There are many types of martinis. A classic martini is made with gin and vermouth, while a Dry Martini is made with gin, vermouth and bitters and a Dirty Martini adds olive brine to the mix. We love famous martinis such as Vesper Martini and the French Martini.
We also enjoy dessert martinis and other variations such as the Espresso Martini and the Lychee Martini. Often these drinks have very little in common with the classic martini other than being served in a martini glass. Cocktail menus are now filled with martinis in every flavor you can imagine, so we have rounded up more than 30 of the most popular types of martinis for you here.
Related: Our Best Cocktail Recipes, Easy Dinner Ideas
French Martini
The French Martini is a classy cocktail that only needs three ingredients: vodka, pineapple juice, and raspberry liqueur.
Vesper Martini
The Vesper Martini is made of vodka, gin, and Lillet served ice cold and always with a lemon twist. This martini is famous as a James Bond cocktail.
Dirty Martini
Learn to make a Dirty Martini using a combination of gin (or vodka!), dry vermouth, and olive brine.
Espresso Martini
This is the most popular dessert martini recipe. It makes an excellent pre-dinner or after dinner drink. Mix espresso, vodka, Kahlua and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker to create this iconic martini.
Dry Martini
The Dry Martini is made with gin (or vodka), dry vermouth and optionally you can add a dash of orange bitters. Garnish your dry martini with olives or a lemon twist.
Last Word Cocktail
Learn to make the classic Last Word Cocktail using gin, green Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur and fresh lime juice.
Lychee Martini
This fruity and floral flavored martini is made with vodka, orange liqueur, lychee puree, and lychee fruit. It’s magical!
Cosmopolitan Recipe
A balanced cocktail made with cranberry juice, vodka, orange liqueur and lime juice. It’s fresh, not too sweet and easy to mix at home.
Pink Lady
A classic cocktail, the Pink Lady is a drier and more tart taste that the bold pink color may lead you to expect. The combination of dry gin, applejack brandy, lemon, and grenadine is shaken with an egg white for a creamy foamy top that is both delicious and pretty to look at.
Aviation Cocktail
Learn to make the classic Aviation cocktail using gin, maraschino liqueur, creme de violette liqueur and lemon juice.
Chocolate Martini
A deliciously sweet at-home chocolate martini recipe. Our recipe uses chocolate liqueur, Irish cream liqueur, vodka, chocolate syrup and grated chocolate as a garnish.
Lemon Drop Martini
This fresh citrus-flavored martini is made with vodka (or gin), orange liqueur, simple syrup and fresh lemon juice.
Appletini (Sour Apple Martini)
A dessert cocktail made with vodka, sour apple schnapps, apple juice and lemon juice.
El Presidente Cocktail
Learn to mix up the El Presidente cocktail using white rum, dry vermouth, orange curaçao and grenadine syrup.
Manhattan Drink
The Manhattan is a cousin to the martini, replacing gin with rye whiskey. This drink is made with rye whiskey, sweet vermouth and angostura bitters.
Key Lime Martini
The key lime variation is made using lime juice, vodka (or gin), cream of coconut and orange liqueur.
Bee’s Knees Cocktail
Learn to make a classic Bees Knee’s cocktail with three ingredients: gin, honey syrup and lemon juice.
Classic Gimlet Cocktail
Learn to make a classic Gimlet using lime juice, gin and simple syrup. This simple recipe is so fresh and perfectly balanced.
Coffee Martini
Learn to make a classic Coffee Martini using brewed coffee, vodka, coffee liqueur and Irish cream liqueur.
Army & Navy Cocktail
This cocktail is made with gin, lemon juice, orgeat syrup and bitters.
Elderflower Martini
This martini is made with lemon vodka, elderflower liqueur, cranberry juice and lemon.
Sidecar Drink
Learn to make a classic Sidecar cocktail with cognac, orange liqueur, lemon juice and an orange twist. We love to add a sugar rim to this one.
Pomegranate Martini
Learn to make a pomegranate martini with a decorative floral garnish.
Vodka Martini
Learn to make a classic vodka martini with several small variations.
Pumpkin Pie Martini
Learn to make a Pumpkin Pie Martini—perfect for autumn.
Eggnog Martini
Our Eggnog Martini recipe is the perfect festive Christmas cocktail to try.
Birthday Cake Martini
Learn to make a Birthday Cake Martini to celebrate someone you love!
Cranberry Martini
Learn to make a cranberry and ginger martini.
Halloween Martini
Learn to make a Halloween Martini—it’s a Lychee martini with eyeballs to celebrate spooky season.
Caramel Apple Martini
Our Caramel Apple Martini is a great dessert martini recipe to try.
Almond Joy Martini
With Halloween so close at hand, it’s no surprise that we have candy on the brain. Learn to make an Almond Joy Martini with this easy recipe.
Cookies & Cream Martini
Do you love cookies & cream ice cream? If so, you have to try this martini! It’s one of our favorites to serve guests as a dessert cocktail.
Martini Tips:
- Chilled Glasses – Always use a chilled martini glass. Just pop your glass in the freezer for 30 minutes (or more) before using.
- Glassware Options – A classic martini glass is always a good choice. We also love to use these modern martini glasses and coupe glasses for many recipes.
More Recipes To Try:
- Brunch Drinks – Mimosa, Bloody Mary, Tequila Sunrise, Irish Coffee
- Classic Cocktails – Old Fashioned, Negroni, Boulevardier, Sidecar
- Refreshing Cocktails – Mojito, Tom Collins, Paloma, Aperol Spritz
- Party Cocktails – Jello Shots, Green Tea Shot, Pudding Shots
I want to try them all!