19 Classic Extra Dry Martini Recipes with a Twist

Are you ready to elevate your cocktail game? Look no further! In this article, we’ll take you on a journey through 19 classic extra dry martini recipes with a twist. From timeless combinations like gin and lemon to more unexpected pairings like vodka and pickled onion, we’ve got you covered.

The art of crafting the perfect martini is a delicate one. It requires balance, finesse, and a willingness to experiment. But don’t worry, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Whether you’re a seasoned mixologist or just starting out, these recipes are sure to inspire and delight.

So grab your shaker, grab your glassware, and get ready to shake (and stir) things up! In the following pages, we’ll explore the world of extra dry martinis like never before. From bold and spicy to elegant and refined, there’s something for everyone in this ultimate collection of recipes.

Extra Dry Gin Martini with Lemon Twist

A classic martini recipe gets a twist (literally!) with the addition of a lemon twist garnish. This extra dry gin martini is perfect for those who prefer their cocktails crisp and refreshing.

Ingredients:

– 2 oz extra dry gin
– 1 oz dry vermouth
– Green lemon twist, cut into a thin strip
– Ice

Instructions:

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the extra dry gin and dry vermouth.
3. Shake vigorously for approximately 10-15 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
5. Place the lemon twist strip on the rim of the glass, curling it around the edge.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Cooking Time: None (just mix and serve!)

Bone Dry Vodka Martini with Olive Brine

This sleek and sophisticated cocktail is perfect for those who prefer their martinis as dry as possible. The addition of olive brine adds a salty, savory element that complements the crisp vodka beautifully.

Ingredients:

– 2 oz bone dry vodka
– 1/2 oz olive brine
– 1/2 oz dry vermouth
– Green olives for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Pour in the vodka, olive brine, and vermouth.
3. Stir gently for approximately 30 seconds to chill and combine ingredients.
4. Strain into a chilled martini glass.
5. Garnish with a green olive.

Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready to serve immediately.

Ultra Dry Martini with a Hint of Vermouth

Experience the perfect balance of crisp gin and subtle vermouth in this timeless cocktail. This Ultra Dry Martini recipe is a masterclass in restraint, allowing the spirit to shine while still hinting at the complexity of the vermouth.

Ingredients:

– 2 ounces (60 ml) gin
– 1/4 ounce (7.5 ml) dry vermouth
– Lemon twist or cocktail onion for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Pour in the gin and vermouth.
3. Stir for approximately 30 seconds to chill and dilute the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
5. Garnish with a lemon twist or cocktail onion.

Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail recipe!

Extra Dry Dirty Martini with Blue Cheese Stuffed Olives

Elevate your cocktail game with this savory take on the classic dirty martini, featuring creamy blue cheese stuffed olives and a crisp extra dry vermouth.

Ingredients:

– 2 oz gin
– 1 oz extra dry vermouth
– 1/2 oz blue cheese-stuffed olive brine (see note)
– 6-8 blue cheese-stuffed olives
– Green olive garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the gin and vermouth to the shaker.
3. Pour in the blue cheese-stuffed olive brine and shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds.
4. Strain the martini into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with a green olive and serve immediately.

Note: To make blue cheese-stuffed olives, fill pitted green olives with crumbled blue cheese and refrigerate until firm.

Cooking Time: None (just shake and serve!)

Classic Dry Martini with a Twist of Orange

Elevate your cocktail game with this timeless classic, elevated by the subtle nuances of orange zest. This refreshing drink is perfect for sipping on its own or paired with a fine meal.

Ingredients:

– 2 ounces gin
– 1 ounce dry vermouth
– Orange twist (for garnish)
– Ice

Instructions:

1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Pour the gin and vermouth over the ice.
3. Stir for approximately 30-45 seconds to chill and dilute the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
5. Express a strip of orange zest over the drink, then place it on the rim.

Cooking Time: None! Just mix and serve.

Extra Dry Espresso Martini for a Bold Kick

Elevate your cocktail game with this intense espresso martini that packs a bold punch. Made with extra dry vermouth and a shot of strong espresso, this drink is perfect for those who crave a caffeine kick.

Ingredients:

– 2 oz vodka
– 1 oz extra dry vermouth
– 1/2 oz freshly brewed espresso
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (optional)
– Coffee beans or grinds for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the vodka, vermouth, and espresso to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
5. If desired, add simple syrup to balance the bitterness (start with 1/8 oz and adjust to taste).
6. Garnish with coffee beans or grinds.

Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready in minutes.

Bone Dry Martini with Pickled Onion Garnish

Experience the perfect balance of crisp and savory flavors with this unique cocktail recipe. This bone dry martini is elevated by a tangy pickled onion garnish, making it a standout for any occasion.

Ingredients:

– 2 oz vodka (preferably a high-proof or “bone dry” variety)
– 1/2 oz dry vermouth
– 1/4 oz pickle brine (from your favorite dill pickle jar)
– Lime wheel, for garnish
– Thinly sliced pickled onion, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Pour the vodka and vermouth over the ice.
3. Add 1/4 oz of pickle brine.
4. Stir the mixture for approximately 30 seconds to chill and combine.
5. Strain the martini into a chilled coupe or martini glass.
6. Garnish with a lime wheel and a thin slice of pickled onion.

Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail recipe!

Ultra Dry Martini with a Dash of Bitters

Elevate your martini game with this elegant and sophisticated cocktail that combines the crispness of dry vermouth with the complexity of bitters. This Ultra Dry Martini with a Dash of Bitters is perfect for those who prefer a subtle yet refined flavor profile.

Ingredients:

– 2 oz (60 ml) gin
– 1/2 oz (15 ml) dry vermouth
– 1 dash Angostura bitters
– Green olive or lemon twist for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Pour the gin, vermouth, and bitters over the ice.
3. Stir for approximately 30 seconds to chill and dilute the mixture.
4. Strain the martini into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with a green olive or lemon twist.

Cooking Time: None (a cocktail is not cooked, of course!)

Extra Dry Martini with Cucumber Ribbon

Elevate your cocktail game with this refreshing twist on the classic martini, featuring a delicate cucumber ribbon garnish. This elegant drink is perfect for warm weather or any occasion where sophistication is desired.

Ingredients:

– 2 oz extra dry gin
– 1 oz dry vermouth
– 1/4 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Slice of cucumber (about 1/4 inch thick)
– Ice

Instructions:

1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Pour the gin, vermouth, and lemon juice over the ice.
3. Stir gently for about 30 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
5. Place the cucumber slice into the martini glass, allowing it to float on top of the liquid.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Cooking Time: None (this is a cocktail recipe!)

Dry Martini with a Rosemary Infused Twist

This Rosemary Infused Dry Martini is a refreshing twist on the classic cocktail, perfect for those who appreciate subtle herbal notes. The rosemary infusion adds a fragrant and herbaceous quality to the dry martini, making it a unique and memorable drink.

Ingredients:
– 2 ounces gin
– 1/2 ounce dry vermouth
– 1/4 cup rosemary sprigs (fresh or dried)
– 1 lemon twist (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, combine gin and rosemary sprigs. Let it infuse for at least 30 minutes to allow the herbal flavors to meld with the gin.
2. Strain the infused gin into a mixing glass filled with ice.
3. Add dry vermouth and stir gently to combine.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
5. Garnish with a lemon twist, if desired.

Cooking Time: 30 minutes (infusion time)

Enjoy your Rosemary Infused Dry Martini!

Extra Dry Martini with Stuffed Jalapeño Olives

Elevate your martini game with this Extra Dry recipe featuring Stuffed Jalapeño Olives. The perfect combination of crisp, dry gin and spicy kick from the olives will leave you wanting more.

Ingredients:

– 2 ounces extra dry gin
– 1/2 ounce dry vermouth
– 1/4 teaspoon green olive brine (optional)
– Stuffed Jalapeño Olives (see below for stuffing recipe)

Stuffing Recipe:

– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and chopped
– 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Pour gin and vermouth over the ice.
3. Add green olive brine if desired (about 1/4 teaspoon).
4. Stir for approximately 30 seconds to chill and combine ingredients.
5. Strain into a chilled martini glass.
6. Garnish with Stuffed Jalapeño Olives.

Cooking Time: None! Simply assemble the olives and martinis to serve.

Bone Dry Martini with a Grapefruit Zest

Elevate your cocktail game with this refreshing twist on the classic martini. The subtle bitterness of grapefruit zest perfectly complements the crisp dryness of the gin and vermouth.

Ingredients:

– 2 ounces dry gin
– 1/4 ounce dry vermouth
– Grapefruit zest, for garnish
– Ice

Instructions:

1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Pour the gin and vermouth over the ice.
3. Stir gently for approximately 30 seconds to chill and dilute the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
5. Express a thin strip of grapefruit zest over the drink, allowing it to float on the surface.

Cooking Time: None (cocktail preparation only)

Ultra Dry Martini with a Caper Berry Garnish

A classic cocktail gets a boost from the subtle tartness of caper berries, making this martini a sophisticated and refreshing choice for any occasion.

Ingredients:

– 2 ounces (60 ml) gin
– 1 ounce (30 ml) dry vermouth
– 1/4 teaspoon caper berry juice
– Lemon twist or ice
– Caper berries for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Pour the gin and vermouth over the ice.
3. Add the caper berry juice and stir briefly to combine.
4. Strain into a chilled martini glass.
5. Garnish with a single caper berry, preferably whole.

Cooking Time: None! This is a cocktail recipe, not a culinary dish.

Extra Dry Martini with a Lavender Infusion

Elevate your cocktail game with this unique and refreshing take on the classic martini, infused with the subtle flavor of lavender.

Ingredients:

– 2 oz gin
– 1/2 oz dry vermouth
– 1/4 cup dried lavender buds
– 1 lemon twist or strip (for garnish)
– Ice

Instructions:

1. In a small saucepan, combine gin and vermouth. Heat over low heat until the mixture is warm but not hot.
2. Add dried lavender buds to the mixture and let it infuse for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
3. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a chilled martini glass. Discard the lavender buds.
4. Garnish with a lemon twist or strip.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Dry Martini with a Spicy Pickled Green Bean

Elevate your cocktail hour with a sophisticated twist: a Dry Martini paired with a Spicy Pickled Green Bean.

Dry Martini Recipe

Ingredients:

– 2 oz gin
– 1/2 oz dry vermouth
– Green bean, for garnish
– Lemon twist or pickled green bean, for serving

Instructions:

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the gin and vermouth.
3. Shake until chilled (about 15-20 seconds).
4. Strain into a chilled martini glass.

Spicy Pickled Green Bean

Ingredients:

– 1 cup green beans, trimmed
– 1/2 cup white vinegar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tsp sugar
– 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, combine the green beans, vinegar, water, sugar, and red pepper flakes.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes or until tender.
3. Drain and let cool.

Assembly

1. Serve the Dry Martini with a Spicy Pickled Green Bean as garnish or alongside.

Cooking Time: None (assembly only)

Extra Dry Martini with a Black Pepper Rim

This classic Extra Dry Martini recipe gets a bold twist with the addition of a black pepper rim, adding a surprising depth of flavor to this timeless cocktail.

Ingredients:
– 2 ounces (60 ml) vodka
– 1 ounce (30 ml) dry vermouth
– Green olives for garnish
– Black peppercorns for the rim

Instructions:

1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Pour in the vodka and vermouth, and stir for about 30 seconds to chill and combine.
3. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
4. To create the black pepper rim, rub a lime wedge around the rim of the glass, then dip it into a shallow dish of crushed black peppercorns to coat.
5. Garnish with a green olive.

Cooking Time: None, just mix and serve!

Bone Dry Martini with a Charred Lemon Wheel

This recipe combines the crisp elegance of a bone dry martini with the smoky depth of a charred lemon wheel, creating a sophisticated cocktail experience.

Ingredients:

– 2 ounces gin
– 1 ounce dry vermouth
– Salt for rimming glass
– Fresh lemons (4-6)
– Sugar or simple syrup (optional)

Instructions:

1. Rim a martini glass with salt.
2. Fill a mixing glass with ice. Pour the gin and vermouth over the ice.
3. Stir the mixture for 30 seconds to chill and dilute the liquors.
4. Strain the martini into the prepared glass.
5. Cut a lemon wheel into thin slices. Place a slice on a gas or electric grill, closing the lid to trap heat. Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the lemon develops a charred, caramelized flavor and aroma.
6. Garnish the martini with the charred lemon wheel. Serve immediately.

Cooking Time: None (cocktail preparation only)

Ultra Dry Martini with a Smoked Salt Rim

Elevate your cocktail game with this sophisticated twist on the classic martini. A delicate balance of crisp gin and subtle vermouth, paired with a smoky salt rim that adds depth and complexity to every sip.

Ingredients:

– 2 oz (60 ml) gin
– 1/4 oz (15 ml) dry vermouth
– Smoked salt (for the rim)
– Lemon twist or olive (optional garnish)

Instructions:

1. Rim a chilled martini glass with smoked salt by rubbing a lemon slice around the rim, then dipping it into a shallow dish of smoked salt.
2. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add gin and vermouth.
3. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into the prepared martini glass.
5. Garnish with a lemon twist or olive, if desired.

Cooking Time: None

Extra Dry Martini with a Honeydew Melon Ball

Elevate your cocktail game with this refreshing twist on the classic extra dry martini, featuring a honeydew melon ball garnish. Perfect for warm weather or any occasion where you want to impress.

Ingredients:

– 2 ounces gin
– 1/2 ounce dry vermouth
– 1/4 ounce simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– Honeydew melon ball, for garnish
– Lemon twist, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add gin, vermouth, and simple syrup.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain into a chilled martini glass.
5. Place the honeydew melon ball on top of the martini as garnish.
6. If desired, add a lemon twist around the melon ball for extra flair.

Cooking Time: None! This is a cocktail recipe, not cooking time.

Summary

Elevate your cocktail game with these 19 classic extra dry martini recipes that pack a punch. From traditional pairings to bold twists, each recipe offers a unique spin on the classic. Discover how to combine gin and lemon for a tangy twist, or add a dash of vermouth for added depth. Whether you’re looking to spice things up with jalapeño olives or keep it cool with cucumber ribbons, there’s something for everyone in this list of extra dry martinis that will leave you shaken, not stirred.