The classic martini is one of the most iconic cocktails, featuring gin and vermouth in a chilled cocktail glass garnished with an olive or lemon twist. When crafting the perfect martini, using quality ingredients is key. The base spirit is typically a bold, juniper-forward London dry gin which pairs beautifully with the herbal complexity of dry vermouth. While the exact ratios are adjustable to taste, a classic martini calls for 3-4 parts gin to 1 part dry vermouth. Additional flavor elements like a dash of orange bitters or olive brine from dirty martinis can provide depth. With its sophisticated profile balancing herbaceous, floral and citrus botanicals, the venerable martini cocktail continues to be a timeless classic.
Our Top Picks For 2025
Stirrings All Natural Dirty Martini Cocktail Mixer
Stirrings dirty martini cocktail mixer contains imported olive brine, filtered water, and salt for a premium, natural mixer with zero carbs or calories.
Capture the true essence of a dirty martini with the Stirrings All Natural Dirty Martini Cocktail Mixer. This premium cocktail mixer features just a few simple, natural ingredients to enhance vodka or gin for a smooth, briny, indulgent martini.
Key Features and Benefits:
- Made with real imported olive brine for authentic dirty martini flavor
- No artificial ingredients – contains only olive brine, filtered water and salt
- Zero carbs and zero calories
- Naturally gluten-free
- Kosher certified
- 12 oz bottle yields approx. 12 cocktails
- Complements vodka or gin for a smooth, dirty martini
With just three simple, natural ingredients, Stirrings dirty martini mixer makes it easy to create a top-shelf dirty martini at home. The imported olive brine provides a touch of richness and brininess, while the filtered water and dash of salt balance and round out the flavors. Simply add your choice of vodka or gin and shake over ice for a refined cocktail with a deliciously dirty twist.
Amoretti Premium Martini Cocktail Mix Minis
Amoretti’s martini cocktail mixer minis come in a pack of six 3.4oz bottles crafted with natural fruit flavors for easy, delicious martinis and cocktails.
Enjoy sensational martinis and cocktails with Amoretti Premium Martini Cocktail Mix Minis. These convenient 3.4 oz cocktail mixers pack big flavor into a portable size, making it simple to create bar-quality drinks at home.
Key Features and Benefits:
- Made with real fruit for naturally delicious flavor (separation is natural – shake before using)
- Six 3.4oz bottles provide the perfect amount for sampling different flavors
- Crafted from only the highest quality, all-natural ingredients
- Enhances vodka, gin, tequila, rum, wine, and more
- Handmade by a small business in Southern California
- Includes recipes on the bottle and a mini recipe booklet
With a pack of six mini martini mixers, Amoretti makes it easy to experiment with different flavors and find your perfect martini or cocktail recipe. These convenient mini bottles mean you can enjoy top-notch drinks anytime without having leftovers go to waste. Made by a family-owned business using wholesome, natural ingredients, Amoretti promises taste you can trust.
Collins Cosmopolitan Cocktail Mix
Collins Cosmopolitan Cocktail Mix blends tart cranberry and lime with a hint of sweetness to create the perfect base for a classic Cosmo. Just add vodka and shake over ice.
Enjoy the iconic Cosmopolitan cocktail at home with Collins Cosmopolitan Cocktail Mix. Expertly crafted to balance sweet and tart flavors, this mixer takes the guesswork out of making a bar-quality Cosmo.
Key Features and Benefits:
- Made with real cranberry and lime juice for authentic flavor
- Sweetened with real sugar – no high fructose corn syrup
- Vibrant pink hue resembles classic Cosmo color
- 32 oz bottle yields 8 cocktails
- Just add vodka and shake over ice
- Also great for Cosmo pitchers and party batches
Collins Cosmopolitan Mix allows you to skip the cocktail recipe and focus on enjoying this beloved pink drink. With real fruit juices and natural sweeteners, it captures the essence of a Cosmo without artificial additives. Simply mix it with vodka for a smooth, balanced cocktail that looks and tastes like it came straight from your favorite bar.
Stirrings Lemon Drop Martini Mix
Stirrings Lemon Drop Martini Mix blends sweet and tart flavors with real lemon juice and pure cane sugar for the perfect balance in easy, delicious lemon drop cocktails.
Craft the quintessential lemon drop martini at home with Stirrings Lemon Drop Martini Mixer. Expertly blended with bittersweet lemon juice and sweet pure cane sugar, this mixer balances sweet and sour in one bottle for lemon drop perfection every time.
Key Features and Benefits:
- Real lemon juice provides fresh, bright flavor
- Sweetened with pure cane sugar – no high fructose corn syrup
- Balanced sweet and tart taste
- No artificial preservatives
- Just add your favorite vodka and shake over ice
- 25.4 oz bottle makes approx. 12 cocktails
- From the makers of premium cocktail mixers
With time-honored ingredients and the ideal ratio of sweet to sour, Stirrings takes the guesswork out of lemon drop cocktails. Simply add vodka and shake over ice for a smooth, balanced lemon drop martini or cocktail that rivals your favorite bar drink anytime.
Stirrings Simple Pomegranate Martini Non-Alcoholic Cocktail Mix
Stirrings pomegranate martini mixer contains no alcohol and is made with real juice without preservatives for a flavorful cocktail base or non-alcoholic beverage.
Enjoy the sweet tartness of pomegranate in a beautifully blushed cocktail or mocktail with Stirrings Simple Pomegranate Martini Non-Alcoholic Cocktail Mix. This versatile mixer complements both alcoholic and non-alcoholic recipes with its refreshing flavor and rosy hue.
Key Features and Benefits:
- Real pomegranate and lemon juice – no artificial flavors
- No alcohol – can be enjoyed by all ages
- Long 25.4 oz bottles yield over 10 servings
- Kosher certified
- No preservatives for wholesome, natural taste
- Vibrant red color from fruit and vegetable juices
- Build a cocktail or enjoy as a non-alcoholic drink
With refreshing notes of tart pomegranate balanced by sweet lemon and cranberry, Stirrings pomegranate martini mix makes it easy to craft a gorgeous cocktail or mocktail any time of year. Its vibrant color and real fruit juice flavor are sure to impress guests.
Stirrings Simple Lemon Drop Martini Non-Alcoholic Cocktail Mix
Stirrings non-alcoholic lemon drop martini cocktail mixer contains lemon juice, cane sugar, and natural flavors for an easy, balanced lemon drop taste without the alcohol.
Enjoy the sweet-tart taste of a lemon drop minus the alcohol with Stirrings Simple Lemon Drop Martini Non-Alcoholic Cocktail Mix. This premixed cocktail mixer perfectly balances bittersweet lemon and sweet cane sugar for lemon drop flavor you can feel good about serving anytime.
Key Features and Benefits:
- Real lemon juice and cane sugar provide homemade lemon drop taste
- No alcohol – enjoy the flavor without the effects
- Two 25.4 oz bottles create approx. 16 servings
- Kosher and preservative-free
- Complements vodka or gin for a classic lemon drop martini
- From Stirrings, leaders in all-natural cocktail mixers since 1997
With the bright, balanced flavors of lemon and sugar, Stirrings non-alcoholic lemon drop mix makes it easy to enjoy this cocktail favorite anytime. Mix with the vodka of your choice for a classic lemon drop martini, or sip on its own over ice for refreshing flavor without the kick of alcohol.
Collins Dirty Martini Mix
Collins dirty martini mix is a 32 oz bottle of real olive brine for making classic dirty martinis at home. Just add your preferred gin or vodka. From Collins premium cocktail mixers.
Collins Dirty Martini Mix is an easy way to make delicious dirty martinis at home. This 32 oz bottle contains 100% real olive brine, the bold, briny flavor that sets a dirty martini apart.
- Made with pure olive brine rather than added sweeteners or colors
- Adds authentic dirty martini flavor when mixed with gin or vodka
- Large 32 oz size makes it easy to mix martini pitchers for parties
- Crafted by Collins, known for quality cocktail mixes made with real ingredients
With no added nonsense, just pour the Collins Dirty Martini Mix together with your preferred spirit to achieve the perfect bold and briny flavor in every dirty martini.
Collins Dirty Martini Mix
Collins dirty martini mix is a 12.7 oz bottle of real olive brine for making classic dirty martinis at home. Just add your preferred gin or vodka. From Collins premium cocktail mixers.
Collins Dirty Martini Mix provides easy dirty martini mixing at home. This 12.7 oz bottle is filled with pure olive brine, the salty, briny flavor that defines a dirty martini.
- Made from 100% real olive brine rather than added sweeteners or colors
- Adds authentic dirty martini tang when mixed with gin or vodka
- Convenient size for mixing multiple dirty martinis
- From Collins, known for quality cocktail mixes made with real ingredients
With no nonsense getting in the way of flavor, just pour Collins Dirty Martini Mix together with your preferred spirit to achieve a perfect dirty martini every time.
Stirrings Simple Non-Alcoholic Cocktail Mix
Stirrings non-alcoholic cocktail mix comes in delicious flavors like lemon drop, margarita, and cosmopolitan. Enjoy the taste of your favorite cocktails without the alcohol.
Stirrings Simple Non-Alcoholic Cocktail Mix lets you craft flavorful non-alcoholic drinks at home. This 25.4 oz mixer bottle captures the essence of popular cocktails with no alcohol, just delicious fruity flavor.
- Made with real fruit juice instead of artificial sweeteners or colors
- Kosher and suitable for those avoiding alcohol
- Shelf-stable formula keeps without refrigeration
- From Stirrings, makers of quality cocktail mixes since 1997
Pop open a bottle of Stirrings Simple Non-Alcoholic Cocktail Mix to enjoy sophisticated flavors any time. With real juice adding tangy sweetness, you’ll want to mix up another round.
Stonewall Kitchen Sea Salt Espresso Martini Mixer
Stonewall Kitchen’s espresso martini mixer is a 24 oz bottle of sweetened coffee extract and sea salt for making espresso martinis at home. Just add your preferred liquor. From Stonewall Kitchen’s line of specialty food products.
Stonewall Kitchen’s Sea Salt Espresso Martini Mixer provides an easy way to mix up delicious espresso martinis at home. This 24 oz bottle contains a rich coffee extract sweetened with cane sugar and balanced by a hint of sea salt.
- Sweet, smooth coffee flavor with a touch of salt
- Adds espresso martini flavor when blended with liquor
- Large 24 oz size for mixing martini pitchers
- From Stonewall Kitchen’s line of award-winning specialty foods
With its rich yet balanced coffee-meets-salt flavor, Stonewall Kitchen’s Espresso Martini Mixer makes it simple to achieve a marvelous martini or afternoon pick-me-up anytime.
Martini’s Journey Through Time: A Sip into History
The martini, a timeless cocktail that has captured the hearts and taste buds of generations, has a rich and fascinating history. From its humble beginnings as a simple combination of gin and vermouth to the modern eclectic mixers that adorn today’s cocktail culture, the martini has undergone a remarkable evolution. Join us as we embark on a journey through time, uncovering the stories, legends, and milestones that have shaped this iconic drink.
Uncovering the Origins of the Martini
The exact origin of the martini remains a topic of much debate among cocktail historians and enthusiasts alike. While the true story may never be known, there are several compelling theories and legends surrounding the birth of this classic drink.
The Classic Combination of Gin and Vermouth
At its core, the martini is a simple yet elegant combination of gin and dry vermouth. The earliest known recipe for a martini-like cocktail dates back to the late 19th century, when it was mentioned in the 1888 edition of “The New and Improved Illustrated Bartending Manual” by Harry Johnson. This early version called for equal parts gin and vermouth, a far cry from the dry martinis we know today.
Stories and Legends of the Martini’s Creation
One popular legend attributes the invention of the martini to a bartender named Jerry Thomas at the Occidental Hotel in San Francisco during the Gold Rush era. According to the story, a gold miner requested a special drink in exchange for a gold nugget, and Thomas obliged by mixing gin, vermouth, and bitters, garnishing it with a lemon twist.
The Knickerbocker Hotel’s Traditional Recipe
Another notable milestone in the martini’s history is the Knickerbocker Hotel’s traditional recipe. In the early 20th century, the Knickerbocker Hotel in New York City became known for its signature martini, which featured a 2:1 ratio of gin to vermouth and a dash of orange bitters. This recipe would go on to influence the evolution of the martini and set the standard for the classic dry martini.
Evolution of the Martini Recipe
Over the years, the martini recipe has undergone numerous transformations, adapting to changing tastes and the availability of new ingredients. From the classic gin and vermouth combination to the modern eclectic mixers, the martini has proven to be a versatile and enduring cocktail.
Transition to Modern Eclectic Mixers
As the 20th century progressed, bartenders began experimenting with new ingredients and flavor profiles, leading to the emergence of innovative martini variations. The introduction of vodka as a base spirit in the 1950s and 1960s gave rise to the vodka martini, which quickly gained popularity among drinkers who preferred a milder flavor profile.
In recent decades, the martini has become a canvas for creative mixologists, who have introduced an array of eclectic mixers and garnishes. From fruity concoctions like the apple martini to savory variations like the dirty martini, which incorporates olive brine, the modern martini has embraced a wide range of flavors and ingredients.
Innovative Variations in Today’s Cocktail Culture
Today’s cocktail culture has embraced the martini as a platform for innovation and creativity. Bartenders and mixologists continue to push the boundaries of what defines a martini, incorporating unique ingredients, infusions, and garnishes to create one-of-a-kind sensory experiences.
From the espresso martini, a popular choice for those seeking a caffeine kick, to the chocolate martini, a decadent dessert-inspired cocktail, modern variations have expanded the definition of the martini. These innovative creations showcase the versatility and adaptability of the martini, ensuring its continued relevance in the ever-evolving world of mixology.
Influences of Cultural Shifts on the Martini
The martini’s evolution has been shaped not only by the creativity of bartenders but also by the cultural shifts and societal influences that have impacted the way we drink and socialize.
Insights from Historical Mixologists
Historical mixologists and bartenders have played a crucial role in shaping the martini’s journey through time. One such influential figure was Frank Meier, the head bartender at the Ritz Paris in the 1920s and 1930s. Meier’s expertise and dedication to the craft of mixology helped elevate the martini to new heights, and his recipes and techniques continue to inspire bartenders today.
Another notable mixologist who left his mark on the martini’s history was Dale DeGroff, often referred to as the “King of Cocktails.” DeGroff’s innovative approach to mixology and his dedication to reviving classic cocktails, including the martini, played a significant role in the cocktail renaissance of the late 20th century.
Cultural Impact on Ingredients and Presentation
Cultural shifts have also influenced the ingredients and presentation of the martini over time. During the Prohibition era in the United States, the quality of gin and vermouth often suffered, leading to a preference for drier martinis with less vermouth. This trend continued in the post-Prohibition years, with the rise of the “three-martini lunch” in the 1950s and 1960s, a symbol of business culture and luxury.
In recent years, the craft cocktail movement has placed a renewed emphasis on quality ingredients and thoughtful presentation. Artisanal gins, small-batch vermouths, and hand-crafted garnishes have become the norm in many high-end bars and restaurants, elevating the martini to new heights of sophistication and creativity.
Milestones in the Martini’s Journey
Throughout its history, the martini has experienced several significant milestones that have shaped its evolution and cemented its status as an iconic cocktail.
Anecdotes and Lesser-Known Facts
One lesser-known fact about the martini is its connection to the world of literature. In 1951, author E.B. White wrote a humorous essay titled “The Martini,” in which he waxed poetic about the drink’s virtues and offered his own tongue-in-cheek recipe. This essay helped to solidify the martini’s place in popular culture and showcased its enduring appeal.
Another interesting anecdote involves the famous “shaken, not stirred” line associated with James Bond’s martini preference. While Bond’s martini of choice is actually the Vesper, a variation that includes gin, vodka, and Kina Lillet, the “shaken, not stirred” line has become synonymous with the martini in popular culture.
Significant Moments in Martini History
One of the most significant moments in martini history occurred in 1933, with the repeal of Prohibition in the United States. This event marked a turning point for the cocktail industry, as legal access to quality spirits and ingredients became more readily available, paving the way for a new era of cocktail creativity
