3 Fun Martini Drinks to Make at Home

Martinis are a classic and versitile drink, and you can make them dessert-like, fruity, or even spicy. One favorite is the famous espresso martini drink, that supposidly gained popularity after Dick Bradsell made it for a super model that came to his bar in London in 1983. 

If you have already mastered regular gin martinis, or just want to try something new, consider the following recipes:

1. The Breakfast Martini

Although the name alludes to a specific meal of the day, this cocktail is tasty and refreshing enough to sip on anytime, day or night. It’s named after the morning meal, thanks to its inclusion of orange marmalade, which traditionally goes on toast at breakfasttime. 

Instructions (one serving):

1. Add two ounces of vodka, a half ounce of Cointreu, a tablespoon of lemon juice, and teaspoon of orange marmalade to a shaker
2. Fill the rest of the shaker with ice, and shake vigorously
3. Pour the mixture into a chilled glass or mug
4. Top with an orange or lemon twist for garnish, if desired

Like martinis, there are several types of marmalades on the market. You can try making this drink with lemon, lime, or any other kind of marmalade at the store you can find! It’s also fun to experiment with flavored vodkas or by adding fresh herbs to the shaker for an added dimension of taste. 

2. Rose Martini

For a fancier appearance and more floral flavor, try making the rose martini either for yourself or the next time you host a gathering. Any rose petal can be edible, but the darker varieties tend to have more flavor. 

Instructions (one serving)

1. Add two ounces of vodka, a tablespoon of lemon juice, a half teaspoon of rosewater, and a tablespoon of simple syrup to a shaker glass
2. Place crushed or cubed ice to the shaker glass, and shake vigorously
3. Pour the mixture into a chilled martini glass
4. Garnish with edible rose petals and serve immediately

You can find rosewater in some liquior stores, and many specialty food stores. You can also make your own by submerging sevreal rose pedals in water and letting them steep for up to six hours in a warm environment. 

3. Elderflower Martini

Elderflower has become increasingly popular in cocktails in recent years, and elderflower liqueur works beautifully in vodka martinis, like this one! 

Instructions (one serving):

1. Add a half ounce of dry vermouth to a martini glass and swirl it around, covering all slides of the glass
2. Pour out vermouth
3. Add one ounce of vodka, one ounce of elderflower liqueur, and a tablespoon of lime juice to a shaker bottle, and top with ice. Shake vigorously
4. Strain the mixture into the martini glass and add a lime twist for garnish, if desired

If you can’t find elderflower liqueur, or simply want other floral liqueur options, you can substitute it for jasmine, hibiscus, or rose liquer. You can also experiment with other types of juice, like lemon, orange, or even pomegranite juice for a totally different flavor. 

Play Around with Mixology at Home! 

Many beginner mixologists don’t even know where to start with creating unique and tasty beverages for themselves or their guests. Fortunately, vodka-based martinis are a relatively easy place to start. By following recipes, such as those outlined above, you can get the hang of ratios and flavor combinations, and try small substitutions, like different flavors of vodkas or various garnishes. 

Eventually, you’ll get the hang of it to the point where you can conjure up vodka martinis that are completely your own creation! Your friends and family members will love asking you to make your signature drink.