49 Best Gin Martini Recipes – Recipes & Cocktails

My list of the best gin martinis features almost every flavor and garnish imaginable—and they’re a lot of fun to sip!

BEST Gin Martini Recipes To Try!

Whether it’s a classy soirée or a cozy night in, shake things up with my top gin martini recipes.

1. Classic Gin Martini

The classic gin martini will always remain a favorite for me, and for many drinkers. Shaken rather than stirred is the better choice of the two cocktails. The classic Gin Martini recipe is gin and dry vermouth, garnished with an olive or a lemon twist.

Easy Recipe: Shake 1/2 oz dry vermouth and 3 oz gin with ice. Strain into a chilled martini glass. Squeeze lemon peel over the drink or garnish with an olive.

2. Dirty Gin Martini

The Dirty Gin Martini is easy to master. Break out the olives and use the brine from the olive jar. I LOVE this fantastic savory cocktail! The olives create a salty drink perfect for sipping.

Easy Recipe: Stir 2 1/2 oz vodka or gin, 1/2 oz dry vermouth, and 1/2 oz olive brine with ice. Strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with olives.

3. Dry Gin Martini

The Dry Martini is made of gin, dry vermouth, and an optional dash of bitters. If you prefer your martini “extra dry”, you add just a whisper of vermouth.

Easy Recipe: Shake 2 1/2 oz gin and 1/2 oz dry vermouth with ice. Strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with a lemon twist or olive.

4. Perfect Martini

“Perfect” Gin Martinis use equal parts of sweet and dry vermouth. It’s dry enough to be enjoyed as an aperitif–and sweet enough to sip on after a meal as well.

Easy Recipe: Stir 2 1/2 oz gin, 1/4 oz dry vermouth, 1/4 oz sweet vermouth with ice, and a dash of Angostura orange bitters. Strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.

5. Vesper Martini

The Vesper is a gin-based cocktail that traditionally included vodka and Kina Lillet. The original form of Lillet is no longer available, so modern versions can include Lillet blanc or other substitutes.

Easy Recipe: Shake 3 oz gin, 1 oz vodka, and 1/2 oz Lillet Blanc with ice. Strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.

6. Gibson

The Gibson is magical. In its simplest form it can be grand and impressive. The Gibson is the Martini’s savory cousin and uses a pickled onion in place of the olive to add an umami undertone.

Easy Recipe: Stir 2 1/2 oz gin and 1/2 oz dry vermouth with ice. Strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with a cocktail onion.

7. Original Martini

Time to shake (or stir) things up! The original martini was made with gin and sweet Italian vermouth along with sugar syrup and orange bitters.

Easy Recipe: Shake ice, 1 1/2 oz London dry gin, 1 1/2 oz sweet vermouth, 1 dash orange bitters, and 1 tsp simple syrup. Strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with a green olive.

8. Big City Cat

Elevate your Manhattan game! This smooth operator ditches rye whiskey for barrel aged Tom Cat Gin for an oaky complexity with sweet vermouth and bitters.

Easy Recipe: In a mixing glass, combine ice, 2 oz Tom Cat Gin, 1 oz sweet vermouth, and 3-4 dashes of Angostura bitters. Strain and garnish with a skewered Luxardo maraschino cherry.

Related: 15 Bourbon Martini Cocktails

9. Dill Pickle Martini

Dill pickle martinis are surprisingly good! My choice is sour gerkin pickles (cornichons) which pair perfectly with gin.

Easy Recipe: Shake ice, 2 oz chilled gin, 1 oz dill pickle brine, 1/2 oz dry vermouth, and 2 dashes orange bitters (optional). Strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a tiny pickle.

10. Filthy Gin Martini

I’m partial to the classics. This classic gin martini contains gin and dry vermouth served cold with a olives or lemon twist garnish. Make sure all your ingredients are premium—the cheap brands won’t do.

Easy Recipe: Shake ice, 2 oz gin and 1 oz olive brine. Strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with five olives on a cocktail pick.

11. Martinez

The Martinez was likely the predecessor to the Martini. It’s typically a rich amber color, due to the sweet vermouth and maraschino liqueur.

Easy Recipe: Mix 1 1/2 oz gin, 1 1/2 oz sweet vermouth, 1/4 oz Luxardo maraschino liqueur, and 2 dashes Angostura bitters with ice. Strain into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with an orange twist.

12. Twentieth Century

The Twentieth Century gin cocktail mixes with crème de cacao and lemon. Adding Lillet Blanc brings it all together to create an elegant drink.

Easy Recipe: Shake 1 1/2 oz gin, 1/2 oz Lillet Blanc, 1/2 oz white creme de cacao, and 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice with ice until well-chilled. Fine-strain into a chilled coupe. Garnish with a lemon twist.

13. Gin Espresso Martini

I’m a fan of after dinner drinks. This Gin Espresso Martini uses your favorite gin instead of vodka. If you’re a fan of Irish coffee, this tipple hits the spot.

Easy Recipe: Brew espresso and let cool. Shake 1 1/2 oz gin, 1 1/2 oz Kahlúa, 1 oz cooled espresso, 1/2 oz simple syrup, and ice. Strain quickly into a chilled martini glass to create foam. Garnish with coffee beans.

14. Reverse Martini

The Reverse Martini simply flips the ratio of gin and vermouth. Featuring more vermouth gives it a depth of flavor.

Easy Recipe: Shake 2 oz dry vermouth, 1 oz gin, and ice. Strain into a chilled Nick & Nora, coupe, or Martini glass. Garnish with an olive or lemon twist.

15. Dirty, Sopping-Wet Martini

I LOVE gin (but not too much gin). The term “sopping-wet” refers to the using extra vermouth than in a classic martini. If you are obsessed with olives like me, this “dirty” savory, brine-y version is for you!

Easy Recipe: Mix 1 1/2 oz dry gin, 1 1/2 oz dry vermouth, and 3/4 oz olive brine in an ice-filled mixing glass. Stir and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with 3 or more pitted manzanilla olives.

16. Aviation Cocktail

The Aviation cocktail is a crisp and floral cocktail mixed with gin, maraschino liqueur and fresh lemon juice alongside crème de violette.

Easy Recipe: Shake 2 oz gin, 1/2 oz maraschino liqueur, 1/4 oz creme de violette, and 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice with ice until well-chilled. Strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with a brandied cherry.

17. MSG Martini

The MSG is a dirty Martini riff from Bonnie’s in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. It adds MSG (monosodium glutamate) and rice wine instead of vermouth. Castelvetrano olives are known for their buttery, mild flavor.

Easy Recipe: In a mixing glass, stir 2 tbsp Castelvetrano olive brine and 1 dash of MSG solution (pinch of MSG dissolved in 1 tbsp water). Add 5 tbsp gin and 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine. Fill with ice and stir until chilled. Strain into a chilled martini or coupe glass. Garnish with 3 pitted Castelvetrano olives.

18. Bee’s Knees

The Bee’s Knees is a classic gin martini made with lemon and honey! This recipe is strong and refreshing.

Easy Recipe: Shake 2 oz gin, 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice, and 1/2 oz honey syrup with ice. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.

19. Saketini

The Saketini is made with gin martini that uses Sake like the vermouth. The Saketini is strong which is why the drink is served at just a few ounces.

Easy Recipe: Fill a mixing glass with ice. Add 2 1/2 oz gin or vodka and 1/2 oz sake. Stir well. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a cucumber slice or green olive.

20. Lemon Drop Martini

The Lemon Drop Martini is a classic gin (or vodka) based cocktail with a sweet and sour taste and bright yellow color. It’s an elegant drink that I would serve at a dinner party. Pop in a sugar stir stick or Stevia for more intense sweetness if you’d like. I do.

Easy Recipe: Shake 1 1/2 oz gin, 1/2 oz triple sec, 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice, and 1/4 tsp vanilla with ice. Shake until very cold. Rub a lemon half around the rim of a cocktail glass and dip in sugar to coat. Strain and garnish with a lemon slice.

21. Empress Martini

The Empress Gin Martini is a dry and regal. It’s is a crisp and spirit-forward classic.

Easy Recipe: Stir 2 oz Empress 1908 Indigo Gin and 0.5 oz Lillet Blanc with ice; strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with a grapefruit twist.

22. Gimlet

The Gimlet is a classic cocktail—just gin, lime, and sugar.

Easy Recipe: Shake 2 1/2 oz gin, 1/2 oz fresh lime juice, and 1/2 oz simple syrup with ice; strain into a chilled cocktail glass or rocks glass filled with ice. Garnish with a lime wheel.

23. 50/50 Martini

The 50/50 Martini is a perfect balance of gin and dry vermouth. A dash of orange bitters adding complexity. Stirring with ice ensures a properly diluted gin cocktail.

Easy Recipe: Stir 1 1/2 oz gin, 1 1/2 oz dry vermouth, and 1 dash orange bitters with ice; strain into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with a lemon twist.

24. March Martini

The MARCH Martini is super elegant–it’s made with three gins and black lemon bitters. MARCH is a fine-dining restaurant in Houston.

Easy Recipe: Stir 1 1/2 oz Tanqueray no. 10 Gin, 3/4 oz homemade MARCH Vermouth, and 1/2 oz barrel-aged gin (e.g., Citadelle Reserve) with ice. Strain into a chilled martini glass with 1/2 oz chilled Suntory Roku Gin and 2-3 dashes Scrappy’s Black Lemon Bitters. Garnish with 2 Castelvetrano olives and a lemon twist.

To make MARCH Vermouth, infuse 6 oz Dolin Dry Vermouth, 2 oz Dolin Blanc Vermouth, 3 oz mixed seasonal fruits, and herbs for 24-48 hours. Chill and strain before use.

25. Chartreuse Martini

The Chartreuse Martini offers a pure taste of the green herbal liqueur. Just add green Chartreuse to the classic gin cocktail mix.

Easy Recipe: Shake 1 1/2 oz gin, 1/2 oz green Chartreuse liqueur, and 1/2 oz dry vermouth with ice; strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

26. Gin Blossom

The Gin Blossom cocktail features Plymouth gin, and slightly sweet Martini Bianco vermouth rather than standard dry.

Easy Recipe: Stir 1 1/2 oz Plymouth gin, 1 1/2 oz Martini bianco vermouth, 3/4 oz Blume apricot eau de vie, and 2 dashes orange bitters with ice; strain into a chilled coupe glass and garnish with an orange twist.

27. Lavender Martini

The Lavender Martini is a colorful riff on a classic gin martini. It’s easy to make your own lavender simple syrup.

Easy Recipe: Shake ice, 2 1/2 oz gin, 1/2 oz dry vermouth, and 1/2 oz lemon juice. Strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with a lavender sprig.

28. Hanky Panky

This simple mix of gin, vermouth, and Fernet-Branca is of the greatest classic gin cocktails. It was invented by in the 1920’s named Ada Coleman.

Easy Recipe: Stir 1 1/2 oz gin, 1 1/2 oz sweet vermouth, and 2 dashes Fernet-Branca with ice until well-chilled. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with an orange twist.

29. Elderflower Martini

The Elderflower Gin Martini has flowery notes from elderflower liqueur, chased by tart lime. Elderflower’s taste profile is floral and fruity with hints of tropical pear and lychee.

Easy Recipe: Swirl 1/2 oz dry vermouth in a martini glass, then discard. Shake 1 oz St. Germain elderflower liqueur, 1 oz gin, and 1/2 oz lime juice with ice; strain into the martini glass.

30. Tanqueray No. Ten Martini

If you love Tanqueray gin this martini is for you! The pink grapefruit twist complements Tanqueray Nº Ten Gin and adds visual appeal to this sophisticated cocktail. It’s good. Really good.

Easy Recipe: Stir 1 2/3 oz Tanqueray Nº Ten Gin and 1/3 oz dry vermouth with ice; strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with a pink grapefruit twist.

31. Fishy & Dirty Pintxotini

At Ernesto’s in New York City, dirty martinis come with a skewer of layered anchovies, olives, pickled guindilla peppers, Spanish gin, dry vermouth and olive brine.

Easy Recipe: Stir 2 oz gin (preferably Xoriguer Gin de Mahon), 1 oz dry vermouth (preferably Atxa), and 1/4 oz olive brine with ice; strain into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass and garnish with a Gilda.

In Spain, a Gilda is a long toothpick with an olive, guindilla peppers, and salt-cured anchovy.

32. The Last Word

The Last Word gin cocktail features green Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, and fresh lime juice. Bottoms Up!

Easy Recipe: Shake 3/4 oz each of gin, green Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, and fresh lime juice with ice; strain into a chilled coupe glass and optionally garnish with a brandied cherry.

33. Gin and It

Sweet vermouth–with an earthy taste makes for a sweet gin martini if you don’t like your martinis dry.

Easy Recipe: Stir 2 oz gin and 1 oz sweet vermouth with ice. Strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with maraschino cherries or a lemon twist.

34. Merry Widow

The Merry Widow is a fancy, vermouth-heavy gin martini with a touch of herbal spice. The styling is very pre-Prohibition—long on vermouth, with dashes of absinthe.

Easy Recipe: Stir 1 1/2 oz Tanqueray gin, 1 1/2 oz Dolin Dry Vermouth, 1/8 tsp Bénédictine, 1 dash Peychaud’s bitters, and 1/8 tsp absinthe with ice. Strain into a chilled glass and garnish with a lemon twist.

35. Bone Dry or Desert Martini

You’re basically rinsing a chilled glass with dry vermouth. No vermouth makes it into the shaker. Winston Churchill made his Bone Dry Martinis by chilling gin and bowing in the direction of France, where dry vermouth was invented.

Easy Recipe: Stir or shake 2.5 oz gin with 6 ice cubes for 30 seconds; strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with a green olive.

36. Frozen Martini

There’s shaking or stirring a Frozen Martini. With a frozen formula has the deal dilution built in.

Easy Recipe: Mix 16 oz London dry or Plymouth gin, 1 cup water, 4 oz blanc vermouth, 4 oz dry vermouth, and 1/4 oz orange bitters in a freezer-safe liter bottle; freeze for 6+ hours. Pour 4 oz per chilled martini glass, garnish with lemon twists or olives.

37. Sakura Martini

This modern take on the saketini uses aged genshu sake and gin–and garnishes a salt-pickled sakura or cherry blossom garnish.

Easy Recipe: Stir 2 1/2 oz ginjo sake, 3/4 oz gin, and 1/8 tsp maraschino cherry liqueur with ice; strain into a chilled martini or coupe glass and garnish with a salt-pickled cherry blossom.

38. Monarch Martini

Pamplemousse liqueur highlights the grapefruit notes in Lillet Rosé in this Gin martini-style drink.

Easy Recipe: Stir 1 1/2 oz Empress Gin, 1/2 oz dry vermouth, 1/4 oz ginger liqueur, and 1 bar spoon absinthe with ice in a mixing glass; strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with Luxardo cherries.

39. Lemon Cucumber Martini

My favorite St. Patrick’s green Martini balances a lemon and cucumber with gin and muddled fresh basil leaves. It’s subtle green hue makes it perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or Easter!

Easy Recipe: Shake 4 oz gin, 1 oz lemon cucumber simple syrup, 1 oz vermouth, muddled basil, and ice; strain into a chilled glass, garnish with lemon and cucumber slices.

To make the lemon cucumber simple syrup, simmer 1 cup lemon juice and water, 1 cup sugar, and 12 cucumber slices for 10 minutes; add lemon zest, cool, strain, and chill.

40. Turf Club Cocktail

Turf Club gin cocktail is slightly sweet from the maraschino liqueur which is made from cherries. This recipe uses fresh orange to balance the juniper-forward gin.

Easy Recipe: Combine 2 oz gin, 3/4 oz dry vermouth, 1/4 oz maraschino liqueur, 2 dashes absinthe, and 2 dashes orange bitters in an ice-filled mixing glass; stir, strain into a chilled coupe, and garnish with a lemon twist.

41. Salmon Martini

Smoked salmon-infused gin and a caperberry garnish is a play on the elegant dirty martini!

Easy Recipe: Stir ice, 1 1/2 oz Salmon-Infused Gin, 1 oz blanco vermouth (such as Tximista, Lacuesta, or Dolin Blanc), and 1/2 oz Tanqueray no. 10 gin until well chilled. Strain into a chilled Nick & Nora glass. Garnish with a pickled caperberry.

To make the Salmon-Infused Gin, combine 2 cups (16 oz) of Tanqueray no. 10 gin and 1/2 cup (4 oz) of cold smoked salmon in an airtight container. Let stand at room temperature for 1 week, then refrigerate for 2 weeks. Strain the mixture through cheesecloth or oil filter paper to remove excess fat and clarify. Discard the salmon. The infused gin can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 month.

42. Aged Martini

This classic gin-based cocktail develops a smooth, deep flavor after being aged in an oak barrel for three weeks.

Easy Recipe: Fill a 1-liter oak barrel with 22 oz gin and 11 oz dry vermouth. Let age for about 1 month, tasting weekly, until the cocktail has a rounded flavor without being overly oaky. Strain the cocktail through a coffee filter-lined funnel into a glass container for storage. To serve, pour 3 oz into an ice-filled shaker, stir until chilled, then strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.

43. Chandelier Martini

The Chandelier Martini is stirred exactly 24 times with the addition of Chandelier Magic, a citrusy blend of bitters. Herbsaint gives a herbaceous flavor that pairs perfectly with Bombay, Hendricks’ and Old Tom-style gins.

Easy Recipe: Stir ice, 1 1/2 oz Bombay Dry Gin, 2 oz Hendrick’s Gin, 3/4 oz dry vermouth, 1/2 oz Old Tom-style gin, and 6 dashes of Chandelier Magic. Strain into a chilled martini glass. Serve garnishes (olives, lemon twist, pickled mirliton) on the side in a rocks glass filled with crushed ice.

To make Chandelier Magic, combine 1/4 oz each of grapefruit bitters, maraschino liqueur, and Herbsaint. Store in a dasher bottle or airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 month.

44. Joy Division

The Joy Division gin cocktail is spirit-forward and starts with your typical martini ingredients – gin and dry vermouth.

Easy Recipe: In a mixing glass, combine 2 oz Beefeater London dry gin, 1 oz Dolin dry vermouth, 1/2 oz Cointreau, and 3 dashes Vieux Pontarlier absinthe. Fill the glass with ice and stir until well-chilled. Strain the mixture into a coupe glass. Garnish with a lemon twist and serve.

45. Dirty Pasta Water Martini

The Dirty Pasta Water Martini features Revivalist’s Equinox Expression gin, which adds a floral vibe that plays off of salty and starchy pasta water.

Easy Recipe: Shake ice, 2 oz Revivalist Equinox Expression Gin, 2 1/2 tsp room temperature pasta water, and 2 1/2 tsp light-colored olive brine. Double strain into a chilled Nick & Nora glass. Garnish with skewer of mixed olives (with pits).

46. Queen Martini

The Queen Martini’s is equal parts gin, sweet vermouth, and dry vermouth. It makes for a slightly sweet, low alcohol aperitif.

Easy Recipe: In a mixing glass, combine ice, 1 oz gin, 1 oz sweet vermouth, 1 oz dry vermouth, and 1 dash orange bitters. Stir and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with an orange twist.

47. Bella Luna

This Aviation cocktail riff doubles down on fresh flavors–and silky gum syrup rounds everything into a balanced cocktail.

Easy Recipe: Shake ice, 1 barspoon Classic Gum Syrup, 2 oz gin, 1/2 oz Crème de violette, 3/4 oz elderflower liqueur, and 3/4 oz lemon juice. Strain into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with optional Luxardo cherries.

48. Sage Gin Martini

The Sage Gin Martini is an easy gin cocktail that will shake up your happy hour!

Easy Recipe: Shake 1 1/2 oz Tanqueray Gin, 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice, 1 oz sage-infused simple syrup, and 1 egg white. Strain into a martini glass. Garnish with a sage leaf. To make the syrup, boil 1/2 cup each of water and sugar, add 3 sage leaves, then cool.

49. Margartini

The Margatini is basically a Gin Margarita. It’s easy to mix with 3 simple ingredients, and it’s a delicious change of pace from tequila.

Easy White Lady Cocktail Recipe: Shake 1 1/2 oz gin, 1 oz Cointreau, and 3/4 oz freshly-squeezed lime juice with ice. If desired, add agave nectar or simple syrup to taste for sweetness. Optionally, rim a glass with salt by running a lime wedge around the rim and dipping it in coarse salt. Strain over ice. Garnish with a lime wedge.

Types of gin martini recipes

Feeling Adventurous? There are so many options–and each has its own name.

“clean”: made without a garnish
“dirty”: served with a garnish
“dry”: uses less vermouth
“wet”: uses more vermouth
“perfect”: uses equal parts gin and vermouth
“extra dirty” or “filthy”: adds extra brine and olives
“neat”: room temperature ingredients, which are not shaken or stirred over ice

Tips for the best gin martini

Whether shaken or stirred, you’ll feel on top of the world with my Martini mixing tips.

Use a top-shelf gin and vermouth: With only two ingredients, this is not a cocktail where you want to be frugal.
Change the ratio: Each gin is different–adjust the garnish when switching gin brands.
Vermouth expiration dates: Vermouth is a fortified wine with a short shelf life. Don’t use expired vermouth.
Garnishes: Lemon twists or olives are both classic options.
Olives: Skewer 1 or 3 olives on a cocktail pick or drop them in the glass.
Chill the glass

Gin Martini FAQs

What is a dirty martini?

A “clean” martini is served without a garnish. “Dirty” martinis usually add an olive and olive brine. But olives aren’t your only option. Try onion, capers, pickle, lemon, and other garnishes. Specify ‘extra dirty’ or ‘filthy’ if you want more brine. Most bartenders add equal parts brine and vermouth.

Why does James Bond order his martinis “shaken, not stirred”?

Shaking a martini dilutes it. Stir for a stiffer drink.

Are gin martinis a strong drink?

The gin martini is a one of the strongest cocktails you can mix. That’s why it is rarely poured over 3 or 4 ounces.

More cocktails!

Love cocktails? Me too. Here are a few more drinks I know you’ll love:

Cheers!