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16 Martini Recipes That Are Crisp and Refreshing

February 07, 2024

We have martini recipes for any kind of mood, from simple and classic to bold and creative.

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Our Favorite Takes on a Martini

The martini is a classic cocktail that showcases the beauty of simplicity. While its exact origins aren’t easy to pin down, it’s safe to say it isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. The martini is a symbol of elegance and style, beloved by cocktail enthusiasts the world over. Purists consider the original recipe to be just gin and dry vermouth, perhaps garnished with an olive or twist of lemon, but there's a lot of wiggle room for adding ingredients such as fresh fruit, edible flowers or fancy garnishes. Pairing equally well with fresh oysters as it does with a charcuterie board, this cocktail can suit many occasions. We’ve rounded up our favorite recipes for this beloved drink, including slight twists and large departures. This recipe, however, is as standard as they come, though some may object to the option between vodka and gin. Pour either spirit with ice and a half an ounce of dry vermouth into a shaker (the way Bond would do it) then into a martini glass. Serve it with an olive or a twist of lemon.

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Photo: Renee Comet ©

French Martini

This French-style martini uses pineapple juice for a bit of sweetness, paired with vodka and vermouth to keep things traditional. Raspberry liqueur adds a nice pink hue to the drink.

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Photo: Matt Armendariz

Lychee Martini

Variations on the classic martini can veer sweet, and there are tons of fruity options out there. Lychee is a tropical fruit that makes an excellent martini and can often be found canned if fresh is not available.

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Vesper Martinis with Blue Cheese Stuffed Olives and Pickled Okra

For those who think the garnish makes the drink, this version of a Vesper could be the perfect choice. Topped with blue cheese-stuffed olives and pickled okra, the cocktail is served in ice-cold glasses misted with just a hint of dry vermouth.

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