National Martini Cocktail Day 2026: 5 Best Martini Cocktail Variations To Try

Variations of the Martini cocktail have found a recurring spot in modern cocktail menus. Since the 1990s, people have even been celebrating National Martini Cocktail Day every year on June 19th. The Martini cocktail has evolved well beyond its origins as a simple combination of gin and dry vermouth. Over the years, various interpretations of this classic cocktail have emerged, but the following five variations are best at showcasing its versatility. 

Martini Cocktail Variations Worth Seeking Out This National Martini Cocktail Day

Brand references in the recipes are indicative and can be adapted based on preference.

Dry Martini Cocktail

The Dry Martini cocktail is the standard by which all other Martini cocktail variations are judged. Traditionally made with only gin and dry vermouth, the character of this cocktail is based on the subtle balance between the two. 

• Where to Try: The Library Bar, New Delhi

Ingredients:

• 25 ml Tanqueray London Dry gin

• 5 ml dry vermouth

• Lemon twist or olive

Method:

1. Add gin and dry vermouth to a mixing glass filled with ice.

2. Stir until well chilled.

3. Strain into a chilled martini cocktail glass.

4. Garnish with a lemon twist or olive.

Dirty Martini Cocktail

Incorporating olive brine into a classic Martini cocktail creates a distinctly savoury flavour profile. The addition of salt provides texture and depth while helping soften the gin’s botanical flavours. The Dirty Martini cocktail has gone through an increase in popularity, mainly due to the briny aspect of the drink. While traditionally made with gin (a London Dry, to be specific), vodka is just as common as the base spirit. 

• Where to Try: Dirty Martini Kitchen & Cocktail Bar, Mumbai

Ingredients

• 25 ml gin or vodka

• 5 ml dry vermouth

• 10 ml olive brine

• Green olive garnish

Method

• Add gin or vodka, dry vermouth, and olive brine to a mixing glass with ice.

• Stir until properly chilled.

• Strain into a chilled martini cocktail glass.

• Garnish with a green olive.

Vesper Martini Cocktail

Combining gin, vodka, and aromatic wine, the famous Vesper Martini cocktail provides a layered flavour profile and a more prominent liquor touch than a traditional Martini cocktail. A spirit-forward mix, it mixes 3 parts gin with 1 part vodka and goes classic with the garnish.  

• Where to Try: The Oberoi, Gurgaon, Bar Spirit Forward, Bengaluru

Ingredients:

• 15 ml gin

• 10 ml vodka

• 5 ml aromatised wine

• Lemon peel

Method:

• Add all liquid ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice.

• Shake thoroughly until chilled.

• Fine strain into a chilled martini cocktail glass.

• Express a lemon peel over the drink as a garnish.

Espresso Martini Cocktail

The Espresso Martini cocktail may not be considered a typical Martini cocktail; however, it is one of the most well-known Martini cocktail-style drinks globally. The Espresso Martini cocktail is created with coffee liqueur, espresso, and vodka blended together, producing layers of roasted coffee, nut, and concentrated espresso flavours. This drink is a clear example of how the Martini cocktail has evolved over time.

• Where to Try: Hard Rock Cafe, Kolkata

Ingredients

• 20 ml vodka

• 10 ml coffee liqueur

• 30 ml freshly brewed espresso

Method

• Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice.

• Shake vigorously to create a light foam.

• Fine strain into a chilled martini cocktail glass.

• Garnish with coffee beans, if preferred.

Martinez Cocktail

When it comes to cocktail history, the Martinez cocktail is often seen as a precursor of the modern-day Martini cocktail. This cocktail is made with gin, sweet vermouth, maraschino liqueur, and bitters. While the addition of sweet vermouth makes it richer in flavour, the addition of maraschino gives the drink subtle stone fruit notes. Compared to a Dry Martini cocktail, the Martinez cocktail has more body, is sweeter, and offers more aromatic elements. 

• Where to Try: The Park, Bengaluru

Ingredients:

• 15 ml gin

• 10 ml sweet vermouth

• 5 ml maraschino liqueur

• 1 ml orange bitters

Method:

• Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass filled with ice.

• Stir until well chilled.

• Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

• Garnish with an orange peel.

Conclusion

There is an entire spectrum of Martini cocktails, and National Martini Cocktail Day is a good reason to explore the variations and discover one that best suits your interests. While the Dirty Martini cocktail offers a more savoury aspect, the Espresso Martini cocktail provides an assertive flavour of coffee. And the Martinez cocktail is history in a sleek glass! Each of these drinks offers a lens into why this cocktail continues to remain a staple across bar menus. 

*Drink Responsibly. This communication is for audiences above the age of 25.