the three drinkers martini

11 Must-Try Martini Variations

must-try martini variations the three drinkers

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

ratio variations must-try martini variations the three drinkers

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

slight variations must-try martini variations the three drinkers

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

twists on the classic must-try martini variations the three drinkers

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

fowwaz ansari the three drinkers drinklusive

Mixing Martinis on a Budget: Wallet-Friendly Vodkas to Try

mixing martinis on a budget wallet-friendly vodkas to try the three drinkers

Vodka is everywhere these days, and whilst that means tonnes of quality bottles, it also unfortunately means there are some stinkers. If you’re making a vodka cocktail like a Martini, then a good quality vodka has to be at the heart of it or else it’s doomed to fail.

But that doesn’t mean breaking the bank. These are our wallet-friendly vodkas that will never let you or your Martinis down, all coming in below or just above £20!

Finlandia Vodka

finlandia mixing martinis on a budget wallet-friendly vodkas to try the three drinkers

Introducing Finlandia Vodka, and no prizes for guessing where it’s made. This Finnish sensation is as smooth as glacial ice, in part because it’s crafted with care using glacial spring water. Because of this, drinkers sometimes enjoy it frozen but chilled is plenty good enough to enjoy the purity. With six-row barley and a century-old distillery in the mix, Finlandia brings both tradition and freshness to your glass and is a stunning all-rounder for Martinis.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £17.99

Emperor Original Vodka

emperor mixing martinis on a budget wallet-friendly vodkas to try the three drinkers

Introducing the regal Emperor Original Vodka, hand-crafted by Master Distillers using a secret recipe, each bottle carries the legacy of over 300 years of vodka heritage. Crafted with precision, this vodka undergoes five meticulous distillations, resulting in silky smoothness and zero burn, before it comes to rest in that striking 1920s art nouveau/deco bottle. The original represents great value and consistency for all Martinis but check out their flavoured range too – the Chocolate would make for a delicious Chocolatini.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £19.99

Five Vodka

five vodka mixing martinis on a budget wallet-friendly vodkas to try the three drinkers

Five Vodka is a delightful Welsh creation from the renowned makers of Penderyn whisky. Distilled five times and charcoal-filtered, it boasts a smooth and subtly malty taste with a peppery twist and captures the wild essence of its surroundings using glacier-fed Brecon Beacons water. Five Vodka's unique and memorable character shines through when enjoyed neat or on the rocks, but its spicy, herbal, and nutty tones add tremendous depth to a Martini too – a really classy number for the price.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £19 (usually more!)

Stoli Red Label Vodka

stoli mixing martinis on a budget wallet-friendly vodkas to try the three drinkers

Behold, Stoli– a Latvian marvel crafted from the finest wheat and rye. Its threefold filtration process, including quartz and charcoal, bestows a pure, crisp taste that adds a touch of elegance beyond the price point. There is a touch of menthol, orange and a creamy grain quality that makes this a benchmark budget option. It won’t let you or your cocktail down.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £19.45

Discarded Grape Skin Chardonnay Vodka

chardonnay vodka mixing martinis on a budget wallet-friendly vodkas to try the three drinkers

A unique zero-waste wonder this one, as it’s crafted from grape skins, stems, and seeds leftover from winemaking, distilled to perfection, and blended with Chardonnay alcohol leftover from alcohol-free wine. Unsurprisingly, this is fruit-forward with green apple and tropical notes, as well as hints of almond croissants, and a bright lift of lychee. It really stands out from the crowd so if you’re tired of neutral vodkas, you’ve gotta give this a go.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £22

Tattu Premium Original

tattu mixing martinis on a budget wallet-friendly vodkas to try the three drinkers

After one sip of this, you’ll realise that it could easily be more expensive, but thankfully it isn’t! Distilled five times through old copper pots and infused with various botanicals, it delivers an elegant and burn-free experience that London's mixologists adore. Natural, expertly crafted and no harshness whatsoever, use for a dry Martini and enjoy.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £22.99

Ketel One Vodka

ketel one mixing martinis on a budget wallet-friendly vodkas to try the three drinkers

It doesn’t really get more tried and tested than Ketel One – they’ve been around since 1691! A mixology mainstay around the world for its versatility in cocktails, their neutral flagship liquid is deliciously creamy with subtle honied citrus and a smooth finish that makes drinking it dangerously easy. Completely and utterly reliable for all of your Martini needs.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £24.50

Well, now you’ve got your vodka you need some stunning Martini recipes, luckily, we can oblige! Here are 10 of the Best Martini Variations to make at home!