17 Types of Martinis to Shake Up Happy Hour

A staple for martini lovers, the classic dry martini mixes gin and dry vermouth in a mixing glass with fresh ice, then strained into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a lemon twist or cocktail olives.

The less vermouth, the drier the drink. In fact, many recipes call for almost no vermouth at all.

Swapping out gin for vodka, the vodka martini is a clean, crisp variation. Shaken or stirred, it’s typically garnished with a lemon peel or olive. It became famous thanks to James Bond’s iconic “shaken, not stirred” martini order, which popularized the vodka martini.

Love a savory garnish? The dirty martini adds olive juice (or olive brine) to the standard vodka or gin base. It’s bold, briny, and a favorite among those who enjoy their cocktails with just a hint of salinity.

The Gibson martini keeps the gin and dry vermouth but swaps the olive for a pickled onion garnish. It’s clean, sharp, and delivers a subtle tang that’s ideal for those seeking a twist on the classic cocktail.

This martini recipe blends equal parts sweet and dry vermouth with gin or vodka. It strikes a balance between the rich notes of sweet vermouth and the crisp edge of dry. Garnish with a lemon zest or twist for added brightness.

Opposite of dry, a wet martini uses a higher ratio of vermouth. Mixing gin with more sweet or dry vermouth softens the drink’s punch and appeals to those who prefer a smoother sip.

For those who love vermouth, the reverse martini flips the classic ratio: more vermouth than gin. Served ice cold with a lemon peel, it's a softer take on the traditional formula.

A favorite among citrus fans, the lemon drop martini blends vodka, fresh lemon juice, and orange liqueur. Shaken with ice and served in a sugar-rimmed cocktail glass, it’s tart, sweet, and refreshing.

The French martini is a fruity, elegant drink combining vodka, raspberry liqueur, and pineapple juice. It’s smooth, sweet, and often garnished with a fresh raspberry or lemon twist.

This bright green cocktail blends vodka with sour apple liqueur and sometimes a splash of lemon juice. It’s crisp and sweet with a tart finish, typically served in a chilled martini glass.

For coffee lovers, the espresso martini is a must. Made with vodka, espresso, and coffee liqueur, it’s a rich, bold pick-me-up. A few coffee beans on top finish the look.

Dessert in a glass, the chocolate martini combines vodka with chocolate liqueur, sometimes vanilla vodka, and even Irish cream. It's decadent and perfect for a sweet ending to the evening.

Made with vodka and pomegranate juice, this martini is fruity and slightly tart. It may also include a dash of lemon juice or orange liqueur for complexity. It’s a vibrant choice for any occasion.

This modern twist infuses vodka or gin with cucumber slices and lime juice. Refreshing and herbaceous, it’s often served with a cucumber ribbon or slice as garnish.

Blending watermelon juice, vodka, and lime juice, this summery cocktail is light, fruity, and refreshing. It’s perfect for warm weather and outdoor sipping.

Also called a crantini, this drink pairs vodka and cranberry juice with a hint of orange liqueur or fresh lemon juice. It's colorful and slightly tart with a clean finish.

One of the trendiest new entries, the pornstar martini includes vanilla vodka, passion fruit puree, and a shot of sparkling wine on the side. It’s sweet, tangy, and makes a bold impression.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.