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Try these cocktail variations of the classic gin Martini

The Martini is a classic cocktail. And like most things that have been around a while, people have been mixing up their own versions for decades. Stirred, shaken, sweet, sour or savoury. Gin, vodka, dry or dirty. Everyone orders a Martini a little differently.

However, the Martini is far more versatile than its classic reputation suggests. Beyond the iconic serve lies a world of variations – from the Espresso and Gibson to the Martinez, Vesper, Lemon Drop and Passionfruit – each bringing its own distinct character to the glass. Some, like the Espresso Martini, have become modern icons, loved for their rich flavour, deep colour and signature velvety foam.

It’s not just about flavour, either. Martinis can be tailored with a certain finesse; served wet, perfect or neat, each subtle adjustment offering a different expression of this timeless cocktail.

Whether you’re in the mood for understated elegance or something a little more indulgent, here are our favourite ways to enjoy the Martini.

The ultimate list of Martini variations

2. Wet Martini

If you want more vermouth, then a Wet Martini should be your order. This variation has gone out of style, but it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t give it a go. You’ll typically get a 3:1 ratio of gin to dry vermouth, which increases the floral sweetness.

3. Reverse Martini

This variation is the opposite of a Dry Martini. Rather than focusing on gin, the Reverse Martini (or Upside-Down Martini) flips the proportions of ingredients, instead using more dry vermouth. The garnish (and whether you shake or stir) is up to you.

4. Perfect Martini

If you order a Perfect Martini, you might get this variation instead. Rather than solely relying on dry vermouth to bring the sweetness, it uses a technique called splitting the vermouth, using both sweet and dry in equal proportions. Some recipes also call for a teaspoon of maraschino liqueur for extra fruity flavour.

5. Sweet Martini

Swap from dry to sweet when you order a Sweet Martini. As the name suggests, this recipe uses sweet vermouth instead of dry, creating the sweetest variation of a Martini you can get without adding additional ingredients.

6. Dirty Martini

The Dirty Martini is a classic in its own right. Our take on this cocktail was crafted by Alessandro Palazzi, the head bartender of Dukes Bar in London, and gets its savoury notes from a muddle of lemon juice, bitters, and Nocellara olives.

If you want to level up the umami flavour even more, then a Filthy Martini might be the cocktail for you. You start things off just as you would a classic Martini. However, once you’ve taken your olives from their jar, you add a splash of the olive brine to your cocktail glass too.

8. Martinez

The Martinez is a mid-way drink that sits between a classic Martini and Manhattan cocktail. Using equal parts gin and sweet vermouth, it starts with a richer base. Plus maraschino liqueur and bitters for a dry cherry flavour.

9. Gibson

Mix up your garnishes and you create a whole new cocktail. Just like the Gibson, a classic Dry Martini combination of gin and dry vermouth, garnished with a pickled onion.

Originally a dash of orange bitters was added to the recipe, but these days it’s only the cocktail onion that gives it the Gibson name.

If the tang of a pickled onion garnish appeals, then you’ll also like our Pickle Gin Martini recipe. It combines Beefeater London Dry Gin, dry Vermouth, and pickle brine and calls for a garnish of three cornichon pickles.

10. 0% Martini

You heard right. With Beefeater 0.0 you can now mix up an alcohol-free martini in minutes. With all the taste of London Dry – just without the ABV. Use a non-alcoholic aperitif to replace the vermouth, and you’re good to go.

Here’s 4 ways to make a non-alcoholic martini.

11. Orange Espresso Martini

Once you’ve played with garnishes and ratios, it’s time to get experimental. The Espresso Martini is a famously beloved take on the classic Martini cocktail, adding coffee liqueur and a foamy top. But don’t stop there.

Try our Orange Espresso Martini, made with blood orange gin and a grated orange zest finish. It’s fun, fruity, and full of flavour. Perfect for festive occasions or when you fancy something out of the ordinary.

13. PINK GIN COSMO

A Cosmopolitan isn’t too far from a Martini. Especially when you stick to gin. Using Beefeater Pink Strawberry, our Pink Gin Cosmo is a modern take on the original recipe. It’s sweet, fruity, and city chic.

14. Lemon Cosmo

Not quite ready to go full Cosmo? Try our Lemon Cosmopolitan, a light, citrus drink that’s perfect for summer sipping. It’s a combination of the original recipe and a gin Martini. Made with gin, white grape juice, and Italicus.

15. Saketini

If you’re out of vermouth or want to mix up a Martini in a new way, don’t miss the Saketini. This fun take on the classic cocktail replaces vermouth with sake for a sweeter, full-rounded finish. It’s fun to say and fun to make, great for serving to guests as a surprise aperitif.

17. Blood Orange Cosmopolitan

We’re back on the Cosmos and this time we’re mixing citrus with a classic cranberry juice combo. The Blood Orange Cosmopolitan combines blood orange gin, orange liqueur and an orange twist garnish to keep things vibrant. Whilst lime juice adds freshness to every sip.

18. Bee’s Knees

The Bee’s Knees is a classic cocktail that doesn’t stray too far from a Martini. Gin, lemon juice, and honey are the key ingredients. It’s soft, soothing, and sweet for every season.

19. Gimlet

A close cousin to the Martini, the Gimlet is another classic gin cocktail that calls for just two ingredients. Instead of vermouth, this lighter serve uses fresh lime juice for a citrus twist. And if you want things sweeter, you can always pour in a dash of sugar syrup.

20. Gin Lemon Drop

Sticking to zesty flavours, the Lemon Drop Martini is a favourite for lemon cocktail lovers. Simple syrup, lemon juice, and a dash of triple sec add fresh, citrus flavour to the botanical notes of dry gin. With a sugar rim garnish for extra sweetness.

21. SPICY MANGO MARTINI

Taking inspiration from the Spicy Margarita, this Spicy Mango Martini pairs tropical, fragrant sweetness with fiery chilli heat. There’s also a wonderful vibrancy and freshness that comes from ripe mangoes and red chillis. Ramp up the savoury by coating the rim of your cocktail glass with Tajin, or make it a little sweeter with extra muddled mango.

22. LONG MARTINI

Meet the Martini’s taller cousin. The Long Martini uses Beefeater Gin’s classic Martini recipe, but tops it up with tonic water to elongate and effervesce the cocktail. It’s effortlessly refreshing and perfect for a summer’s evening sip.

If you want to keep the fizz while also adding a savoury twist, why not try the Dirty Gin and Tonic? It starts as a classic G&T, but takes inspiration from the Martini with a dash of olive brine and a green olive garnish.

23. BEEFEATER BLACK MARTINI

There are citrus martinis, and there are martinis that make the most of the sharp and salty flavour of olives. This Lemon & Olive Dirty Martini is both. It uses olive brine to deliver a savoury hit but is still surprisingly citrus-forward thanks to the lemon verbena botanicals in Beefeater Black Gin.

From classic Martinis to more modern serves, we’ve got plenty more gin cocktail recipes to try. Discover our best gin mixers and easy gin cocktails as well as a guide to gin garnishes to elevate your drinks at home.

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