We often hear about Martini. For some, it’s a cocktail associated with James Bond; for others, it’s the drink always served with an olive. In reality, both are somewhat true, but the key fact is that Martini is a type of Italian vermouth. This vermouth is made from wine infused with herbs and spices.
Martini – What Kind of Alcohol Is It?
There are several types of Martini vermouth, with Martini Bianco being the one most commonly used for cocktails. In addition, the market offers other varieties such as Rosso, Extra Dry, Rosato, and Fiero.
The first Martini was created by Alessandro Martini and Luigi Rossi at the end of the 19th century. The base of this drink was a mix of herbs and caramel.
Martini – Types of Vermouth
As mentioned earlier, there are several types of Martini. The most popular and classic one is undoubtedly Martini Bianco. It stands out with its semi-sweet flavor, rich in vanilla notes combined with floral and spicy accents.
Martini Rosso, on the other hand, is a sweet red vermouth. Its distinctive color reflects its deep herbal and caramel flavor.
A drier version of Martini vermouth is Extra Dry, with a citrusy taste full of raspberry notes, subtly blended with pronounced iris tones. Experts consider it the best choice for a Martini cocktail, as it isn’t overly sweet.
Martini Rosato combines the qualities of both white and red varieties. This means it carries not only fruity sweetness but also bold notes of warming spices, especially cinnamon.
What to Drink Martini With?
Of course, serving a Martini over ice is always an option and a good one at that, but it’s worth exploring the many possible combinations that create new taste experiences. Martini pairs well with classic mixers such as citrus, apple, or grape juice. It also goes nicely with Sprite or tonic. A timeless choice is a Martini with cola, but it also works well with spirits like vodka, gin, or Campari.
Martini with Olive — Dry Martini
The ultimate classic among world-famous cocktails is, without a doubt, the Dry Martini — instantly recognizable thanks to its association with James Bond. This cocktail embodies elegance through simplicity and showcases perfect flavor harmony.
Ingredients:
- Martini – 50 ml
- Gin – 100 ml
- Ice
- Olive – for garnish
Preparation:
In a shaker, combine ice, Martini, and gin. Then simply strain into a martini glass and garnish with an olive. As James Bond would say — “Shaken, not stirred!”
Martini Bianco Royale
The refreshing Martini Bianco Royale is a perfect blend of aromatic, dry Martini and sparkling wine that gives the drink its light, elegant character. Made with Martini Bianco, this cocktail delights with gentle vanilla notes beautifully balanced by its herbal aroma.
Ingredients:
- Martini Bianco – 60 ml
- Sparkling wine – 60 ml
- Lime juice – 30 ml
- Ice
- Mint – a sprig for garnish
Preparation:
Pour Martini and lime juice into a glass filled with ice, then top with sparkling wine. Garnish with a mint sprig — and it’s ready to serve!
Martini with Vodka and Orange Juice
The Martini with vodka and orange juice is a perfectly balanced cocktail that combines subtle sweetness, citrus freshness, and the bold character of vodka. Its smooth yet vibrant flavor makes it an enduring favorite.
Ingredients:
- Martini Bianco – 50 ml
- Vodka – 50 ml
- Orange juice – 100 ml
- Ice
Preparation:
Nothing complicated here — combine all ingredients in a shaker, mix well, and pour into a glass. Simple, refreshing, and delicious.
Martini Fiero Cocktails
Martini Fiero, a citrusy and herbal vermouth, gives this cocktail a rich and intense flavor. The aroma of red orange blends beautifully with the sparkling wine, adding a subtle touch of bitterness. It’s the perfect combination for summer days, though it works just as well any time of year.
Ingredients:
- Sparkling wine – 90 ml
- Martini Fiero – 60 ml
- Sparkling water – 40 ml
- Ice
- Orange slice – for garnish
Preparation:
Pour Martini Fiero, sparkling wine, and sparkling water into a glass filled with ice. Stir gently and garnish with an orange slice to finish.
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Negroni
This iconic Italian cocktail, with its touch of bitterness and subtle sweetness, is a true delight for connoisseurs. Made with just three key ingredients, it perfectly balances three elements of flavor. Campari adds a distinct bitterness, Martini brings gentle sweetness, and gin delivers a strong, aromatic kick.
Ingredients:
- Gin – 30 ml
- Martini Rosso – 30 ml
- Campari – 30 ml
- Ice
- Orange peel – for garnish
Preparation:
Add gin, Martini, and Campari to a glass filled with ice and stir gently. Garnish with a slice or twist of orange — and your Negroni is ready to serve.
Martini with Tonic and Rose
A floral and fruity cocktail based on Martini with tonic and rose — also known as the Martini Rosato Spritz. Fresh grapefruit juice blends perfectly with rose syrup, giving the drink a citrusy, floral aroma with a subtle spicy finish. This romantic and refreshing cocktail makes an ideal aperitif, perfect for warm summer evenings.
Ingredients:
- Martini Rosato – 80 ml
- Tonic – 100 ml
- Rose syrup – 20 ml
- Fresh grapefruit juice – 15 ml
- Ice
- Grapefruit slice – for garnish
Preparation:
In a shaker filled with ice, combine the Martini, rose syrup, and grapefruit juice. Shake well, then strain into a glass. Add tonic, stir gently, and garnish. Quick, creative, and delicious!
Fruity Martini Asti Cocktail
The Martini Asti and raspberry cocktail, also known as the Martini Asti Berry Spritz, captures the full harmony of summer in a single glass — sunshine, sweet fruits, and aromatic herbs. The refined tartness of fresh lemon juice adds a perfect finishing touch.
Ingredients:
- Martini Asti – 100 ml
- Aperol – 20 ml
- Raspberry purée – 30 ml
- Lemon juice – 15 ml
- Sparkling water – 50 ml
- Fresh raspberries – about 4 for garnish
- Ice
Preparation:
In a glass, mix the raspberry purée, lemon juice, and Aperol. Then add ice, Martini Asti, and sparkling water. Stir gently and garnish with fresh raspberries to finish.
Summary
Martini is a highly versatile drink that serves as an excellent base for many cocktails. Whether you’re in the mood for a Dry Martini or something fruitier like a Martini Rosato Spritz, the recipes in this article offer plenty of options to suit your taste.
