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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    Updated: Sep 6, 2024 · Published: Feb 1, 2023 · by Angela · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    Best Vodka Martini Recipes

    If you want to make the best vodka martini recipes to make at home, try these delicious ideas. Whether it is a quiet evening at home for date night, a small dinner party, or a big event, serve up one or more of these vodka martinis to serve friends and family.

    3 different martinis in glasses with garnishes.

    There is everything from classic martinis to popular new flavors. So whether you want something light & classic, sweet & fruity, or rich & chocolatey, the recipe is on this list. Plus some holiday favorites like a gorgeous layered sweet Candy Corn Martini.

    The recipes for making a good martini at home are divided into categories so you can find the best one for you. Also try some of my favorite Simple Vodka Cocktail ideas for more sip-worthy drinks.

    Jump to:
    • Best Vodka for Martinis
    • Is Vodka Gluten-Free?
    • My Favorite Martinis
    • Fruit-Flavored Vodka Martini Recipes
    • Fun Holiday Vodka Martinis
    • Light & Low-Carb Vodka Martinis
    • Sweet Dessert Vodka Martinis
    • Food Pairings for Martinis

    Best Vodka for Martinis

    When it comes to a classic vodka martini or a dirty martini, using top-shelf vodka is really important. A high-quality vodka will ensure you are sipping the best martini ever. Use your favorite or one of these popular top-shelf brands of vodka that are customer favorites.

    • Absolut
    • Belvedere
    • Chopin
    • Ciroc
    • Crystal Head
    • Grey Goose
    • Hangar 1
    • Humboldt Organic
    • Ketel One
    • Reyka
    • Stolichinaya
    • Tito's

    For martini recipes with a long list of ingredients, the quality of the vodka may not be as important. The other liquors, fruit juices, syrups, & garnishes often are the prominent flavors that come through. For martinis like this, using a lower-cost bottom-shelf but quality vodka is just fine.

    • Deep Eddy
    • Finlandia
    • Kirkland (Costco generic brand)
    • Pinnacle
    • Russian Standard
    • Seagrams
    • Skyy
    • Smirnoff
    4 different martinis of a variety of colors and flavors in glasses.

    Is Vodka Gluten-Free?

    Most brands of vodka are gluten-free. However, not all brands of vodka are. If you want to ensure you are drinking a cocktail with gluten-free vodka, buy one of these brands.

    • Chopin
    • Belvedere
    • Deep Eddy
    • Tito's
    Dirty Vodka Martini in a glass.

    My Favorite Martinis

    All of these recipes are found right here on the blog. My favorite type of liquor in a martini is vodka. Therefore, many of the recipes I create include vodka.

    Creamy Salted Caramel Espresso Martini
    Salted caramel espresso martinis are a perfectly rich, sweet, and creamy vodka cocktail recipe. Like a combination of a Starbucks Caramel Macchiato and a Kahlua White Russian.
    Salted Caramel Espresso Martini
    Salted Caramel Espresso Martini featured on table
    Watermelon Mint Martini
    Refreshing and easy vodka cocktail with fresh watermelon, mint, and lemon juice. This delicious recipe is the ultimate summer martini.
    Watermelon Mint Martini
    Watermelon Mint Martini - The Short Order Cook
    Candy Corn Martini
    Sweet vodka cocktail that looks like just candy corn and is the ideal Halloween adult treat!
    Candy Corn Martini
    Candy Corn Martini two glasses
    Hocus Pocus Cocktail
    For a tasty and spooky Halloween-themed alcoholic drink try a Hocus Pocus Cocktail. This fun drink is sweet, spiced, & finished with dry ice for an eerie touch. This rum punch martini is just perfect to sip while watching your favorite Halloween movies or served at a costume party for the ultimate adult treat.
    Hocus Pocus Cocktail
    Two martini glasses filled with Hocus Pocus cocktails for Halloween.
    Eggnog Vodka Martini
    A festive Christmas cocktail like this eggnog vodka martini is a great way to spread holiday cheer.  For an easy mixed drink that tastes and smells like Christmas, this recipe for a martini with classic egg nog and vodka is a delight.   It is creamy, rich, spiced, and not your traditional eggnog alcoholic drink.
    Eggnog Vodka Martini
    Eggnog Vodka Martini with lights and deer and mini xmas trees

    Fruit-Flavored Vodka Martini Recipes

    If you want something light, summery, colorful, or sweet a fruity cocktail with vodka is just the thing. These easy recipes are the best way to shake up a martini that pairs with your favorite fruit. My watermelon & fresh mint martini shared above is a pretty pink drink for summer or try one of these.

    Cosmopolitan Martini

    The drink that became even more famous thanks to Sex & the City is still sip-worthy. This recipe by one of my favorites, Ina Garten, is amazing. The Barefoot Contessa knows how to throw a party and mix up a mean drink and her cosmos are the best around with that classic cranberry tart flavor and color we all swoon over.

    Dragon Fruit Vodka Martini

    This creamy coconut milk martini is unique, sweet, & a showstopper. If you can find dragonfruit at your store or local Asian market, grab some so you can make this cocktail recipe. The flesh of the dragonfruit is blended up and quite refreshing which pairs beautifully with the burst of lime & the rich coconut milk in this dreamy beverage.

    Kiwi Martini

    This fun green martini is so bright & vibrant thanks to the kiwi fruit. For any kiwi fan, this tart cocktail will be your new favorite. Only 3 ingredients to make this fresh kiwi martini so it couldn't be easier. Plus the gorgeous shade of green makes it fun for parties or St. Patrick's Day.

    Lemon Drop Martini

    This classic citrus cocktail is one of the most popular martinis around. The lemon drop is sweet, tart, & has that irresistible sugar rim. I highly recommend using fresh lemon juice for this one so it really shines through.

    Yellow lemon drop martini in a glass.

    Fun Holiday Vodka Martinis

    Holidays are so much more fun with a yummy vodka martini. Here are some of the best cocktails to mix up for just about any holiday. Above I shared two amazing cocktails already; a sweet layered Candy Corn Martini for Halloween & a Christmas & New Year's favorite, Eggnog Martini with Vodka with caramel.

    Here are more martini recipes to celebrate the following holidays with:

    Love Potion #9 Martini

    This gorgeous bright red martini is perfect to share with your loved ones for Valentine's day. The pomegranate & berry cocktail includes strawberry vodka, black raspberry Chambord, pomegranate juice, and a smoking surprise. The final touch is some dry ice for a touch of magic.

    St. Patrick's Day Martini

    Of course, this fun vodka cocktail is green. The color alone doesn't make it a St. Patrick's holiday favorite, it is the yummy taste. All you need is ice, 2 types of alcohol, & a martini glass. Bring the luck of the Irish to your St. Patrick's day party with this melon martini.

    Buzzed Peeps Martini

    With those classic Easter marshmallows, this vodka martini with peeps is absolutely darling. The sweet and creamy cocktail is perfect for sipping on Easter Sunday. Cherry & whipped cream vodkas are the flavorful stars of this martini. The sweet sprinkle rim makes this a recipe you must see & drink to believe.

    4th of July Martini

    The red, white, & blue layers in this cocktail are lovely for any patriotic holiday in the USA, Great Britain, and other countries. This is easy to shake up & easier to enjoy. Enjoy Independence day, Memorial day, & other holidays with one of these 4th of July vodka martinis in hand.

    Candy Corn Martini ready to drink

    Light & Low-Carb Vodka Martinis

    Enjoying a delicious martini can be low-calorie or low-carb without sacrificing taste. These skinny vodka martini recipes are healthier than other recipes that may be loaded with sugars & calories. Sip without guilt but with all the flavor.

    Skinny Pomegranate Martini

    Pretty, red, & tart is how best to describe this vodka drink. At only 107 calories, this flavorful pomegranate martini has two shots of vodka & 2 kinds of fruit juice. The sparkling mineral water is what I love best about this drink - fizzy & fabulous.

    No Sugar & Low-Calorie Espresso Martini

    Indulge in this dessert martini without the sugar & calories. A simple vodka espresso martini with a sugar-free sweetener is a lovely way to finish any meal, deal, or special occasion. Use decaf if you don't want to be all night but still enjoy this 103-calorie cocktail.

    Dirty Vodka Martini

    This is my favorite cocktail of all time. There is nothing better than a classic dirty vodka martini. This briny crisp drink with olives is always low-calorie, sugar-free, & 100% sip-worthy! I love shaking things up with this recipe by using different olives as the garnish - blue cheese-stuffed olives are a favorite!

    Keto Winter White Martini

    Using keto-friendly Rebel ice cream in this cocktail is brilliant. The creamy texture is exactly what anyone on a keto diet would order. This vodka martini is part milkshake part cocktail but 100% all decadent.

    Two dirty vodka martinis garnished with olives.

    Sweet Dessert Vodka Martinis

    For the finale, we have to include something sweet. These cocktail recipes are the best dessert vodka martinis. Whether you love chocolate, vanilla, or something fruity & sweet, complete your meal or party with one of these recipes.

    Tiramisu Martini

    The flavors of a classic Italian dessert sure make for a delicious vodka martini. Coffee, chocolate, & vanilla are the trifecta of yum that goes into your martini glass when you shake up one of these. The amaretto is what makes this martini irresistible.

    Mississippi Mud Pie Martini

    If you are like me and love mud pie, this divine martini recipe is for you. Decadent chocolate, Rumchata, & vodka come together in a must-have dessert martini. The cookie crumbles on top have pie crust vibes that set it over the top.

    Peanut Butter Cup Martini

    Do I need to say more? Peanut butter and chocolate in a vodka martini recipe. Sold! These two classic flavors in a sippable cocktail - brilliant! Reese's peanut butter fans will love this martini.

    Berries & Cream Frozen Martini

    This creamy cocktail recipe with two kinds of flavored vodka plus ice cream is 100% dessert in a martini glass. This pretty & pink vodka martini is cool, creamy, & sweet. If you love strawberry milkshakes, this dessert cocktail is for you.

    Chocolate martini ready to drink.

    Food Pairings for Martinis

    Here are some great recipes to serve with your favorite vodka martinis. this list includes appetizers, snacks, & desserts. Enjoy one of these recipes that go well with martinis. So have a martini-tasting party with a few of these small-bite recipes & enjoy.

    Two of my favorite recipes include something salty & spicy, Air Fried Shishito Peppers, & something sweet & crunchy, Old-Fashioned Toffee.

    Serve some of these salty & savory snacks & appetizers with martinis.

    • Olives & pickled vegetables
    • Salted nuts
    • Chips, pretzels, & other salty snacks
    • Dips & crackers
    • Charcuterie board with cheese, sliced meats, etc
    • Butter board

    Serve some of these sweets along with a yummy dessert martini.

    • Chocolate-covered candies, fruits, or nuts
    • Ice Cream, gelato, or sorbet
    • Cookies & brownies
    • Custard or Creme Brulee

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    Hi, I'm Angela I’m Angela, a petite mom that loves to cook, eat, drink, & explore all things food. As a former personal chef & caterer, I specialize in family recipes that taste great & are easy to make. I rely on my trusty stool every day to create & test recipes I know you will love.

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