classic gin used for a martini, but one of our favourites is Plymouth or Sipsmith London dry gin with Noilly Prat, served straight-up with a lemon twist. It’s simple and classic. Check out our favourite British gins.

Easy martini recipes

Espresso martini

We love espresso martinis! One of the coolest cocktails around, this punchy little number blends hot espresso and vodka for ultimate effect.

French martini

For a fruity finish on a classic martini, try this simple blend of raspberry liqueur, pineapple juice and vodka. Garnish with a single raspberry.

Lychee martini

Fancy something different to your go-to martini? Have a go at making this light and tropical lychee cocktail from London bar Humble Chicken – it’s as silky as it is fruity and tart.

Passion fruit martini

Add both sharpness and sweetness to your next martini with fresh passion fruit and lime juice. Vanilla vodka, if you have it, works well in this recipe.

Dirty martini

This easy cocktail makes the perfect ready-made cocktail to have on-hand – keep chilled in the fridge for when you fancy a tipple.

Vesper martini

Gin, vodka and Lillet Blanc, a wine-based aperitif from France, are all you need to make this elegant vesper martini. Don't forget the twist of lemon.

Sake martini

Swap vermouth for sake in this Japanese-inspired take on the classic cocktail.

Vanilla vodka martini

It's easy to create your own cocktails for entertaining at home. Keep it simple with a vodka martini – this one gets an extra kick from Grand Marnier and is flavoured with vanilla.

Gingerbread and espresso martini

This velvety smooth, gingerbread cocktail is the perfect warmer for chilly days – or as a cheeky, alcoholic alternative to pudding.

Bacon and egg martini

This cocktail recipe from LCC Shoreditch uses fat-washed (bacon-infused) Jack Daniel's, first done in New York in the 90s for a Benton's Old Fashioned. Mix that with maple syrup and you've got breakfast in a glass.

Bitter orange and cardamom martinis

We've added marmalade and lemon juice to this cocktail recipe for an extra kick of flavour. Enjoy!

Elderflower and lemon vodka martinis

Decorate this light and airy cocktail with white elderflowers if you have an elder bush near you. This recipe serves one, but can easily be multiplied if you've got friends coming over.

Chocolate martini

Dark chocolate is the star of this boozy cocktail recipe, made with just three ingredients plus ice.

Espresso martini tiramisu

Take your espresso martini one step further with our showstopping dessert idea. Easy and indulgent, if this doesn't wow your guests, nothing will!