If you’re looking for a timeless and delicious cocktail, look no further than the vodka martini. Its classic version is a guaranteed delight, but its versatility also allows you to experiment with exciting new flavours! This is one of those cocktails that you can modify almost any way you want, ensuring that there’s a vodka martini for every taste preference. For those of you seeking inspiration to spice up your vodka martini, here’s a guide to the different variations and unique twists you can try out.
The classic vodka martini
A classic vodka martini perfectly combines the smoothness of vodka with the crispness of dry vermouth, giving you a refreshing drink.
To make your own vodka martini, you’ll need:
- 60 ml vodka
- 10 ml dry vermouth
- Ice
- Lemon twist or olives for garnish
To start, fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Then, add your vodka and vermouth. The next step is where it gets controversial. Vodka martini is supposed to be stirred; however, thanks to the popularity of the James Bond movies, many now choose to have their vodka martini shaken instead! So, stir or shake according to your preference until the mixture is properly cold.
When you’re done, strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass. Top it off with a lemon twist or olives depending on what you’re feeling.
Now that you know how to make a classic vodka martini, let's explore some exciting variations!
Dirty vodka martini
What makes a dirty vodka martini “dirty”? The answer lies in the olive brine. The addition of this ingredient to the classic vodka martini creates a savoury drink, showcasing the smoothness of the vodka with the brine’s saltiness.
A dirty vodka martini is made of:
- 60 ml vodka
- 10 ml dry vermouth
- 15 ml olive brine
- Ice
- Olives for garnish
As with many cocktails, the first step is to add ice to your cocktail shaker. Add your liquid ingredients and shake vigorously so that all the ingredients are well incorporated.
Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass and garnish with olives for that salty kick.
Lemon Drop
If olive brine isn’t exactly the kind of refreshing kick you’re looking for, consider using lemon juice. The Lemon Drop is a delicious twist to the usual vodka martini.
Make your own Lemon Drop with:
- 60 ml vodka
- 20 ml fresh lemon juice
- 10 ml simple syrup
- Ice
- Sugar (for rimming the glass)
- Lemon twist for garnish
To balance the acidity from the lemon juice, start by rimming the edge of a martini glass with sugar and placing it in the fridge to chill. Next, add ice and all your liquid ingredients into a cocktail shaker and shake well.
Pour the mixture into the sugar-rimmed martini glass, garnish with a lemon twist, and voila! You’ve got yourself a sweet and tangy version of a vodka martini.
Espresso martini
Fans of Irish coffee will appreciate the espresso martini – a vodka martini with a caffeine kick. It’s the perfect after-dinner cocktail.
Fashion an espresso martini with:
- 50 ml vodka
- 25 ml fresh espresso
- 15 ml coffee liqueur
- Ice
- Coffee beans for garnish
Firstly, brew your espresso and leave it to cool down. Then, fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add your vodka, espresso, and coffee liqueur. Shake until the mixture is cold throughout, then strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a couple of coffee beans to elevate the presentation.
Chocolate vodka martini
Here’s something for the sweet-toothed – a rich chocolate vodka martini! Indulge in alcohol and chocolate all at once with this cocktail, which is perfect for dessert or as a little treat on its own.
To make a chocolate vodka martini, you’ll need:
- 50 ml vodka
- 25 ml crème de cacao
- 10 ml cream
- Ice
- Chocolate shavings for garnish
Into an ice-filled cocktail shaker, add your vodka, crème de cacao, and cream. By now, you know the drill: shake it up until everything is mixed! Then, into a martini glass it goes, with chocolate garnish topping it all off.
Spicy vodka martini
Finally, here’s a vodka martini with a bit of heat. This cocktail adds a hint of spice to the classic vodka martini, great for when you’re feeling adventurous (and for those whose stomachs are exceptionally strong)!
Put together a spicy vodka martini with:
- 60 ml vodka
- 15 ml jalapeño-infused vodka (or a slice of fresh jalapeño)
- 10 ml dry vermouth
- Ice
- Jalapeño slice for garnish
If you’re using a fresh jalapeño, muddle a slice in a shaker first. Then, fill it up with ice and add the rest of your ingredients. Shake well and make sure to strain the drink to get rid of any leftover jalapeño skin or seeds. Garnish with a slice of jalapeño for a spicy touch.
Did you find a cocktail recipe that might tickle your taste buds? It’s time to try it out for yourself!
