Say a big hello to the unserious, not-really-Martinis Martinis.

When it comes to cocktails, the Martini is king. It’s the ever-evolving, ever-sophisticated sipper that has become synonymous with glamour, luxury and good taste. At the moment, the Classic Martini holds a tight and unrelenting grip on the drinking world. But allegiance to gin or vodka, dirty or dry can tear families and friends apart, turning nice quiet dinners into squabbles and division. So, to avoid the Martini wars, swap the seriousness of the classics for the ‘funner’ side of the ’Tini family. Meet the versions with exciting and silly flavours, outrageous colours and ridiculous garnishes. They’re the drinks that really shouldn’t sit in the Martini category, but defiantly do anyway. We’re talking about drinks like the Pornstar Martini, the Espresso Martini and the Appletini (to name a few). We’ve rounded up a few of our fave not-Martini Martinis because let’s keep it light, people.

1. French Martini

When it comes to Martini variations, this is probably the second most famous (Espresso being number one). It's a fruity vodka number that is so pretty in pink, people often confuse it with a Cosmo. Born out of the brightly coloured drinks of the ’80s and ’90s, this little raspberry pineapple drink is just a bit of fun and, like all our ’Tini-not-Tinis, it’s only here because it’s served in the traditional V-shaped Martini glass. This drink is on the sweeter side and super palatable. To make a good one, you need to give it a good shake for the right dilution and to achieve its stellar thin, frothy top. You can view the full French Martini recipe here.

2. Pornstar Martini

The award for the best cocktail name goes to… not the Pornstar Martini, but what it loses in its name, it makes up for in taste. A fruity blend of passionfruit, vanilla, vodka and prosecco or Champagne on the side, the Pornstar Martini is having a moment right now, and if you’ve ever tried one, you’ll know why. It's quite simply a very delicious and very drinkable cocktail. While it doesn’t have the edge and sophistication of the ridgey-didge Martini, this take is great because everyone will like it. Just ask Jessica Nguyen: “The sparkling wine on the side cuts through the sweetness of the Martini and makes it really fun to drink.” For the whole recipe plus some of Jessica’s tips for making it at home, toggle over to the Pornstar Martini recipe here.

3. Appletini

Another ’Tini to add to your arsenal – it’s the violent green Appletini. Made famous by characters like JD from Scrubs, this is a drink for dancing because it's just a little bit of fun. First concocted in the midst of the halterneck, baggy jean and diamontes era of the ’90s, the Appletini has lost some of its popularity of late, in favour of its serious predecessors. But once made well, you’ll be coming back for the sweet apple juice, apple liqueur and vodka sipper in no time. “One Appletini, please. Hold the ’tini.” If you’re looking to make this bad boy at home, make sure you give it a good shake. We need the right dilution in there to cut through those sweet ingredients. For more tips on how to make this brilliant green drink, see the full Appletini recipe here.

4. Doughnut-ini

Sometimes ’Tinis can be a bit ridiculous. We’re not saying this delicious take on a doughnut is, but you have to admit, the name is pretty cute. It’s our little homage to International Doughnut Day and is actually a pretty sophisticated cocktail. It just so happens to taste a bit like a doughnut. A lovingly crafted mix of vanilla and chocolate liqueur, aromatic bitters, cream and spiced rum, this cocktail makes our list of ’Tinis-but-not-’Tinis because it is, again, served in the iconic V-shaped glass. For more tips and tricks and the full Doughnut-ini recipe, click here.

Doughnut-ini cocktail next to a cinnamon doughnut

5. Espresso Martini

And, of course, then there’s everyone’s favourite Martini that isn't a Martini, the Espresso Martini. It’s basically the ‘It Girl” of the cocktail family. It may not have the prestige, old-world class of, say, a Dirty Martini, but it's a fun flirty drink that’s always down for a night on the town. It’s a Dick Bradsell banger and has been shaken up on nights out since the ’90s, seeing an absolute burst of popularity in the 2010s and 2020s. A delectable mix of coffee liqueur, vodka, sugar and espresso, the Espresso Martini has indeed become a staple. Be sure to give it a good shake and use fresh espresso for that famous frothy top. Have a squiz at our tips, variations and Espresso Martini recipe here.