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Cocktails|Entertaining|Gin|Dry

12 Martinis for the traditionalists

Read time 4 Mins

Posted 28 Aug 2025

By
Amelia Ball

A close-up of a Martini with a skewered olive in it

Keep things classic with these pitch-perfect recipes – no wacky ingredients required.

For such a simple cocktail with just two ingredients, the Martini holds an impressive place in the world of drinks. It’s one of the most sophisticated and beloved cocktails, with its passionate fans known to fiercely debate whether gin or vodka is the superior choice. We could start a whole other argument about what actually constitutes a Martini, but that would just keep us all from enjoying an actual Martini. So, instead, we’ve taken a purist’s perspective and rounded up some classic recipes to help you do just that. 

If you can’t come at a V-shaped glass without a full skewer of olives in it, could drink brine straight (if only it wasn’t frowned upon) or love finding ways to give your drinks a bar-quality edge, there’s a Martini in this selection for you. We know we said there wouldn’t be any wild ingredients, but elderflower liqueur gets a look in, as does the humble tomato – trust us, it belongs here. There’s also a clever hack to ensure you have icy-cold Martinis on hand any time. Take your pick. 

12 of our favourite (mostly classic) Martini recipes
4 MINS READ
1. Freezer Door Martini
Ever dreamed of being the host with the most? This recipe can help. It’s a batched version that will ensure a balanced Martini at the ideal icy temperature and, better yet, it’ll be on-hand for any impromptu drop-ins. If your idea of serving a cocktail to friends involves you looking smooth and smug while you’re at it, this is the way to do it. Keep a range of pickled onions, olives and citrus on hand, and mates can even choose their own garnish.
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2. Vodka Martini
Remember what we said about gin versus vodka? Even if you’re a staunch member of the gin-only Martini club, it’s worth mixing up this vodka version to see if you might change your mind. It’s simple and elegant, and it’s just how 007 liked it (but let’s not get into the whole shaken vs stirred thing). Just be sure the glass is frosty, and the mix is as cold as it can be. We’re keeping things simple with a lemon twist here, but you do you.
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3. Classic Martini
Much like the Vodka Martini’s ratios, this recipe combines 60mL gin and 15mL vermouth, and the drink is finished with a lemon twist for garnish. It’s not flashy or tricky, but it does need a little focus. Take your time with a good stir first in a mixing glass with plenty of ice before straining it into your fresh (chilled) glass and you’ll be glad you did – no one wants a too-stiff Martini at room temperature.
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4. Dirty Martini
Okay, we’re introducing some other flavour here, but this is a subtle step. This recipe adds just 10mL of olive brine to the gin and vermouth combo, and it’s finished with skewered olives for the garnish. Who doesn’t love a snack with their drink? Not everyone digs a Dirty Martini, but then there are the diehards who push it into filthy territory, so this is where you can start to play with ratios to create the ultimate Martini for your tastes.
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5. Pickletini
We all know that person who eats pickles out of the jar. Maybe that person is you. Either way, this is the Martini to run with – even if you’re not into Martinis. Again, we’re working with 60mL of spirit (vodka in this case) and 15mL of vermouth with just 10mL of pickle juice. But who are we to tell you how much pickle juice to use? You might like this restrained, tangy recipe or you might like to up the bitey ante – see for yourself.
3 MINS READ
6. Tomatini
Here’s where things start to lean a little different, thanks to a couple of tomatoes. You just need a little forward planning to leave enough time to freeze the tomatoes and thaw them in a container with your vodka for the flavours to combine. This infusion brings a savoury goodness, with the all-important vermouth added along with some Champagne vinegar. It’s tangy and delicious. Just be sure to scale up the infused vodka because it’s a moreish mix that keeps in the fridge for up to two weeks.
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7. Millionaire’s Martini
This may be where the Martini traditionalists start to lose interest, but hear us out. This is a slightly twisted Classic Martini (this time 40mL gin, 40mL vermouth), with the addition of 20mL of Champagne (or another sparkling if you believe fancy fizz only goes in flutes). What does this do? It freshens things up and brings those lovely bubbles, but it still tastes like the Martini you know and love. You can also switch the gin for vodka to see if you prefer that trio together.
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8. Elderflower Martini
Stepping into the floral, sweeter side of the Martini spectrum, the Elderflower Martini is a delicate surprise. This recipe only uses 15mL of elderflower liqueur and we recommend you stick with these ratios to start. This will keep the cocktail balanced and with just a hint of those sweet florals. Vodka also helps to ensure the drink is in check as gin can bring a load of other aromatics, but, once again, experiment with ingredients and ratios to find your favourite mix.
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9. Blushing Martini
Into elderflower liqueur? You’ll love this one. Here, vermouth is switched out for verjuice, while gin, rosé vermouth and elderflower liqueur are also on show. A pinch of salt pares it back a touch, and it all creates a very fresh, elegant and oh-so pretty riff on the Martini. If you’re newer to Martinis and find them a little bit too punchy with flavours in your face, the Blushing Martini is an excellent recipe to play around with instead. It’s a crowd-pleaser, too.
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10. Salt & Vinegar Martini
If we had you at “salt and vinegar”, this is absolutely for you. Based on that most excellent chip flavour (and garnished with chips – if you can keep your hands off), this is the drink to pull out and impress. It involves a little extra prep to make the salt and vinegar seasoning, but it’s a cinch. Then it’s just all stirred in a mixing glass with ice and strained into your chilled fresh glass. Did we mention the Salt & Vinegar chips as garnish?
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11. Vesper
The Vesper is a great choice for anyone who can’t decide between gin or vodka. Our recipe combines 40mL of gin with 20mL of vodka, along with the addition of 10mL of vermouth, and it creates a completely different kind of Martini. There’s a touch of sweetness in there, plus a little more texture thanks to the two spirits, and a lemon twist to finish is essential. Try squeezing it over the top to release some oils – it will lift the whole drink.
3 MINS READ
12. Non-alcoholic Martini
The Martini is one of the most alcohol-forward cocktails out there, but that didn’t stop us from giving a non-alc recipe a nudge, and we’re pretty proud of it, too. While we can’t recreate the taste of the real thing, we can create a complex drink that still feels fancy. A good alcohol-free gin is important here, and then there’s verjuice, mirin and sugar syrup to add some depth, with a drop of olive oil bringing texture. A winner for drinkers and non-drinkers alike.
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Authour image
Amelia BallAmelia Ball is a journalist, editor and former Editorial Director of Halliday Wine Companion, who specialises in drinks, food and travel.
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CocktailsDryLiqueursNon-alcoholicWinterAperitifs & VermouthGinEasyEntertainingSummer'Best of' listsVodka
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