11 Vodka Martini Recipes

Love the classic martini? You’re in luck! Here are 11 different vodka martini recipes to enjoy.

As one of the world’s most popularized alcoholic beverage cocktails, the martini is a classic drink that works for various occasions.

They’re so well-known that martinis are officially on the International Bartender Association cocktail list.

Although a martini is also often made from gin (originally) or dry vermouth, the vodka martini is another popular alternative. 

Vodka martinis create a smoother taste, making it easier to taste the aromatic notes in the vermouth. While gin martinis give off a wider array of aromas and flavors. 

Neither is better than the other. It’s simply a matter of preference. 

Classically, the cocktail has a lemon twist or olive or two on top if it’s dirty (made with olive juice). It can be mixed either by being stirred together or shaken in a cocktail shaker. 

Although gin martinis should be stirred instead of shaken due to the delicate botanicals of the gin, vodka martinis can both be shaken or stirred. 

Martinis are a great drink because they’re incredibly customizable.

From the choice of alcohol (gin, vodka, or both) to the bitters used to the garnishes, the glass is your oyster!

We go more in depth in our classic martini recipe about different variations and the history of the martin. 

Vodka Martini Recipes

The Classics

Suppose you’re unsure of whether to shake or stir a classic martini. In that case, the general bartending rule is to mix liquor-only cocktails to avoid a lot of dilution. 

However, suppose you’re customizing it and adding a lot of citruses, fruit purees, juices, or egg whites. In that case, it’s better to shake it so that it’s well mixed and blended. 

1 — Martini with A Twist

Sometimes simple and traditional are best, and this Classic Vodka Martini recipe is no exception.

Consisting of two ingredients (vermouth and vodka or gin) with optional ingredients added such as bitters, fruit peels, or olives, this martini couldn’t be easier to put together. 

The twist on top can be a traditional lemon or take it up a notch with lime, orange, or even grapefruit. 

If you’re looking to pair your classic vodka martini with a food dish, try anything that’s salty-sweet, buttery chicken, or any seafood (like a seafood salad to enhance the drink’s bitter taste. 

2 — Vesper Martini

The name’s Vesper, Vesper Martini. A drink as famous as James Bond himself. 

The Vesper Martini was created by writer, Ian Fleming  of the James Bond series in his first book and is named after the double agent, Vesper Lynd.

Although originally fictional, this drink is very easy to bring to life. 

The Vesper Martini combines vodka, gin, and dry vermouth or Lillet Blanc. Thanks to the Lillet or vermouth, it has a sweeter yet more bitter taste than the gin martini or vodka martinis. 

So calling all vodka and gin drinkers alike, you’ll love this strong martini recipe.

Not Your Everyday Martinis

3 — Passion Fruit Martini

Also known as the Porn Star Martini, this fruity and sweet martini is a delicious drink to sip on all summer.

It traditionally comes with a chilled shot glass or small rocks glass of Prosecco to serve as a palette cleanser. 

It’s easy to make fresh or you can buy ingredients ready-to-shake in store.

From vanilla vodka, fresh passion fruit purée to fresh pineapples, sipping the Passion Fruit Martini under the sun or in the water might make you think you’re on a tropical beach. 

And if anyone at the occasion doesn’t drink, they can sip on the same flavor profile with this mocktail, the Copycat Pink Drink.

Got extra pineapple? Pair this delicious drink with some Mango and Pineapple White Chocolate Macaroons or create a decorative centerpiece to add a tropical touch. 

4 — Rose Martini Cocktail

A Rose Martini Cocktail by any other name would smell as sweet.

This cocktail plays on a perfect balance between sweet and fruity. It’s easy to make and is a great pink drink for any occasion such as a baby shower or Valentine’s Day.

Although this recipe calls for gin, swapping it out for your favorite vodka is easy. 

Plus, with enough time and effort, you can change this cocktail to include any edible flower you prefer, such as lavender or chamomile.

5 — Pickle Martini

I know what you’re thinking. “Pickle??, right? Well, don’t knock it ’till you try it.

The pickle juice in the Pickle Martini is an excellent replacement for the classic olive juice in a dirty martini. 

6 — Martini Royale

If you’re a fan of sweet and sour, you’ll love this Martini Royale recipe. The fresh aromas from the mint and the citrus profiles from the limes make this drink perfect for summer. 

Unlike most martinis, this cocktail has mint, lime, and Prosecco (brut and dry flavor profiles are preferred to offset the sweet Martini Bianco).

It’s as if a martini and a mojito came together to create a beautifully crafted and tasty drink.

It’s a fantastic drink to serve while everyone is waiting for dinner or as an aperitivo. Try salty appetizers such as olives, cheese, and cured meats if you want to combine this drink with some appetizers.

Or even try this mini cheese board idea to take your appetizer plating to the next level. 

7 — Fiero Martini

This will be your new go-to recipe if you’re looking for a simple yet tasty aperitif drink to make for a last-minute gathering. 

The goal of an aperitif is to make you hungrier and ready for a meal. So when this blend of orange zest, citrus fruits, and white wine combine with tonic water, this drink becomes the perfect appetite stimulator.

While the Martini Fiero isn’t exactly vodka, it’s contemporary vermouth. Adding a shot of your favorite vodka is easy to give this cocktail an extra-strong effect. 

Try combining it with a bruschetta plate, meats, cheeses, or a sweet yet natural food such as grapes or figs. 

8 — Italian Martini Spritz 

If you’re in the mood for something bubbly, then the Italian Martini Spritz is your drink. It’s basically the classic vodka martini but with Prosecco and a splash of club soda.

The best part? You don’t even need a shaker to make this cocktail.

Dessert Vodka Martini Recipes

Why not have your dessert and drink it too? These particular vodka martini recipes work well as a side to an already delicious dessert plate or on their own as a tasty aperitif to end the meal. 

9 — Creamy Vanilla Rumchata Martini

If you’re looking for a smooth, creamy, and simple dessert cocktail, this Rumchata Martini recipe is a great choice.

It has notes of caramel, vanilla, and cinnamon which blow a regular dessert cocktail out of the water. 

Like Baileys (made from Irish whiskey), this cream liqueur is made with Caribbean rum.

Although it does have vodka in it and is served in a martini glass, it’s more like a distant cousin to the classic vodka martini recipe. 

Considering the spice and flavors in it, if you’re looking to pair this dessert martini with any edible desserts, try desserts with cinnamon in them to match the drink.

For example, Cinnamon Churros with Chocolate Chili Sauce, Snickerdoodle Cookies or even Cinnamon Sugar Donuts. 

10 — Espresso Martini With Baileys

Why have a coffee and a drink after dinner when you make it all in one?

Save yourself the effort and combine them. Espresso Martini With Baileys is a play on Irish coffee meets martini. It is perfect for any after-dinner or breakfast-on-vacation occasion. 

The Baileys Irish Cream provides notes of chocolate and vanilla. At the same time, the fresh brewers’ espresso and vodka make a kicking combination.

If you want to change it up, you can play around with different simple syrups, such as simple mint syrup  to give it added depth and flavor. 

If you love the idea of combining cocktails and coffee or are looking to spice up your regular Old Fashioned, try this Coffee Old Fashioned recipe too. 

11 — Frozen Cookies and Cream Polka Dot Martini

This is the recipe if you love dunking your OREOs in milk! You get all of the flavors of dunking without the effort of dunking.

And if you’re not a fan of OREOs, you can swap out the creamer for another taste.

What’s really neat about this Frozen Cookies and Cream Polka Dot Martini recipe is that it also teaches you how to DIY and make the polka dots at home yourself.

You can also quickly scale the ingredients list for one or five people. 

For optimal taste, serve right away after making. Although, if you wanted it to be thicker, you could pop it in the freezer for another hour or two to thicken it like ice cream instead. 

Other Best of the Best

So whether you like it shaken or stirred, these vodka martini recipes will be a perfect addition to any occasion. Drink up!

For more round-up recipes to pair with your cocktail,  check out a few of our favorites from the archives below —

• Bisquick Dessert Recipes that are easy to make and absolutely delicious.
• Summer Chicken Recipes that have fresh summer ideas for you to try out.
• Instant Pot Breakfast Recipes has everything from oatmeal to eggs.
• Easy Canned Green Beans Recipes that can be prepared quickly and that go in a variety of food from around the world.

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