The art of crafting the perfect martini has been a staple of cocktail culture for centuries. Among the many variations, one style stands out for its crisp, refreshing taste and sophisticated appeal: the extra dry martini. In this article, we’ll take you on a journey through 19 classic and refined extra dry martini recipes that are sure to impress even the most discerning palates.
From timeless pairings like gin and vermouth to innovative twists featuring unexpected ingredients, these recipes showcase the best of what the world of mixology has to offer. Whether you’re a seasoned bartender or a cocktail newcomer, we’ll provide you with the tools and inspiration you need to elevate your martini game and become the life of the party.
So sit back, relax, and get ready to indulge in some of the most mouth-watering, expertly crafted martini recipes out there. It’s time to take your martini-making skills to the next level!
Extra Dry Gin Martini with a Twist
Elevate your cocktail game with this timeless recipe that showcases the crisp, dry flavor of gin. A splash of citrus and a touch of elegance make it perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz extra dry gin
– 1/2 oz dry vermouth
– 1/2 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/4 oz simple syrup (optional)
– Lemon twist or wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the gin, vermouth, and lemon juice.
3. Shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
5. If desired, add a splash of simple syrup for a touch of sweetness.
6. Garnish with a lemon twist or wheel.
Cooking Time: None!
Bone Dry Vodka Martini
A classic martini with a twist, this Bone Dry Vodka Martini is perfect for those who prefer their cocktails crisp and refreshing. With its bold flavors and smooth finish, you’ll be sipping on this one all night long.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 ounces bone dry vodka
– 1/2 ounce dry vermouth
– Green olive or lemon twist for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the bone dry vodka and dry vermouth to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for approximately 10-15 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
5. Garnish with a green olive or lemon twist.
Cooking Time: None, this is a cocktail recipe!
Ultra Dry Martini with Lemon Peel
Experience a refreshing twist on the classic martini with this Ultra Dry recipe, featuring a burst of citrus flavor from lemon peel.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz (60 ml) gin
– 1/2 oz (15 ml) dry vermouth
– 1/4 oz (7.5 ml) lemon juice
– Lemon peel, for garnish
– Ice
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Pour the gin, dry vermouth, and lemon juice over the ice.
3. Stir briefly to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain into a chilled martini glass.
5. Express a strip of lemon peel over the drink, then use as garnish.
Cooking Time: None (simply prepare and serve)
Dry Martini with Blue Cheese-Stuffed Olives
A classic Dry Martini gets a sophisticated twist with the addition of creamy blue cheese-stuffed olives. This simple yet impressive recipe is perfect for special occasions or a night in with friends.
Ingredients:
– 2 ounces gin
– 1 ounce dry vermouth
– 1/4 cup blue cheese, crumbled
– 1/4 cup pitted green olives
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Stuff each olive with about 1/4 teaspoon of blue cheese.
2. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
3. Pour in the gin and vermouth.
4. Add the stuffed olives to the shaker.
5. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
6. Strain into a chilled martini glass.
7. Garnish with an additional olive, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! Just shake and serve.
Extra Dry Dirty Martini
This classic cocktail gets a twist with the addition of olive brine and dry vermouth, making it an extra dry and dirty delight.
Ingredients:
– 2 ounces gin
– 1/4 ounce green Chartreuse
– 1/4 ounce olive brine
– 1/2 ounce dry vermouth
– Green olives for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the gin, Chartreuse, and olive brine.
3. Shake vigorously for about 10-12 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
5. Add the dry vermouth and stir gently to combine.
6. Garnish with a green olive.
Cooking Time: None, just mix and serve!
Classic Dry Martini with a Hint of Vermouth
Elevate your cocktail game with this timeless recipe that balances the crispness of gin and the subtlety of vermouth. Perfect for sipping on its own or pairing with a rich meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 ounces (60ml) London Dry Gin
– 1/4 ounce (15ml) Noilly Prat Vermouth
– Green olive or lemon twist for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Pour the gin and vermouth over the ice.
3. Stir gently for approximately 30 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
5. Garnish with a green olive or lemon twist.
Cooking Time: None
Dry Martini with Cucumber Infusion
Elevate the classic dry martini with a refreshing twist by infusing it with cucumber essence. This unique combination is perfect for warm weather or anytime you need a revitalizing cocktail.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz (60 ml) gin
– 1/2 oz (15 ml) dry vermouth
– Slice of fresh cucumber (about 1 inch)
– Green olive or lemon twist for garnish
Instructions:
1. Chill the gin and vermouth in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
2. Slice the cucumber into thin pieces and place them in a small bowl.
3. Pour the chilled gin and vermouth into a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
4. Add the cucumber slices to the shaker and muddle gently (about 10 seconds) to release their flavors.
5. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
6. Garnish with a green olive or lemon twist.
Cooking Time: None
Extra Dry Martini with Orange Bitters
Experience the perfect balance of crisp, dry gin and bold citrus flavors with this elegant cocktail. A dash of orange bitters adds a sophisticated twist to a classic martini.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz (60 ml) extra dry gin
– 1/4 oz (15 ml) dry vermouth
– Orange bitters (about 3-4 drops)
– Green olive or lemon twist for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Pour the gin and vermouth over the ice.
3. Add orange bitters and stir for about 30 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
5. Garnish with a green olive or lemon twist.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail!
Bone Dry Martini with Pickled Onion Garnish
A classic martini recipe elevated by a tangy pickled onion garnish, perfect for sipping on a warm evening.
Ingredients:
– 2 ounces dry vermouth
– 1 ounce gin
– 1/4 teaspoon bone dry mixture (see note)
– Lemon twist or pickled onion slice for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Pour in the vermouth and gin.
3. Add the bone dry mixture and stir gently to combine.
4. Strain into a chilled martini glass.
5. Garnish with a lemon twist or a pickled onion slice.
Pickled Onion Garnish:
– Slice 1/4 cup of red onion thinly.
– In a small bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons white vinegar, 1 tablespoon sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
– Add the sliced onion to the bowl and let it sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes or refrigerate overnight.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail recipe.
Dry Martini with Rosemary-Infused Gin
Elevate your cocktail game with this unique twist on the classic dry martini, featuring rosemary-infused gin and a hint of herbal sophistication.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Rosemary-Infused Gin (see note)
– 1/2 oz dry vermouth
– Lemon twist or rosemary sprig for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Pour the rosemary-infused gin and dry vermouth over the ice.
3. Stir for approximately 30 seconds to chill and dilute the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
5. Garnish with a lemon twist or rosemary sprig.
Note: To make rosemary-infused gin, combine 1 cup of gin with 1/4 cup of fresh rosemary leaves in an airtight container. Steep for at least 2 hours, then strain and discard the rosemary before using in this recipe.
Extra Dry Martini with Lavender Essence
Experience the perfect blend of crispness and subtlety with this unique martini recipe, infused with the floral essence of lavender.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Extra Dry Gin
– 1/2 oz Freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/2 oz Simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1/4 oz Lavender syrup (see note)
– Lime wheel, for garnish
– Edible lavender buds or sprig, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the gin, lime juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Add 1/4 oz of lavender syrup and shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
5. Garnish with a lime wheel and optional edible lavender buds or sprig.
Cooking Time: None (all ingredients are pre-prepared)
Dry Martini with Stuffed Jalapeño Olives
This recipe combines the classic dry martini with the bold flavors of stuffed jalapeño olives, adding a spicy kick to your cocktail hour.
Ingredients:
– 2 ounces gin
– 1 ounce dry vermouth
– 1/4 cup water
– Salt, for rimming glass
– 12-15 jalapeño olives, pitted and filled with blue cheese crumbles
– Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Rim a martini glass with salt.
2. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
3. Add gin, vermouth, and water to the shaker.
4. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
5. Strain into the prepared martini glass.
6. Garnish with a stuffed jalapeño olive.
7. Sprinkle with black pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: None
Ultra Dry Martini with Grapefruit Zest
Elevate your martini game with this refreshing twist on the classic cocktail.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz gin
– 1 oz dry vermouth
– 1/4 grapefruit zest, thinly sliced
– Salt, for rimming glass
Instructions:
1. Rim a chilled martini glass with salt.
2. Fill a mixing glass with ice and add gin and vermouth.
3. Stir gently for approximately 30 seconds to chill and dilute the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into the prepared martini glass.
5. Garnish with a thinly sliced piece of grapefruit zest, carefully placed on top of the drink.
Cooking Time: None (cocktail preparation only)
Enjoy your crisp and revitalizing Ultra Dry Martini with Grapefruit Zest!
Extra Dry Martini with Black Pepper Twist
This Extra Dry Martini with Black Pepper Twist is a sophisticated take on the classic cocktail, featuring a subtle yet intriguing flavor combination that will leave you wanting more.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz gin
– 1/2 oz dry vermouth
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– Lemon twist or black pepper twist for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Pour the gin and vermouth over the ice.
3. Add a pinch of black pepper (about 1/4 tsp).
4. Stir the mixture for approximately 30 seconds to chill and dilute the ingredients.
5. Strain the martini into a chilled glass.
6. Garnish with a lemon twist or a black pepper twist, depending on your preference.
Cooking Time: None
Dry Martini with Thyme-Infused Vodka
Elevate your martini game with this refreshing twist on the classic dry martini, featuring thyme-infused vodka.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Thyme-Infused Vodka (see note)
– 1/2 oz Dry Vermouth
– Green olive or lemon twist for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the thyme-infused vodka and dry vermouth.
3. Shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
5. Garnish with a green olive or lemon twist.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail!
Note: To make thyme-infused vodka, combine 1 cup of vodka with 1/4 cup of fresh thyme leaves in an airtight container. Let it sit for at least 2 hours or overnight before straining and using in the recipe.
Bone Dry Martini with Castelvetrano Olives
This elegant cocktail is a masterclass in subtlety, showcasing the refined flavors of gin and citrus, expertly balanced by the brininess of Castelvetrano olives.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz (60 ml) gin
– 1/4 oz (15 ml) dry vermouth
– 1/2 Castelvetrano olive, pitted
– Lemon twist or cocktail onions for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Pour the gin and vermouth over the ice.
3. Stir gently for approximately 30 seconds to chill and dilute the mixture.
4. Strain the martini into a chilled glass.
5. Place the pitted Castelvetrano olive in the martini.
6. Garnish with a lemon twist or cocktail onions, if desired.
Cooking Time: None (a quick and simple cocktail!)
Extra Dry Martini with Espresso Rinse
Elevate your cocktail game with this sophisticated twist on the classic martini. The bold flavors of espresso and vodka blend seamlessly to create a refreshing, yet complex drink.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Extra Dry Vodka
– 1/2 oz Dry Vermouth
– 1/2 oz Espresso Liqueur
– Green olive or lemon twist for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add the vodka, vermouth, and espresso liqueur.
3. Stir for approximately 20-25 seconds to chill and dilute the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
5. Rinse the rim of the glass with a small amount of espresso (about 1/4 oz) to create a subtle coffee flavor.
6. Garnish with a green olive or lemon twist.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail recipe!
Dry Martini with Basil Garnish
A classic cocktail gets a twist with the addition of basil, adding a bright and herbaceous note to this crisp drink. Perfect for warm weather or any occasion when you want a sophisticated sipper.
Ingredients:
– 2 ounces gin
– 1 ounce dry vermouth
– 1/4 teaspoon green Chartreuse (optional)
– Basil leaves for garnish
– Lemon twist or cocktail onion for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Pour in the gin, vermouth, and Green Chartreuse (if using).
3. Stir for approximately 30 seconds to chill and dilute the ingredients.
4. Strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass.
5. Garnish with a basil leaf and a lemon twist or cocktail onion if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This is a drink, not a dish.
Enjoy your refreshing Dry Martini with Basil Garnish!
Ultra Dry Martini with Fennel Pollen Dusting
Elevate your martini game with this crisp and refreshing cocktail, perfectly balanced by the subtle anise flavor of fennel pollen.
Ingredients:
– 2 ounces gin
– 1 ounce dry vermouth
– 1/2 teaspoon fennel pollen
– Lemon twist or orange peel for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Pour the gin and vermouth over the ice.
3. Add the fennel pollen and stir for about 30 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
5. Garnish with a lemon twist or orange peel, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This is a cocktail, not a dish.
Summary
Raise your glass to refined cocktail culture! This collection of 19 classic extra dry martini recipes takes the timeless drink to new heights. From Extra Dry Gin Martini with a Twist to Ultra Dry Martini with Grapefruit Zest, each recipe is carefully crafted to showcase the perfect balance of dryness and flavor. With unique twists on traditional ingredients and garnishes, these refined cocktails are sure to impress your friends and elevate your mixology game.