When it comes to cocktails, few drinks are as iconic and versatile as the classic gin martini. Whether you’re a seasoned mixologist or just looking for a sophisticated drink to impress your friends, there’s no denying the allure of a well-crafted gin martini. With its crisp, citrusy flavor profile and ability to be tailored to any occasion, this timeless cocktail is sure to remain a staple on bars and in homes around the world.
In this article, we’ll take you on a journey through 20 classic gin martini recipes that are sure to satisfy even the most discerning palates. From the simple yet elegant “Dry Gin Martini with a Twist of Lemon” to the bold and spicy “Spicy Gin Martini with Jalapeño Infusion,” there’s something for everyone in this collection. So sit back, get ready to shake (or stir) things up, and let’s dive into the world of gin martinis!
Dry Gin Martini with a Twist of Lemon
Experience the classic sophistication of a dry gin martini elevated by the brightness of a lemon twist.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz (60 ml) dry gin
– 1/2 oz (15 ml) dry vermouth
– Lemon twist, for garnish
– Ice
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Pour in the gin and vermouth.
3. Stir for approximately 30-45 seconds to chill and dilute the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
5. Express a lemon twist over the drink, then use it as garnish.
Cooking Time: None (ready when prepared)
Perfect Gin Martini with Vermouth
Elevate your cocktail game with this timeless recipe that combines the crispness of gin with the subtle sophistication of vermouth. This perfect gin martini is a staple for any occasion, whether it’s a night out with friends or a quiet evening at home.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz (60 ml) gin
– 1/2 oz (15 ml) dry vermouth
– Green olive or lemon twist for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Pour the gin and vermouth over the ice.
3. Stir the mixture for approximately 30 seconds to chill and dilute the ingredients.
4. Strain the martini into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.
5. Garnish with a green olive or lemon twist.
Cooking Time: None! This is a zero-cook-time recipe, perfect for a quick and elegant cocktail experience.
Dirty Gin Martini with Olive Brine
Elevate your cocktail game with this twist on the classic gin martini, infused with the salty essence of olive brine.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz (60ml) gin
– 1/2 oz (15ml) dry vermouth
– 1/4 oz (7.5ml) olive brine
– Green olive for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the gin, vermouth, and olive brine.
3. Shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
5. Garnish with a green olive.
Cooking Time: None!
Enjoy your rich, savory Dirty Gin Martini with Olive Brine.
Gibson Gin Martini with Cocktail Onions
Elevate your cocktail game with this timeless recipe that combines the crispness of gin with the savory flavor of cocktail onions. The result is a sophisticated and refreshing drink perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz (60 ml) gin
– 1/2 oz (15 ml) dry vermouth
– 1/4 oz (7.5 ml) maraschino liqueur
– 1-2 cocktail onions, depending on size and desired flavor
– Lemon twist or wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Pour the gin, vermouth, and maraschino liqueur over the ice.
3. Stir gently for approximately 30 seconds to chill and combine the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
5. Add 1-2 cocktail onions to the glass, depending on your desired level of onion flavor.
6. Garnish with a lemon twist or wheel.
Cooking Time: None (just mix and serve!)
Vesper Martini with Gin and Vodka
Elevate your cocktail game with this iconic Vesper Martini recipe, combining the crispness of gin and vodka. This classic drink is a staple of James Bond’s repertoire.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz (45 ml) gin
– 1/2 oz (15 ml) vodka
– 1/2 oz (15 ml) Lillet Blanc
– 1/4 oz (7.5 ml) Kina L’Avion Grand Noir
– Lemon twist or wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Pour the gin, vodka, and Lillet Blanc over the ice.
3. Add the Kina L’Avion Grand Noir.
4. Stir gently for about 30 seconds to chill and dilute the ingredients.
5. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
6. Garnish with a lemon twist or wheel.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail!
Enjoy your Vesper Martini!
Floral Gin Martini with Lavender Infusion
Elevate your cocktail game with this delicate and sophisticated martini, featuring the subtle sweetness of lavender.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz gin
– 1/2 oz lavender-infused simple syrup (see below)
– 1/2 oz lemon juice
– 1/4 oz honey syrup (1:1 honey and water, dissolved)
– Dash of edible gold dust (optional, for garnish)
Lavender Infusion:
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup water
– 1/4 cup dried lavender buds
Instructions:
1. In a small saucepan, combine sugar, water, and lavender buds. Heat over low heat, stirring until sugar dissolves.
2. Remove from heat and let steep for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
3. Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean glass bottle. Discard lavender buds.
To make the martini:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add gin, lavender-infused simple syrup, lemon juice, and honey syrup.
3. Shake until chilled, about 15-20 seconds.
4. Strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with edible gold dust, if desired.
Cooking Time: None
Smoky Gin Martini with Mezcal Rinse
Elevate your martini game with this smoky twist on a classic cocktail. The mezcal rinse adds a subtle depth and complexity to the drink.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz gin
– 1/2 oz dry vermouth
– 1/4 oz mezcal (smoked agave spirit)
– 1 dash of orange bitters
– Green olive or lemon twist for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a small bowl with ice.
2. Add the mezcal and let it sit for about 30 seconds to chill.
3. Strain the mezcal into a chilled martini glass.
4. In a separate mixing glass, combine gin, vermouth, and orange bitters.
5. Stir the mixture for about 20-25 seconds or until well combined.
6. Strain the mixture over the mezcal-rinsed glass.
7. Garnish with a green olive or lemon twist.
Cooking Time: None (cocktail)
Espresso Gin Martini for a Caffeinated Kick
Combine the rich flavors of espresso with the crispness of gin and a hint of sweetness for a unique cocktail experience. This Espresso Gin Martini is perfect for those who need an extra boost to get through their day.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 ounces gin
– 1/2 ounce Kahlúa or other coffee liqueur
– 1/2 ounce freshly brewed espresso
– 1/2 ounce simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1/4 ounce heavy cream
– Coffee beans or grinds for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the gin, Kahlúa, espresso, and simple syrup.
3. Shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
5. Float the heavy cream on top by slowly pouring it over the back of a spoon.
6. Garnish with coffee beans or grinds.
Cooking Time: None, just shake and serve!
French 75-Inspired Gin Martini
French 75-Inspired Gin Martini Recipe
This refined cocktail takes its cue from the classic French 75, substituting gin for champagne and adding a touch of citrusy elegance to the traditional martini.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz (60 ml) London Dry Gin
– 1/2 oz (15 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 oz (15 ml) simple syrup
– 1/4 oz (7.5 ml) Grand Marnier
– Dash of orange bitters
– Lemon twist or wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and Grand Marnier to the shaker.
3. Add a dash of orange bitters.
4. Shake vigorously for approximately 10-12 seconds.
5. Strain into a chilled martini glass.
6. Garnish with a lemon twist or wheel.
Cooking Time: N/A
Gin Martini with Cucumber and Mint
A refreshing twist on the classic martini, this recipe combines the crispness of cucumber with the cooling essence of mint, perfectly balanced by the bold flavors of gin.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz (60 ml) gin
– 1/2 oz (15 ml) fresh lime juice
– 1/2 oz (15 ml) simple syrup
– 1/4 cup (30 g) thinly sliced cucumber
– 1/4 cup (7 g) fresh mint leaves
– Salt, for rimming glass
– Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rim a martini glass with salt.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine gin, lime juice, and simple syrup.
3. Add sliced cucumber and mint leaves to the shaker.
4. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds.
5. Strain the mixture into the prepared martini glass.
6. Garnish with a lime wheel and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: None
Spicy Gin Martini with Jalapeño Infusion
Spicy Gin Martini with Jalapeño Infusion: Add a kick to your classic martini with this bold and refreshing cocktail that combines the spicy warmth of jalapeños with the crispness of gin.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz (60ml) gin
– 1/4 oz (15ml) lime juice
– 1/4 oz (15ml) simple syrup
– 1-2 slices jalapeño pepper, infused in 1/4 cup (60ml) gin and 1/4 cup (60ml) water for at least 2 hours
– Ice
– Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the gin, lime juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Add the jalapeño-infused gin and water mixture (reserving the solids).
4. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
5. Strain into a chilled martini glass.
6. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Cooking Time: None, just infuse the jalapeños and prepare the other ingredients!
Bitter Gin Martini with Campari
A classic cocktail that combines the bold flavors of gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth, perfect for those who enjoy a strong, bitter taste. This recipe is a great way to experience the iconic Italian spirit Campari.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz (60 ml) gin
– 1/2 oz (15 ml) Campari
– 1/2 oz (15 ml) sweet vermouth
– Green olives or lemon twist for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth.
3. Shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
5. Garnish with a green olive or lemon twist.
Cooking Time: None
Frozen Gin Martini for Hot Summer Days
Perfect for hot summer days, this refreshing twist on the classic gin martini is sure to quench your thirst and cool you down. Made with a combination of gin, lime juice, and simple syrup, frozen to perfection and garnished with a sprig of rosemary, this drink is the epitome of summer sophistication.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz gin
– 3/4 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1 cup ice
– 1 sprig of rosemary, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine gin, lime juice, and simple syrup.
2. Add ice to the blender and blend until smooth.
3. Pour into a chilled martini glass.
4. Garnish with a sprig of rosemary.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Gin Martini with St. Germain and Elderflower
Elevate your martini game with this refined recipe that combines the crispness of gin with the delicate sweetness of St. Germain and Elderflower liqueurs.
Gin Martini with St. Germain and Elderflower
Ingredients:
– 2 oz (60 ml) gin
– 1/2 oz (15 ml) St. Germain elderflower liqueur
– 1/2 oz (15 ml) Lillet Blanc
– 1/4 oz (7.5 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Dash of sparkling water
– Lemon twist or edible flower for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add gin, St. Germain, and Lillet Blanc.
3. Squeeze in the lemon juice.
4. Shake gently to combine and chill the ingredients (about 15-20 seconds).
5. Strain into a chilled martini glass.
6. Top with a dash of sparkling water.
7. Garnish with a lemon twist or edible flower.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail recipe!
Rosemary-Infused Gin Martini
Combine the crispness of gin with the herbaceousness of rosemary for a unique and refreshing cocktail experience. This recipe is perfect for those who appreciate subtle botanical flavors in their drinks.
Ingredients:
• 2 oz gin
• 1/2 oz dry vermouth
• 1 sprig fresh rosemary, bruised (about 1 tsp)
• Lemon twist or wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, combine gin and vermouth.
2. Add the bruised rosemary sprig to the mixture and muddle gently with a spoon to release its oils and flavors.
3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the cocktail into a chilled martini glass.
5. Garnish with a lemon twist or wheel, allowing the citrus to complement the herbal notes.
Cooking Time: None required! Simply prepare and serve your Rosemary-Infused Gin Martini in under 2 minutes.
Gin Martini with Grapefruit and Thyme
Elevate your classic gin martini game with the brightness of grapefruit and the subtlety of thyme. This cocktail is perfect for warm weather or anytime you need a revitalizing drink.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz gin
– 1/2 oz freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
– 1/4 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1/2 oz thyme-infused simple syrup (see note)
– 1 dash of Angostura bitters
– Grapefruit twist or wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add gin, grapefruit juice, regular simple syrup, and thyme-infused simple syrup.
3. Shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain into a chilled martini glass.
5. Add a dash of Angostura bitters on top.
6. Garnish with a grapefruit twist or wheel.
Cooking Time: None
Note: To make thyme-infused simple syrup, combine 1 cup water, 1 cup granulated sugar, and 1/4 cup fresh thyme leaves in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat and let steep for at least 30 minutes. Strain before using.
Bees Knees-Inspired Gin Martini with Honey
This refined cocktail combines the classic flavors of gin, honey, and lemon to create a unique and tantalizing twist on the original Bee’s Knees recipe.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz (60 ml) London Dry Gin
– 1/2 oz (15 ml) Honey Syrup (1:1 honey and water, dissolved)
– 1/2 oz (15 ml) freshly squeezed Lemon Juice
– 1 dash of Orange Bitters
– Ice
– Lemon twist or honeycomb for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the gin, honey syrup, lemon juice, and orange bitters.
3. Shake vigorously for approximately 10-12 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
5. Garnish with a lemon twist or honeycomb.
Cooking Time: None
Gin Martini with Basil and Black Pepper
Experience a refreshing twist on the classic gin martini by infusing it with the bright, herbal flavor of basil and a hint of black pepper. This unique combination will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz gin
– 1/2 oz dry vermouth
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
– Lemon twist or wheel (optional)
Instructions:
1. Muddle the basil leaves and black pepper in a cocktail shaker to release their flavors and aromas.
2. Add the gin and vermouth to the shaker and fill with ice.
3. Shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
5. Garnish with a lemon twist or wheel, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready in just minutes.
Negroni-Inspired Gin Martini
Elevate your cocktail game with this Negroni-inspired gin martini, which combines the bold flavors of Campari and sweet vermouth with crisp gin and a hint of citrus.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz gin
– 1/2 oz Campari
– 1/2 oz sweet vermouth
– 1/4 oz freshly squeezed orange juice
– Orange twist, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth to the shaker.
3. Squeeze in the orange juice and add it to the shaker.
4. Shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
5. Strain the martini into a chilled glass.
6. Garnish with an orange twist.
Cooking Time: None! Simply shake, strain, and serve.
Gin Martini with Orange Bitters and Zest
Elevate your classic gin martini with the bright, citrusy flavor of orange bitters and a sprinkle of zest. This refreshing cocktail is perfect for warm evenings or any occasion that calls for sophistication.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz gin
– 1/2 oz dry vermouth
– 1/4 oz orange bitters
– Orange zest (optional, for garnish)
– Lemon twist or sugar rim (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Pour the gin and vermouth over the ice.
3. Add the orange bitters.
4. Stir the mixture for 30-45 seconds to chill and dilute the ingredients.
5. Strain the martini into a chilled glass filled with ice.
6. Garnish with an orange zest, if desired.
Cooking Time: None
Summary
Get ready to elevate your cocktail game with these 20 classic gin martini recipes, perfect for any occasion. From timeless combinations like the Perfect Gin Martini with Vermouth and the Dry Gin Martini with a Twist of Lemon, to modern twists like the Smoky Gin Martini with Mezcal Rinse and the Spicy Gin Martini with Jalapeño Infusion, there’s something for every taste and preference. Whether you’re looking for a classic cocktail or something new and exciting, this collection has got you covered.
