20 Best Types of Martinis

Here are the most popular different types of martinis, from classic gin cocktails to sweet vodka variations! Try everything from searing dry martinis to fruity cocktails and after dinner dessert drinks.

The martini is one of the most iconic cocktails of all time, and people have been drinking them for over a century. There’s also no drink with so many popular variations!

As a home mixologist and cocktail expert, I’ve discovered there are two distinct types of martinis. Dry martinis are classic, made with gin and vermouth, spirit-froward with a searing flavor. Then there’s the modern sweet vodka martini, sweet and fruity vodka drinks served in a martini glass that range from chocolate to watermelon. I’ve tested countless recipes to bring you the best of both worlds!

20 Different Types of Martinis

Classic Martini

The type of martini you might first think of is the Classic Dry Martini: crisp, cool, searing, and spirit-forward. It’s seeped in tradition, and there’s no cocktail that has the amount of variations: shaken or stirred, gin or vodka, straight or on the rocks.

Dirty Martini

How to make the classic martini even tastier, in my opinion? Make it a Dirty Martini! Adding a splash of olive juice rounds out the flavor so that it's tangy, salty, briny and complex.

Vesper Martini

Here’s a type of martini invented by a fictional character that went on to become a classic. James Bond actually created the Vesper Martini in the 1953 book Casino Royale. The magic ingredient is Lillet blanc, a lightly sweet, vaguely floral fortified wine that brings life and personality into this drink.

Gibson Cocktail

Martini lovers will know about the Gibson, a classic gin drink that's essentially a martini with an onion garnish. This spin on the classic “lemon or olive” garnish question brings a savory element that makes it an altogether new drink. It tastes crisp, cool, and spirit-forward, punctuated by the pungent onion garnish.

French Martini

Let's move to sweet types of martinis! The French martini is a sophisticated cocktail that's fruity and balanced, featuring a fancy French black raspberry liqueur and pineapple juice. Each sip is intriguing and nuanced.

Pomegranate Martini

The Pomegranate Martini is crisp, sweet tart, fruity, and light, closer to a Cosmo than the classic martini. But instead of cranberry juice like the Cosmopolitan, it’s made with pomegranate juice. Serve it up in a martini glass and you’ve got a fun bright cocktail that’s refreshing and easy to drink.

Lemon Drop Martini

This zingy type of martini is perfectly balanced and refreshingly tart, served with a sugar rim and a lemon twist. It looks so festive that it’s great for celebrations of all kinds. You'll be surprised by the crisp, zingy flavor and the sophisticated vibe.

Espresso Martini

The Espresso Martini is a popular vodka martini that doubles as dessert! Bittersweet coffee pairs perfectly with the rich sweetness of Kahlua. Add vodka and the trio makes a full-flavored sophisticated drink that tastes like much more than the sum of its parts. It’s cool, frothy, and just sweet enough.

Chocolate Martini

Here's another sweet type of martini: the chocolate martini! It's rich and creamy, basically a dessert in a glass! Baileys Irish cream and creme de cacao give it maximum flavor, like the liquid version of your favorite chocolate bar.

Cucumber Martini

This type of martini is as refreshing as it is sophisticated: the Cucumber Martini! It’s a spin on the classic martini with cucumber, vodka, and the floral notes of St Germain. Take one sip and your palate will be amazed: it’s fresh, dry, and floral, with just the right scent of cucumber.

Apple Martini (Appletini)

There’s nothing quite like the Apple Martini, aka Appletini, with its liquid sour candy flavor and 1990’s charm. My spin on this sweet tart vodka martini has a hint of orange liqueur and fresh lemon juice to boost its Jolly Rancher flavor from the sour apple schnapps.

Cranberry Martini

This sweet tart spin on the vodka martini is refreshing, zingy and perfectly balanced, starring Cointreau orange liqueur and fresh lemon juice. If you think this drink bears a striking resemblance to the classic cocktail the Cosmopolitan, you’re right!

Watermelon Martini

This vodka martini is all about the watermelon, with a pure, refreshing flavor. It’s just sweet enough to let the fruit shine through. Add a watermelon wedge garnish and it’s a great signature drink for summer.

Raspberry Martini

Try this bright red martini that's fun and fruity: the Raspberry Martini! The drink is sweet tart and the lightly floral flavor of raspberry is beautifully pure, thanks to homemade raspberry syrup.

Key Lime Martini

Here’s a fun type of martini with nuanced, rich flavor: the Key Lime Martini! It’s made with this Spanish vanilla liqueur that makes anything taste delightful. Add to that tart key lime juice and a graham cracker drink rim.

Blood Orange Martini

Here’s a zingy cocktail that makes the most of this unique citrus fruit: a Blood Orange Martini! You can use bottled or fresh blood orange juice. This drink matches the floral citrus from the blood orange with the tang of lime juice, making a balanced fruity flavor.

Mexican Martini

The Mexican Martini is like a classic martini and a classic margarita in the same glass! It’s seriously tangy, not too sweet and citrusy. Then it’s got a hint of dry vermouth like a martini, and it’s garnished with an olive. It’s the perfect unique cocktail to impress guests, or enjoy with a basket of chips.

Pear Martini

Here’s a unique type of martini with a delicate sweet flavor: the Pear Martini! This drink is great for fall and winter entertaining. Pear comes in two waves: a muddled fresh pear brings brightness, and pear vodka infuses a strong fruity aroma.

Apple Cider Martini

Looking for a fall or winter martini? Look no further than this Apple Cider Martini! It’s tangy and balanced, with just the right interplay between sweet tart cider, citrusy orange liqueur, and a hint of cinnamon.

Mango Martini

The mango is one of the best ways to mix up your cocktail game, from the Daiquiri to the Mimosa. It makes a deliciously fruity martini recipe, bringing a tropical flair to this sweet tart drink. Add a crunchy sugar rim, and great for a happy hour or dinner party.

History of the Martini

The dry martini is one of the most famous cocktails of all time. The exact origin is unknown, but the most common theory is that it is based on another cocktail from the 1860’s called the Martinez. This cocktail, made with gin, sweet vermouth, and Maraschino liqueur, was likely named after Martinez, California.

The first printed recipe for a martini was in 1888, but it looked more like the Martinez than what it is today. By the 1920’s, the drink reached its current form and it remains iconic to this day!

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between shaking and stirring a martini?

Stirring creates a silky, clear martini with minimal dilution, ideal for spirit-forward drinks. Shaking adds more dilution and aeration, creating a slightly cloudy appearance but colder temperature. You’ll typically stir classic gin martinis and shake fruity vodka versions.

How much vermouth should I use?

For a classic dry martini, I use a 6:1 ratio of gin to vermouth. Some prefer drier (less vermouth), going up to 8:1 or even just rinsing the glass with vermouth.

Can I make martinis ahead for a party?

Classic martinis don’t batch well since they need to be served ice-cold. Fruity vodka martinis can be batched without ice and stored in the refrigerator, then shaken with ice just before serving.

Why is my martini cloudy?

Cloudiness comes from shaking rather than stirring, which is actually desirable for many vodka martinis. For crystal-clear classic martinis, always stir.