Vodka Martinis may be popular, but if you want a true Martini it should be made with gin. Despite vodka's popularity, most cocktail aficionados would agree that the best Martini recipe is a gin Martini recipe. Looking into the history books for the origins of the Martini will reveal a similar story: the earliest recognizable Martini recipes, from Italy and the United States, all call for gin. Favoring vodka over gin isn't the only thing that's changed over time -- early recipes were much heavier on the Vermouth.
Gin Martini Ingredients
2 ¾ oz Gin
¾ oz Dry vermouth
Lemon twist or olives for garnish
Gin Martini Directions
Combine ingredients in an ice-filled mixing glass or shaker.
L’Orange Martini Recipe - For those who love oranges, look no further. This drink takes all of the best parts of a Martini and adds plenty of citrus flair. Orange liqueur, orange bitters, and an orange twist result in a lively (and boozy) Martini.
Espresso Tim Tam Martini - In need of a little caffeine boost? This espresso-spiked recipe calls for vodka, coffee liqueur, espresso, and chocolate Tim Tams. Can’t find the Australian-madecookies? Swap in another chocolate treat instead.
The Rosé Martini Recipe - This recipe is perfect for dialing down the sweetness on a bottle of rosé that’s just a little too cloying. The balance of pink wine and dry vermouth makes for a pleasant low-ABV Martini alternative.
The Rye for Breakfast Martini Recipe - When a morning Mimosa just isn’t strong enough, this breakfast Martini will do the trick. Rye whiskey replaces vodka or gin. Thus riff also calls for blackberry jam, which doubles as a drink component and a brunch accoutrement.
The Grapefruit Hot Toddy Recipe:
Gin, honey, and warm grapefruit juice combine to make the perfect cold-weather comfort cocktail. Sour, sweet, and boozy, it'll cure the winter blues.
The Turmeric Rickey Cocktail:
Hailed for its anti-inflammatory properties, and sunny color, turmeric is suddenly everywhere. Emily Saladino uses Von Humboldt's Turmeric cordial to infuse a gin rickey in the light, bright cocktail that's perfect for summer. Get the recipe here!
The Mango & Strawberry Gin Slush Recipe:
A blended frozen cocktail with gin, strawberries, mango sorbet, and a little thyme, this is perfect for a warm afternoon with friends.
The Honeysuckle Negroni Recipe:
For this cocktail recipe, Natalie Migliarini riffs on a classic Negroni by incorporating dry vermouth and homemade honeysuckle simple syrup with Campari and gin. Learn how to make it here!
The Dirty Martini Recipe:
Either loved or hated, the Dirty Martini is one of cocktail culture’s most polarizing drinks. Some believes the concept was born in the Waldorf Astoria.
The Pineapple-Basil Highball Recipe:
Bright and aromatic, this summer highball mixes gin and fresh basil with fresh lime and sparkling water. Learn how to make it with this recipe!