What is the Pickle Pea Martini?

Vodka can be made from lots of different bases. Usually, we see potato or wheat for example, but never before have we seen peas used. From the dinner plate to the bottle, Pod Pea Vodka, launched by Manchester’s Ten Locks, is turning heads with its eco-friendly approach, enchanting green hue and unique flavour profile. Using sustainably sourced British peas, this vodka not only delivers on taste but also carries environmental benefits: peas need less water and fertilizer compared to traditional vodka crops and even enrich the soil with nitrogen.

The result? A neutral grain spirit blended with pristine Lake District water, offering a smooth, refreshing experience with vibrant vegetal notes, crisp lemon, creamy grain, pepper, and a subtle sweetness. The flavours are perfectly poised between familiar lemon, cream and pepper and that stand out vegetal hint. Packaged with recycled glass and sustainable labels, Pod Pea Vodka isn’t just a green choice—it’s a deliciously responsible one. Perfect on the rocks or in creative cocktails like the one below, it’s the sustainable sip you didn’t know you needed.

It’s fun to sip neat, but the vegetal profile of Pod Pea is begging to be experimented with in cocktails. Meet the Pickle Pea Martini, a cocktail that’s as bold as it is refreshing. The star of the show is Pod Pea Vodka, whose vegetal and citrus notes play beautifully with the tangy brine of pickle juice, while fennel bitters add a whisper of herbal complexity. It’s a real flavour bomb that’s both sophisticated and surprisingly approachable. If you love your vodka and your Martinis, this is the perfect way to try something different.

Ingredients:
50ml Pod Pea Vodka
20ml Pickle juice
2 dashes fennel bitters
Twisted pickle (garnish)

Method:
Stir ingredients in a large mixing glass. It’s important to ensure everything combines homogenously. Next, pour into a chilled Martini glass and garnish with a twisted pickle. Enjoy.

You can find here Pod Pea Vodka (40%) here: £36.99

11 Must-Try Martini Variations

When thinking about cocktails, none are more iconic than the Martini. A drink steeped in history and cinematic references, this classic cocktail has stood the test of time and is again, enjoying yet another moment in the limelight. The Martini stands the test of time owing to its ease of preparation (but difficult to master), availability, and of course, customisability.

Like many pre-prohibition era drinks, the Martini has a clouded history, with three possible stories of how the serve came to be. One theory suggests it was named after the brand of vermouth used in the drink, while another states that it was created in 1911 by an Italian immigrant bartender in New York named Martini di Arma di Taggia, who made a cocktail consisting of gin, vermouth, orange bitters, and olive to garnish.

What we do know, however, is that the Martini is an evolution of its predecessor, the Martinez, which was served in the early 1860s at the Occidental Hotel in San Francisco, where people would go to quench their thirst before taking a ferry to the town of Martinez in California.

Owing to the rich history of the drink and its symbolic opulence, the Martini has undergone many iterations. Bartenders have played with ratios, ingredients, and the style of serve over the years. To understand all the possible variations of this drink, we have broken them down into three categories; ratio variations, addition variations, and twists.

RATIO VARIATIONS

DRY MARTINI

The original iteration of the Martini from 1911 is now known as the Dry Martini. The choice of gin or vodka, and the amount of vermouth in a Dry Martini will vary from bar to bar, and in some bars, even bartender to bartender. A generally accepted ratio for a dry martini sits at 6:1 spirit to vermouth, however, some purists take the advice of Winston Churchill, who states that a glance at the vermouth bottle is sufficient.

Ingredients:
60ml London Dry Gin OR Vodka
10ml Dry Vermouth
1 Dash Orange Bitters (2 if using a smaller dasher bottle)

Method:
Stir over ice. Strain into a martini glass. Garnish with a Lemon Twist OR Olive on a skewer OR both.

WET MARTINI

The Wet Martini, like the other ratio-based variations that follow in this article, does not have a clear time or place of origin, and most likely stems from multiple locations at multiple times. I believe these are “botched” ratios of the original Dry Martini (botched is in quotations as all of these variations are still very much quaffable).

The Wet Martini ratio lies between 2:1 and 3:1 spirit to vermouth, and is less dry owing to the larger pour of vermouth - hence the Wet Martini.

My perfect Wet Martini sits at a comfy 3:1 and is served with a lemon twist and a sidecar of mixed pickles and olives.

Ingredients:
60ml London Dry Gin OR Vodka
20ml Dry Vermouth
1 Dash Orange Bitters (2 if using a smaller dasher bottle)

Method:
Stir over ice. Strain into a martini glass. Garnish with a Lemon Twist OR Olive on a skewer OR both.

50/50 MARTINI

The 50/50 Martini does exactly what it says on the tin, spirit and vermouth in equal parts, stirred over ice and served as cold as possible. This is a great Martini for after dinner if the wine goes down a little too smooth, as the equal share of vermouth results in a considerably lower ABV for the cocktail.

Ingredients:
40ml London Dry Gin OR Vodka
20ml Dry Vermouth
1 Dash Orange Bitters (2 if using a smaller dasher bottle)

Method:
Stir over ice. Strain into a martini glass. Garnish with a Lemon Twist OR Olive on a skewer OR both.

REVERSE MARTINI

This one is one that you do not see in the wild very often, and if while sitting at the bar, you overhear someone order this, you can rest assured they do or have worked in bars at some point in their life. This Martini takes the original 6:1 ratio of the Dry Martini and flips it on its head, resulting in a low ABV, vermouth forward serve spiked with the splash of spirit. This Martini variation makes a great daytime sipper if you find yourself in for a longer session.

Ingredients:
10ml London Dry Gin OR Vodka
60ml Dry Vermouth
1 Dash Orange Bitters (2 if using a smaller dasher bottle)

Method:
Stir over ice. Strain into a martini glass. Garnish with a Lemon Twist OR Olive on a skewer OR both.

SLIGHT VARIATIONS

Alongside all the possible combinations of ratios, the Martini also has variations depending on added modifiers. Although each modifier is added in minuscule quantities, these minor modifications result in a brand-new drink unique enough to stand apart from the crowd, yet holding enough of the DNA of the original Martini to have an unmistakable resemblance.

DIRTY MARTINI

Quite possibly the variation responsible for the current resurgence of the Martini, this variation takes your Martini ratio of choice and adds a splash of olive brine to the mix. This results in a Martini with its flavours boosted by the salt within the olive brine, and a nice spicy kick from it too!

Ingredients:
60ml London Dry Gin OR Vodka
10ml Dry Vermouth
1 Dash Orange Bitters (2 if using a smaller dasher bottle)
5-10ml Olive Brine depending on your preference

Method:
Stir over ice. Strain into a martini glass. Garnish with an Olive on a skewer.

GIBSON MARTINI

The Gibson is an underrated Martini variation that unjustly gets less love than its dirty counterpart. However, pickled onions deserve just as much love as olives. Changing out the olive brine for pickled onion brine adds a bright acidity and slight sweetness to the drink making it extremely pleasing on the palette.

Ingredients:
60ml London Dry Gin OR Vodka
10ml Dry Vermouth
1 Dash Orange Bitters (2 if using a smaller dasher bottle)
5-10ml Pickled onion brine depending on your preference

Method:
Stir over ice. Strain into a martini glass. Garnish with a Pickled Onion on a skewer.

BURNT MARTINI

This unique Martini variation plays on the potently peated flavour profile of Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky. Rinsing the glass with peated Islay Single Malt before straining your Dry Martini gives the drink a distinct smoky aroma without overpowering the playdate of botanicals from the vermouth and spirit. A Martini to try if you also enjoy a dram!

Ingredients:
60ml London Dry Gin OR Vodka
10ml Dry Vermouth
1 Dash Orange Bitters (2 if using a smaller dasher bottle)
5ml Peated Islay Whisky

Method:
Stir over ice. Strain into a martini glass. Garnish with Flamed Orange Twist.

VESPER MARTINI

By far, the most famous variation of the Martini to exist, thanks to author Ian Fleming in his inaugural James Bond novel, Casino Royal, in 1953. This Martini is unique for a couple of reasons, firstly, it does not allow you the choice of gin or vodka, but rather uses both. Secondly, this is the only Martini any bartender will say is better shaken than stirred. Opting to shake rather than stir results in a colder, more diluted martini that allows the botanicals of the aromatised wine to sing.

Ingredients:
60ml London Dry Gin
20ml Vodka
5ml Quinquina
5ml Lillet Blanc

Method:
Shake over ice. Fine strain into a martini glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.

TWISTS ON THE CLASSIC

TUXEDO NO. 4

This bone-dry Martini variation is a personal favourite. Taking the Wet Martini ratio of 3:1 and using fino sherry in place of the usual dry vermouth, results in a crisper, fresher, and slightly more savoury martini. The traditional garnish in an orange twist but an olive would not be out of place in the glass either.

Ingredients:
60ml London Dry Gin
30ml Fino Sherry
1 Dash Orange Bitters (2 if using a smaller dasher bottle)

Method:
Stir over ice. Strain into a martini glass. Garnish with an Orange Zest

ALASKA

This honeyed, citrus-forward Martini uses one of my favourite bartending techniques - the regal stir! Expressing an orange zest into the mixing tin you build the drink in and stirring with the peel in the tin as well allows for an incredibly complex citrus profile with a well rounded bitterness as well. The combination of orange, absinthe, and Yellow Chartreuse is an excellent one and despite having never been there myself, this martini somehow makes me feel reminiscent of an Alaskan summer sunset.

Ingredients:
50ml London Dry Gin
15ml Yellow Chartreuse
2 Dashes Orange Bitters (4 if using a smaller dasher bottle)
1 Dash Absinthe (2 if using a smaller dasher bottle)
2 Drops 20% Saline Solution
Orange Zest Coin expressed and dumped into stirring tin

Method:
Stir over ice. Strain into a martini glass. Garnish with an Orange Zest.

OBITUARY

What would a New Orleans take on a classic be without a little bit of Absinthe? This simple twist removes the classic orange bitters for a sparing pour of the wormwood-based liqueur. This Martini variation was popularised in 1940s New Orleans at Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop and has been seeing a rise in popularity alongside its other martini compatriots.

Ingredients:
60ml London Dry Gin
10ml Dry Vermouth
3 Dashes Absinthe (6 if using a smaller dasher bottle)

Method:
Stir over ice. Strain into a martini glass. Garnish with an Olive on a Skewer.

By Fowwaz Ansari

The Best Gins For A Martini

Words by Colin Hampden-White

This Saturday it is world gin day which has been gathering popularity every year. With a multitude of gins to choose from in bars, the Martini is the most drunk cocktail of the day. This year is different as most of us will be locked down and at home. When we would have been in bars with a plethora of gins at our disposal, most of us don’t have the budget for more than one or two. Here we have compiled a list of the gins we think are the best gins in the world for making a Martini, from classics to new exciting brands, all lovingly created for your delectation. I believe there is a gin in the world for every palate, and here we come a long way in finding them.  

 Classics

 Bombay Sapphire

This is one of the most delicately perfumed gins in the world, which makes it perfect for a dry martini. Be careful with the vermouth with this one, it can easily drown it. But with just the right amount, which can be achived by simply rinsing the glass in vermouth, this can make a truly memorable martini. Chill the gin in the fridge for perfect results. One for those who have a delicate palate. Expect light juniper and sugared almonds, but still lots of herbaceous flavours too.

ABV: 40%
Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
Find here: UK £21.98 // US $32.99

Tanqueray 10

Introduced to the world in 2000, Tanqueray No. Ten is named after the still it is made in, pot still number 10, which is nicknamed Tiny Ten. The small batch gin is created using whole fresh citrus fruits, such as oranges, limes and grapefruit, alongside chamomile flowers and other traditional botanicals. Expect a burst of citrus with every sip. Quite notably, it is also the only gin to secure a spot in the San Francisco World Spirits Competition Hall of Fame. This iconic tipple makes a mean Martini.

ABV: 47.3%
Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
Find here: UK £28.50 // US $49.99

No.3

A beautiful looking gin from Berry Bros. Made to a special recipe, the name No.3 refers to the address of Berry Bros & Rudd - Number 3, St James's Street. With juniper at its heart, it's also made with three fruits and three spices using copper pot stills. Juniper to the fore, supported by floral notes and spicy, warm cardamom. Plenty of citrus ‘zing’ complemented by the gingery spiciness of coriander. This is a powerful gin, and is superb in a Martini, especially when the bottle is kept in the freezer, I think it’s a good idea for all higher strength gin to be kept in the freezer all the time. Topping off this gins credentials is the fact it has won the International Spirits Challenge best gin in the world four times.

ABV: 46%
Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
Find here: UK £33.49 // US $39.99

Beefeater 24

A more recent addition to the Beefeater range. When creating Beefeater 24, Desmond Payne knew he had to come up with something totally different for his selection of botanicals. He used tea! The 12 ingredients used are Japanese Sencha Tea, Chinese green tea and then Seville orange peel, grapefruit peel, lemon peel, juniper, coriander seed, liquorice, angelica root, almond and orris root. It is called Beefeater 24 because the botanicals are steeped in the spirit for a full 24 hours. The result is a fragrant gin with good sweetness and plenty of complexity. A cerebral gin for those who like to ponder.

ABV: 45%
Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
Find here: UK £25.90 // US $44.99

Modern Classics

Sipsmith London Dry Gin

Produced in the workshop previously used by the late, great Michael Jackson (whisky writer, not Moonwalker), this super-small-batch artisinal Gin is flavoured very carefully, making it easier for the natural quality of the spirit to shine through. Distilled in a marvellously compact pot still / column still combo. named Prudence, Sipsmith epitomises distilling on a truly artisinal scale. At the time of her installation, Prudence was the first copper pot still to be brought to life in London for over 200 years. This makes a clean Martini, and is great for those who want to experiment with different vermouths as it will let the flavour of the vermouth shine through. 

ABV: 41.6%
Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
Find here: UK £26.99 // US $37.99

Ki No Bi

This is my favourite gin for a Martini of all time. Ki No Bi Gin is the first release from the Kyoto Distillery! Unveiled in 2016, Ki No Bi Gin has been made using a rice spirit base, as well as a selection of botanicals including locally-sourced ingredients - like yuzu, hinoki wood chips, bamboo leaves, green sansho and gyokuro tea. The botanicals are split into six flavour groups (Base, Citrus, Tea, Spice, Fruity & Floral and Herbal), and each group is distilled individually before being blended together. Incredible stuff, this. Like No.3, Ki No Bi is great in a Martini when kept in the freezer. 

ABV: 45.7%
Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
Find here: UK £43.99 // US $79.99

Chase GB

This dry, juniper led gin tastes like it has been designed for the much loved G&T, but as well as making a great G&T, it also makes a well-rounded Martini. This exceptional gin starts life as Chase's Potato Vodka, but is then combined with a selection of 10 botanicals - like juniper, almond, angelica, cardamom, cinnamon, clove, coriander, ginger, lemon peel and liquorice root. Boasts a good balance of spice and citrus, with the all-important juniper commanding the room. If you like a juniper led gin, but also want to taste the other flavours coming through on the palate, then you will adore Chase.

ABV: 40%
Size: 700ml
Find here: £27.99

Cotswolds Dry Gin

The Cotswolds distillery was built to make whisky, but luckily for us, their founder Dan Zsor also has a passion for gin. The Cotswolds Dry Gin, is made with juniper, coriander and angelica root macerated in their pure wheat spirit for 24 hours. Following this, they add a botanical selection including bay leaf, grapefruit, lime, black pepper, cardamom seed and Cotswolds lavender to their carter head still for distillation. To bring it down to bottling strength, a robust 46% ABV, they use naturally refined Cotswolds water. A modern gin in a classic style which makes a rounded and easy to drink Martini.

ABV: 46%
Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
Find here: UK £31 // US $46.79

The New Wave

Oxford Rye Organic Gin

The Oxford Artisan Distillery was founded by Tom Nicolson in the historical city of Oxford, making it the first, legal gin distillery in the 'city of dreaming spires'! The first gin release from these intrepid new distillers was Spirit of Toad, billed as an 'Oxford Dry Gin' this progression is made with rye grown exclusively on organic farms within a 50 mile radius of the site, this is truly a local spirit, now known simply as Oxford Rye Organic dry gin. It was distilled in two, handmade, purpose built stills, Nautilus (2,200 litre) and Nemo (500 litre), which were built by Paul Pridham from South Devon Railway. For those who like a little peppery kick to a Martini, this will be for you.

ABV: 43%
Size: 700ml
Find here: £33.50

Due Sorelle

Due Sorelle, meaning two sisters in Italian has been created by two sisters. They wanted to create a gin that went very well with Champagne, and it really does. However it also makes a mean Martini. The sisters got together with the Yorkshire Dales distillery to create this gin. Only released towards the start of 2020 it has already got a loyal following. This versatile gin is fabulous in all gin cocktails, but when not mixing with lots of ingredients, it makes a great Martini, especially if you go light on the vermouth.

ABV: 40%
Size: 700ml
Find here: £39.95

Beaufort smoked sipping gin

Here’s something a little bit different and for all the right reasons. Inspired by Heston Blumenthal, Beaufort Spirit have created a ‘whisky barrel’ smoked water as part of their Smoked Sipping Gin. Szechuan pepper, pink pepper and citrus oils combine once poured to give the illusion of gunpowder smouldering in the glass. At 57% this gin certainly passes the ‘gunpowder’ test and has taken its place as the new ‘big smoke’ in town. Definitely one to discover if you like sipping gins. 

ABV: 57%
Size: 500ml
Find here: £39.95

Gießen Dry Gin

Giessen or Gießen in its home town in Germany is great if you’re looking for something exotic, Gin is an element of Gi(eße)n and the makers of this gin would like to introduce this essence to all connoisseurs of high-quality juniper distillates. In a meticulous search for the perfect taste, friends Yan-Tobias Ramb & Michael Karber have chosen ingredients that characterise their home in central Hessen and have accompanied through childhood into their lives today. In addition to the juniper berry, Dry Gin also emphasises the wonderful fruit combination of apple and rhubarb and refines it florally with elegant hibiscus blossoms and eight other exquisite supporting botanicals. For those who like a fruity gin, then look no further. You can even buy it in a Magnum sized bottle!

ABV: 46%
Size: 500ml
Find here: €35.39

Chase pink grapefruit & pomelo

OK, so this is a bit of a curve ball. Flavoured gins used to be not very good. They used to taste synthetic and unnatural, but today there are some great expressions of flavoured gin, and many of them can be found in our article on flavoured gin. They make fabulously fruity summer tasting Martinis. Not an everyday cocktail, but when you have a hot summer day and want to capture that summer feeling, take your favourite fruit flavour, buy a gin with that predominant flavour, chill it down and don’t use vermouth and sip it neat. Delicious. Our favourite at the moment is Chase pink grapefruit and pomelo gin.

ABV: 40%
Size: 700ml
Find here: £37.99

For more gintastic suggestions, we’ve got a great guide to Scottish gin which might just get you wanting to go to Scotland to visit a gin rather than whisky distillery.