Today, martinis have firmly established themselves as an iconic cocktail that is known and recognized by people all over the world. Whether you are a cocktail enthusiast or a casual drinker, the martini's allure and reputation precede it. From James Bond ordering his signature "shaken, not stirred" martini to the sleek and elegant glassware it is served in, the martini has become a symbol of sophistication and refinement. Its timeless appeal transcends borders and generations, making it a go-to choice for those seeking a classic and distinguished drink. With countless variations and adaptations to suit individual preferences, the martini continues to captivate and delight taste buds, ensuring its prominent place in the realm of cocktails for years to come.
The true origins of the martini may remain shrouded in mystery, but these offbeat martini variations offer a departure from the traditional while still embracing the elegance and sophistication of the classic cocktail. Whether you prefer the rich flavours of espresso, the refreshing combination of cucumber and mint, the fruity and herbal notes of blueberry and basil, or the savoury allure of maple and bacon, these creative twists will add excitement to your home mixology adventures. Cheers to trying something new and discovering your own signature martini!
Herbal Martini, Manjiri Nevrekar, Assistant Bartender, Nksha Restaurant.
Ingredients:
- 45 ml Indian Craft Gin
- 15 ml Herbal Liqueur
- 20 ml Grapefruit juice
- Vetiver roots
Method:
- Take a chilled mixing glass and pour any Indian Craft Gin
- Add 15 ml of Herbal Liqueur and 20 ml of Grapefruit Juice
- Fill the mixing glass up with lots of ice.
- Stir the drink to perfection
- Strain into a chilled Martini glass
- Finish the drink with Vetiver Roots smoke.
Hibiscus Martini, By Jagmohan Singh, Mixologist, Araiya Palampur Resort
Ingredients
- 45ml gin
- 15 ml Martini Bianco
- 90 ml Homemade Hibiscus Suspension(No Sugar)
Method:
- Add gin in a Shaker along with the Martini Bianco.
- Pour in the Homemade Hibiscus Suspension.
- Add ice, and shake vigorously.
- Strain and serve.
Espresso Martini Twist
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ ounces vodka
- ½ ounce coffee liqueur
- ½ ounce simple syrup
- 1 shot of freshly brewed espresso
- Coffee beans (for garnish)
Method:
- In a shaker, combine vodka, coffee liqueur, simple syrup, and freshly brewed espresso.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
- Garnish with a few coffee beans.
- Serve and enjoy the Espresso Martini Twist!
Cucumber Mint Martini
Ingredients:
- Cucumber slices
- Fresh mint leaves
- 2 ounces gin
- ½ ounce simple syrup
- Juice of half a lime
- Cucumber slice and mint sprig (for garnish)
Method:
- In a shaker, muddle a few cucumber slices and a handful of fresh mint leaves.
- Add gin, simple syrup, and lime juice to the shaker.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 20 seconds.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
- Garnish with a cucumber slice and a sprig of mint.
- Serve and enjoy the refreshing Cucumber Mint Martini!
Blueberry Basil Martini
Ingredients:
- Handful of fresh blueberries
- Few torn basil leaves
- 2 ounces vodka
- ¾ ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
- ½ ounce simple syrup
- Skewer of blueberries and basil leaf (for garnish)
Method:
- In a shaker, muddle a handful of fresh blueberries and torn basil leaves.
- Add vodka, lemon juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake well for about 15 seconds.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
- Garnish with a skewer of blueberries and a basil leaf.
- Serve and enjoy the fruity and herbal Blueberry Basil Martini!
Smoky Maple Bacon Martini
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces bacon-infused vodka
- ½ ounce maple syrup
- Dash of smoked bitters
- Crispy bacon (for garnish)
Method:
- Infuse 2 ounces of vodka with cooked and cooled bacon strips for a couple of hours. Strain the vodka to remove any bacon solids.
- In a shaker, combine the bacon-infused vodka, maple syrup, and a dash of smoked bitters.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 20 seconds.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
- Garnish with a small piece of crispy bacon.
- Serve and enjoy the unique and savoury Smoky Maple Bacon Martini!
- Note: To infuse vodka with bacon, cook a few bacon strips until crispy, then let them cool. Place the bacon strips in a container with 2 ounces of vodka and let it sit for a couple of hours. Strain the vodka to remove any bacon solids before using it in the recipe.