Recipes
Martinis are a classic for a reason. They are elegant, are deceptively strong and look, oh, so good in a coupe glass. Plus, most martini recipes, even the fancy-looking ones garnished with espresso beans, are way easier to shake up than you may think.
This collection includes classic cocktails like the standard vodka or gin martini, along with go-to variations like a Vesper or a dirty martini. In the mood for something sweeter? We have plenty of fruity options, like a watermelon, lychee and lemon drop martini. How about something bolder? Try an espresso martini for brunch or a chocolate martini as an after-dinner or dessert sipper.
These martinis are guaranteed to fit the mood, whether it’s your next date night in, a dinner party with friends or brunch with the girls. And don’t skip the seasonal and holiday-inspired cocktails.
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Recipes
Classic Martini
From the Recipe Creator:
Martinis recipes can be made with either vodka or gin. Our taste panel’s preference was for the gin, but try them both and decide for yourself. Be warned, this is a strong and serious drink. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Dirty Martini
From the Recipe Creator:
This martini recipe is easy to customize to your tastes. Use as much or as little olive brine as you like! —Caroline Stanko, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Espresso Martini
From the Recipe Creator:
For a change of pace from mimosas, serve this wake-up cocktail for your next brunch. Coffee lovers will thank you. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Lemon Cream Martini
From the Recipe Creator:
This light-colored, bright lemon cream martini is perfect for celebrating spring. —Susan Bronson, Rhinelander, Wisconsin
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Vesper Martini
From the Recipe Creator:
The iconic martini ordered by James Bond in Casino Royale, a Vesper is a bracingly crisp combination of gin, vodka and Lillet (a French aperitif). Serve this classic shaken, not stirred, of course! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Recipes
French Martini
From the Recipe Creator:
Pretty, fruity and perfectly balanced, this martini was made an instant classic in the 1980s at the famed New York City bar Balthazar. The sophisticated sipper features vodka, pineapple juice and Chambord, a luscious French raspberry liqueur. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Recipes
Pomegranate Martini
From the Recipe Creator:
Tart and slightly sweet, this martini combines pomegranate juice, lemon juice and Cointreau for a vibrant flavor that blends well with the subtle and inviting vodka base. Make a glass the next time you enjoy a cheese board for a harmonious pair. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Red Velvet Espresso Martini
From the Recipe Creator:
This cocktail recipe transforms red velvet cake into a decadent red velvet-flavored espresso martini topped with luxurious cream cheese cold foam. —Lauren Habermehl, Pewaukee, Wisconsin
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Recipes
Lemon Drop Martini
From the Recipe Creator:
Pucker up for this sweet-tart sipper made with fresh-squeezed lemon juice, vodka and triple sec. Go for the optional sugared rim—it makes the lemon drop taste even more like the classic hard candy! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Recipes
Lychee Martini
From the Recipe Creator:
The aromatic lychee fruit is sweet, juicy and subtly floral with a taste and texture similar to a grape or pear. Look for lychee in the canned fruit aisle at the supermarket or at an Asian grocery store. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Chocolate Martini
From the Recipe Creator:
This rich, creamy after-dinner drink doubles as a dessert! You’ll dazzle guests with the pretty swirl of chocolate sauce in the glass. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Peppermint Martini
From the Recipe Creator:
We put a minty spin on the classic martini with peppermint schnapps and then sweetened it up with vanilla vodka. Dress it up for the holidays with peppermint around the rim. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Recipes
Dirty Chai Espresso Martini
From the Recipe Creator:
I love an espresso martini because the caffeine wakes me up while the vodka inspires me to get down. Just recently a friend introduced me to dirty chai lattes, and I thought to myself, Now THIS would make a fabulous martini—so I created it with vodka, espresso, chai simple syrup and Kahlua. —Kate McKiernan, Chicago, Illinois
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Recipes
Pistachio Martini
From the Recipe Creator:
A spin on the classic vodka cocktail, only four ingredients are needed to create this pistachio martini. Pistachio liqueur brings a salty earthiness flavor, heavy cream brings a smooth texture and a splash of simple syrup is added to the mix to balance out the strength of the alcohol. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Tomato Martini
From the Recipe Creator:
Savory cocktails are so in this summer—and a tomato martini fits the trend in just the right way. After adding a splash of gin and a drop of vermouth, you have classic, luxurious simplicity in a coupe. —Kate McKiernan, Chicago, Illinois
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Recipes
Gingerbread Martinis
From the Recipe Creator:
Make a rich, spicy gingerbread syrup to keep on hand for festive cocktails throughout the holiday season. This luscious martini comes together with heavy whipping cream, coffee liqueur, vodka, Irish cream liqueur and a splash of your homemade gingerbread syrup. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Recipes
Creme Brulee Espresso Martini
From the Recipe Creator:
An espresso martini is my drink of choice. This creme brulee variation is my go-to during the holiday season, or anytime I want something a little special. —Lauren Habermehl, Pewaukee, Wisconsin
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Recipes
Cucumber Martini
From the Recipe Creator:
Rejuvenate yourself with this light and refreshing cucumber martini. Made with only four ingredients, it’s a no-fuss, no-gimmicks cocktail that’ll easily become your favorite. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Tiramisu Martini
From the Recipe Creator:
This tiramisu martini is the perfect compromise when you can’t decide between an after-dinner drink or a sweet treat for dessert. If you chill the martini glass in the freezer for 5 to 10 minutes before serving your cocktail, your cocktail will stay colder for longer. —Susan Bronson, Rhinelander, Wisconsin
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Recipes
Pickle Martini
From the Recipe Creator:
If sweet drinks aren’t your thing, try this pickle martini recipe instead. This cocktail leans on the briny and salty side of the flavor palate with its blend of vodka (or gin), pickle juice and dry vermouth. And for the pickle lovers out there—feel free to pour that juice with a heavy hand! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Recipes
Watermelon Martini
From the Recipe Creator:
A bright and sweet cocktail, the simple ingredients of watermelon juice, vodka and lime juice blend to form a well-balanced martini. Garnish it with a slice of watermelon for a refreshing snack to finish the drink. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Recipes
Frozen Espresso Martini
From the Recipe Creator:
The viral drink just got better. Take everything you love about an espresso martini and make it slushy! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Recipes
Sugar Cookie Martini
From the Recipe Creator:
What’s for dessert? How about a creamy, sugary martini to cap the night off. This sweet twist on the classic strong martini uses vanilla vodka, Irish cream liqueur and half-and-half cream to create a cookie flavor. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Recipes
Pear Martini
From the Recipe Creator:
This martini is simple, elegant and potently pear flavored, thanks to pear-infused vodka. Fresh lemon juice and simple syrup provide the perfect balance. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Pumpkin Martini
From the Recipe Creator:
Take your favorite fall beverage and turn it into a cocktail! This pumpkin martini combines the warm autumn flavors of pumpkin pie spice and canned pumpkin with rich, slightly sweet half-and-half cream and a shot of vodka for a smooth drink. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Recipes
Key Lime Martini
From the Recipe Creator:
Have your favorite dessert in cocktail form! Tropical flavors like Key lime juice, cream of coconut and pineapple juice blend together for a tart, sweet and creamy beverage. It’ll be hard to believe there isn’t a slice of Key lime pie in your glass. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Espresso Martini with Baileys
From the Recipe Creator:
Irish cream and espresso are a match made in cocktail heaven. Garnish with coffee beans or espresso powder. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Vampire Killer Martini
From the Recipe Creator:
If you’re going to hang with vampires, you’re going to need a strong drink. This spicy vodka martini, with a blood-red beet garnish, does the trick. A little garlic helps too! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Peppermint Espresso Martini
From the Recipe Creator:
Think of this as an espresso martini with a festive holiday spin. It’s perfect as an elegant drinkable dessert, to serve as a signature cocktail at your annual ugly Christmas sweater party or for kicking off a holiday movie marathon in your jammies. —Julie Andrews, Rockford, Michigan
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Apple Martini
From the Recipe Creator:
This icy-cold appletini recipe is very refreshing with a nice hint of sour. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Recipes Martini Recipes FAQ
What does “dirty/filthy” mean for a martini?
When it comes to martinis, “dirty” and “filthy” refer to the inclusion of olive brine instead of or in addition to vermouth. A dirty martini adds a splash of brine (usually just 1/2 ounce) to vodka or gin, and a filthy martini adds even more brine. Ordering a martini with olive juice is just one way to customize a martini to your liking.
Can I make a batch of martinis for a party?
Yes, you can definitely make a batch of martinis—you’ll just have to increase the measurements accordingly.
For example, a standard martini is 3 ounces of vodka or gin and 1/2 ounce of dry vermouth. To make a batch of martinis, combine 3 cups of spirits with 1/2 cup of vermouth in a large jar or pitcher. When you’re ready to serve, mix or stir a single serving with ice and pour into a chilled glass.
For more complicated cocktails, like an espresso or gingerbread martini, focus on prepping the espresso or gingerbread syrup, and then mix individual drinks instead of making a batch.
Can a martini be nonalcoholic?
Yes, technically a martini can be nonalcoholic when made with alcohol-free spirits, but it requires serious ingredient swaps. For most recipes, that means finding a nonalcoholic substitution for every ingredient. Instead, try serving up one of our expertly crafted mocktails or a canned nonalcoholic beverage in a martini or coup glass.