Unique Vodka Martinis Recipes (Put a Spin on a Classic)

There's no drink out there that can make you feel as dignified as a martini can, but some people think the traditional recipe can be a bit boring. If you feel this way too and want to put a little pizazz into this classic cocktail, take a look at these unique vodka martini recipes that put a spin on this fundamental formula and see which one of these piques your interest first.

Peppermint Martini

Don't wait for winter to try out the chilly bite of this easy-to-mix peppermint martini.

Ingredients

• Lime wedge for garnish
• Sugar for garnish
• 1 ounce peppermint schnapps
• 2 ounces vodka
• Ice

Instructions

1. Coat the rim of a chilled martini glass with the lime wedge and dip it into a plate filled with sauce. Set aside.
2. In a mixing glass, combine the peppermint schnapps and vodka.
3. Add ice and stir for a minute or two.
4. Strain the mixture into the chilled martini glass.

Lemon Martini

Lemons are an underrated fruit which brings more than just a hint of sour to whatever they're used in; let this lemon martini prove that the bright yellow citrus can stand out on its own in a classic cocktail.

Ingredients

• Lemon wedge for garnish
• Sugar for garnish
• 1 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
• ½ ounce simple syrup
• 2 ounces lemon vodka
• Ice
• Lemon twist for garnish

Instructions

1. Rub the rim of a chilled martini glass with a lemon wedge and dip it into a plate full of sugar. Set aside.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine the lemon juice, simple syrup, and lemon vodka.
3. Add ice and shake until chilled.
4. Strain the mixture into the chilled martin glass.
5. Garnish with a lemon twist.

Pineapple Martini

Perfect for folks who gravitate towards tropical flavors but aren't in a beachfront setting, this pineapple martini brings the best tropical taste to any esteemed drink.

Ingredients

• ½ ounce simple syrup
• 1 ounce pineapple juice
• 2 ounces vodka
• Splash coconut rum (optional)
• Ice

Instructions

1. In a cocktail shaker, combine the simple syrup, pineapple juice, vodka, and the optional coconut rum.
2. Add ice and shake until chilled.
3. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass and serve.

Pear Martini

For a pear-y delicious martini, take a stab at this quick and easy pear martini recipe.

Ingredients

• ½ cup diced pears
• ½ ounce lemon juice
• ½ ounce simple syrup
• 2 ounces pear vodka
• Ice
• Pear halves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. In a cocktail shaker, combine the diced pears, lemon juice, simple syrup, and pear vodka.
2. Gentle muddle the mixture together.
3. Add ice and shake until chilled.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
5. Garnish with the optional pear halves.

Vanilla Martini

If you're looking for a martini that has a hint of flavor but isn't overpowering, try this vanilla martini which mixes together just two ingredients: white crème de cacao and vanilla vodka.

Ingredients

• 1 ounce white crème de cacao
• 2 ounces vanilla vodka
• Ice

Instructions

1. In a mixing glass, combine the crème de cacao and vanilla vodka.
2. Add ice and stir to chill.
3. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.

Espresso Martini

The massive popularity of coffee shops like Starbucks proves that the coffee trend isn't going anywhere anytime soon, so if you're looking to impress your Millennial friends make them a round of this espresso martini recipe.

Ingredients

• ½ ounce heavy cream
• 1 ounce Kahlúa
• 2 ounces vodka
• Ice
• Espresso beans for garnish

Instructions

• In a cocktail shaker, combine the heavy cream, Kahlúa, and vodka.
• Add ice and shake until chilled.
• Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
• Place a few espresso beans in the center for a garnish and serve.

Rose Martini

An ideal drink to prepare for a bridal or baby shower or for an idyllic afternoon tea themed birthday party, this rose martini combines the floral botanicals of the rose flower with vodka to create a light and airy martini.

Ingredients

• ½ ounce simple syrup
• ½ tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon rose water
• 2 ounces vodka

Instructions

1. In a cocktail shaker, combine the simple syrup, lemon juice, rose water, and vodka.
2. Add ice and shake until chilled.
3. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.

Unique Garnishes for Vodka Martinis

The options are limitless when it comes to garnishing martinis, and here are just a few of the ways you can spice up your drink's presentation:

• Sugar or salt a martini glass's rim for a tasty garnish.
• Place a spiraled fruit peel on the edge or inside the cocktail for a simple touch of color.
• Drop in an edible flower or two to create a spring-like energy.
• Add a custom swizzle stick that fits the theme of whatever event you're hosting.
• For dessert martinis, sprinkle some chocolate shavings on top.
• To add some spice, put a dash of your favorite spice onto the top of your finished drink.

Metamorphose Vodka Martinis at Home

Thanks to how easy it is to make a great vodka martini at home, you can easily experiment with the formula to create fun and exciting new flavor combinations to match whatever birthday party, sports event, or dinner you're hosting, and an easy place for you to start is with any one of these deliciously unique vodka martini recipes here.