First thing’s first, what is a martini?
A traditional martini contains gin and dry vermouth – extremely cold – garnished with a green olive or twist of lemon. Ratios of gin to vermouth can vary depending on personal taste, though the traditional serving is 1:1.
A dry martini contains more gin and less vermouth, while a dirty martini is supplemented with a dash of olive brine. Vodka martinis are now just as popular as their traditional counterpart; vodka replaces gin – it’s that simple!
Recipes to celebrate National Martini Day with a Twist
We’re all for keeping it classic, but if you feel like mixing things up this National Martini Day, try one of these recipes and sip a little differently.
1. Vesper Martini
Made famous by James Bond, the Vesper Martini is best known for being served ‘shaken, not stirred’. The drink was invented by Bond author, Ian Fleming, and first appears in Casino Royale.
Ingredients
3 parts gin
1 parts vodka
½ parts Lillet Blanc aperitif
Lemon twist to garnish
Method
1. Add all the ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice and shake
2. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass
3. Twist a slice of lemon peel over the drink, rub around the rim of the glass, then drop in
2. French Martini
One of the most popular flavoured martini variants, the French Martini saw a surge in popularity in the fashionable ‘90s. This sweet, creamy delight has all the cool of a traditional offering but caters to a softer taste – the perfect way to ease yourself into the martini club.
Ingredients
2 parts vodka
1 ¾ parts pineapple juice
¼ parts crème de cassis
Method
1. Add all the ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice and shake
2. Fine strain into a chilled cocktail glass
3. Espresso Martini
The perfect post-dinner pick-me-up, the Espresso Martini is a magical mix of vodka and coffee that’s becoming a fast favourite among cocktail drinkers and foodies alike.
Ingredients
2 parts vodka
½ parts simple syrup
½ parts coffee liqueur (often Kahlúa)
1 parts freshly brewed espresso
Method
1. Add all the ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice and shake
2. Fine strain into a chilled cocktail glass
3. Garnish with 3 coffee beans
Hotels in London
If you’d prefer to relax and leave your martini in the hands of a professional, join us at the Sofitel St James this National Martini Day. The newly redesigned St James Bar, is the perfect place to unwind with a cocktail. Or, visit the Novotel London City South after a long day at work, and head up to the newly refurbished Gourmet Bar for a delicious martini.
There are so many ways to celebrate National Martini Day, so whether you’re in London, Paris, or New York, your excuses are limited. Whether you stay home to experiment with flavours, head to a bustling restaurant for something professionally made, or keep it lowkey with a cool-as-anything classic martini in a bar with speakeasy vibes, happy National Martini Day from all of us!
